Oprah Winfrey may be a media mogul and cultural icon, but according to director Tyler Perry, she’s just as eager for feedback as any other actor. Reflecting on their collaboration in The Six Triple Eight, Perry shared insights into Winfrey’s approach to her role and her dedication to delivering a powerful performance.
At the Los Angeles premiere of the film on December 3, Perry noted that Winfrey, despite her legendary status, sought his approval during filming. “She’s like every actor,” Perry said. “They want to know they’re doing a great job, and she’s no different. She wanted to know that she was doing a great job, and she did fantastic.”
The Six Triple Eight tells the remarkable true story of the only all-Black Women’s Army Corps battalion to serve in Europe during World War II. The 855 women, led by Major Charity Adams (played by Kerry Washington), were tasked with sorting through 17 million undelivered letters to boost soldier morale with the motto “No mail, low morale.”
Winfrey portrays Mary McLeod Bethune, the esteemed educator and civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in convincing President Franklin D. Roosevelt to deploy the battalion. Bethune’s friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (played by Susan Sarandon) was instrumental in securing the mission’s approval.
While Perry and Winfrey have worked together on various projects through her OWN network, this marks the first time Perry has directed his longtime friend. He described their collaboration as a long-anticipated moment, saying, “I’ve been searching for a project that she would lean into for years. When we started talking about Mary McLeod Bethune, I knew this was it. She brought such depth to the role.”
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Perry and Winfrey’s friendship dates back to 2001 when he appeared on her talk show. Perry recalled the moment he first met her: “She was in this lavender dress with silver keys on her shoes. I felt like I already knew her.” Over the years, their professional relationship evolved into a close personal bond.
“Everything you see on television is who she is,” Perry said. “To know her personally and have her as a friend and confidant is one of the greatest blessings of my life.”
Winfrey’s portrayal of Bethune in The Six Triple Eight underscores her ability to step into complex roles with authenticity and grace. Perry’s admiration for her performance reflects the film’s broader mission to shine a light on the untold stories of Black women who shaped history.
As Perry put it, “To see Oprah bring Mary McLeod Bethune to life — and do such an incredible job — is a testament to her talent and dedication.”
