Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy FamilyAn Interview with Lauren London
By Wilson Morales
April 22, 2011
Coming out this week is Tyler Perry’s latest, ‘Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family,’ which stars Perry in his signature role, Madea, along with Loretta Devine, Bow Wow, David and Tamela Mann, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, Shannon Kane and Isaiah Mustufa.
Madea is back on the scene when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family, but with all of them having issues in their own lives, neither wants to be bothered to come home. Enter Madea to fix the problem.
For London, it’s a return to the big screen since giving birth to a son and enjoying motherhood. The Los Angeles native plays Renee, the girlfriend of Bow Wow’s character who wants him to return to his life of crime so she could enjoy the fruits of his labor.
London will have a recurring role on VH1’s scripted series, ‘Single Ladies,’ opposite Stacey Dash and LisaRaye.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, London spoke about working with Tyler Perry, and being a mom.
What was the attraction to playing a role in a Tyler Perry film?
Lauren London: I think Tyler Perry is one of the biggest people in Hollywood right now. Why wouldn’t I? And I am a fan of Tyler Perry films, as well. And they’re funny characters. And I just had a baby. It wasn’t too heavy. Wasn’t too hard. The timing was right and it was a privilege to do it.
How would you describe your character?
LL: Oh my Gosh, terrible. No. My character has the wrong intentions, with a guy for the wrong reasons. She was money hungry. Just young and immature and her intention and her outlook on life was very narrow.
Totally the opposite of who you are.
LL: Completely. And that’s what I keep explaining to people. This was the first time that I actually just got to play a character. Nothing like myself. I just got to just completely put on a different hat and just play that character.
What did you learn from working with Mr. Perry?
LL: Wow. He was really inspiring to work for because he wears so many hats. Directing, writing, and producing. I learned to- he trusted actors and that was big for me because it allowed us to trust ourselves and really bring a better performance.
How was working with Loretta Devine again?
LL: I love her. I wish I could do every movie with Loretta Devine. We did ‘This Christmas’ and she is so good in my heart.
Was there any particular scene that you enjoyed filming?
LL: There’s a scene where Madea brings everyone together and gives everyone a piece of her mind. And that was one of the most fun things because we were all together in a room and we all got to watch Tyler as Madea.
How motherhood treating you?
LL: It’s going great. It is the biggest blessing I’ve ever had. My son changed me in so many ways. So many great ways. I love what he’s doing to me as I’m forming as a person. My life isn’t about me. It’s about him. My son. And I like that. I love being a mother. I do. I really, really do. It’s the best part I’ve ever had.
Mother’s Day is coming up in a few weeks. Do you have anything planned?
LL: Not really because my baby is so young. And we usually celebrate my mother. So I will be taking my mother out to brunch or whatever she wants to do.
You’ve a recurring role in the VH1 series ‘Single Ladies.’ Can you talk about your character?
LL: Yeah. I have that coming up on May 30th that comes up. So check that out. My character, she’s much different than Renee. She’s been, I don’t want to say spoiled it, but she’s been through a lot in her life. She’s engaged to this basketball player that used to date Stacey Dash’s character. She’s just young and a little naïve and just more figuring it out, too. But she means well. She’s a good person. Her name is Shelly. Really sweet.
Besides your son is there anything else that’s going to keep you grounded?
LL: My faith. You have to understand that this is what I do, this is not who I am. So I’ve been blessed to do what I love and blessed to make a living out of it but when I’m eighty two years old there’s going to be other things that my journey’s going to tell. So, yeah, I’m just enjoying the ride.
What’s a good reason to see ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’?
LL: Because it’s a holiday weekend and what better to go and find entertainment and laugh and be touched with all your family. A lot of people after you eat and go to church, what are you going to do? Go to the movies.
