Cicely Tyson, the beloved actress who passed away in January 2021 at the age of 96, shared a deep friendship with Tyler Perry, now 52. They not only had a close bond but also worked together on several projects that highlighted Tyson's incredible talent.

Tyler Perry once described Cicely as "the grandmother I never had." Their friendship began in 2005 on the set of Perry's romantic comedy, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and from there, they formed a special connection.

After her passing, Perry opened up about why he chose to pay Tyson a remarkable amount for just one day of work on his 2007 film, Why Did I Get Married?.

He shared, "I’ve never said this publicly, but I took care of Ms. Tyson for the last 15 years of her life." He admired her pride and talent and wanted to ensure she felt valued. He noted that despite her significant contributions to film and theater, she was often underpaid, having earned just $6,000 for her role in Sounder.

To show his appreciation, Perry paid her a stunning $1 million for her work on Why Did I Get Married? He expressed how much he loved collaborating with her and felt grateful to provide her with some security in her later years.

When Tyson passed away, Perry shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, recalling how he felt compelled to watch Miss Jane Pittman just before he received the news of her death. He wrote, "This one brought me to my knees! She was the grandmother I never had and the wisdom tree that I could always sit under."

Perry reflected on their time together, saying, "My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next." He cherished the moments they shared, from their long conversations to her warm laughter. He remembered how she would respond to his greetings with, "I’m still here. He must have something he wants me to do." Perry concluded that Tyson had fulfilled her purpose in life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

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(via Tyler Perry Instagram , Oscars YouTube)