Tyler Perry reflects on working with longtime pal Oprah Winfrey

Tyler Perry has recently shared his working experience with Oprah Winfrey on his new movie, The Six Triple Eight.

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of the movie last week, Perry told PEOPLE, “They want to know that they're doing a great job and they want to know that the director's happy. Oprah is no different.”

“She wanted to know that she was doing a great job, and she did fantastic,” remarked the 55-year-old.

Perry revealed it was the first time that he directed Winfrey, who is also his longtime friend.

“Bringing her an opportunity that she thought would be something that she would lean into was something that I've been looking for years,” explained the actress.

Perry added, “When we start talking about Mary McLeod Bethune, I'm thinking, ‘Okay, yes, Mary McLeod Bethune it is.’ And for her to do it — and do such a great job — is wonderful.”

Earlier in a 2022 interview with movie critic Elvis Mitchell, Perry addressed his friendship with Winfrey, whom he first met in 2001 when he was a guest on her talk show.

“I remember walking into the studio and there she was in this lavender dress, and she had these shoes that had silver keys on. I'll never forget it,” he recalled.

Perry stated, “To know her personally, to have her as a friend, to have her as a confidant, somebody I can call anytime to talk about anything, has been really a treat in my life and one of the greatest blessings.”

Meanwhile, The Six Triple Eight will premiere on Netflix on December 20.