Tyler Perry can thank his latest film “Alex Cross” for his recent weight loss and boost in self confidence. The multi-hyphenate filmmaker, actor, producer, director, etc. lost at least 30lbs to take on the role as Detective Alex Cross in the new James Patterson film that hits theaters on Friday. Now Perry insists he no longer slouches when he enters a room, thanks to his weight loss.
“I walk into a room with a lot more confidence. All my life I’ve tried to hide my height. I was taller than everybody else and stood out, so I would slouch and try to hide it. But with what I’ve been able to do with my body, I’m owning it. I’m standing up when I walk into a room.”
How did the 43-year old drop the weight? Good old fashion exercise and diet. Perry replaced pork chops and dirty rice for grilled chicken breasts and ground turkey chili. His exercise routine included, cardio, body-weight moves, and free-weight, cable work and Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art.
“Now, I feel like it’s okay to be thought of as sexy,” the slimmed-down star says.
Critics believe this role can also boost Perry’s stock as a serious actor who’s known primarily for his loud mouth character, Madea. The actor insisted to the film’s director Patterson that he would take on the part only if he could nail it.
“I told James Patterson very early on that if I thought that I couldn’t do it, I would have turned down the role when it was offered to me. I didn’t want to let him down, the Alex Cross fans down, or let you down. Now, with all that said, I just want you to go to the movies and see for yourself.”
What do you think of Tyler Perry’s new look?
