Best known for her role in the Tyler Perry films, Mabel “Madea” Simmons is a southern grandmother with lots of attitude. Madea, who is played by actor Tyler Perry, is based on Perry’s aunt and his mother, Willie Maxine Perry (1945-2009). The character first appeared in Perry’s 2000 play, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Standing at 6’5”, Tyler Perry plays the role of Madea himself, which gives the character a very domineering appearance. Her distinctive look can easily be achieved, and is a great costume for men and women. Everything for the costume can be purchased at thrift stores and novelty shops, and the costume is easily assembled, making I ideal for last minute events. Read on to learn [[how to make a Madea costume.

• Since Madea is known for carrying a handgun in her purse, add to the authenticity of your costume by carrying a small toy pistol. Be sure that it is clearly recognized as a toy, and that fake weapons are allowed at the event you will be attending.

• For a good laugh, arrange to act out a scene from your favorite Madea film with another person

Mabel Simmons, better known as Madea, is the outspoken grandmother figure from a series of Tyler Perry movies and theater productions. Her signature look and classic one-liners make this character a hit at any event. The costume is simple and inexpensive to put together. Most of the materials can be purchased at thrift and craft stores, and minimal sewing is needed to put everything together.

• 3 pairs of pantyhose. 1 pair will be worn, and should be your size
• Polyester stuffing
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Marker/ pen
• Grey wig
• Bobby pins
• “Granny” style dress/ moo-moo
• Black leather/synthetic leather purse
• Black women’s flat dress shoes or loafers
• Clear-lens oversized eyeglasses
• Dark eyeshadow (blue or gray)
• Dark Red/ Burgundy lipstick

Optional:

• Medium sized clip on earrings
• Short string of fake pearls

Madea is noted for being a large, well-endowed woman. Your size and shape will be the key to your looking like her. Chest and buttocks pieces can be purchased at many costume shops, but for a more realistic “Madea” look, you can assemble two separate pieces that will be worn under you costume.

The Chest The chest is easy to assemble, and comfortable to wear. This piece will be draped around your neck and worn under the dress

1. Take 1 pair of pantyhose
2. Stuff the end of the pantyhose leg with the polyester stuffing
3. Continue stuffing the pantyhose, adding more toward the bottom and less as you move up the leg.
4. Once you have filled the leg approximately 8-10 inches, tie off the upper end to keep the stuffing in place.
5. Repeat on the opposite leg.

The Buttocks The buttocks will be worn underneath the pantyhose. The size of the piece will depend on what you are comfortable wearing.

1. Take 1 pair of pantyhose and spread them out on the floor.
2. Mark the pantyhose with your marker/pen approximately 2 inches down the leg
3. Thread the needle
4. Stitch along your marking and across the leg of the pantyhose.
5. Trim off the remaining portion of the pantyhose
6. Stuff the seat of the pantyhose, shaping the pantyhose to resemble a large buttocks as you go.
7. Once you have stuffed the pantyhose to a good size, stitch the two sides of the waistband together.
8. After sewing the seam, continue shaping the piece.

Madea dons a gray classic short cut (chin length), with loose curls. Her hair is typically worn parted with a sweep toward the right. This look can be achieved by either purchasing a short gray wig, or by cutting a longer gray wig.

Styling a Short Gray Wig: If the wig comes curled, loosen the curls by running your fingers through the hair. Apply hairspray to hold the style in place. If the wig comes straight, use hair rollers to add a nice curl to the style, and spray with hairspray to hold it in place before removing the rollers. Once you have removed the roller, gently run your fingers through the hair to loosen the curls. Spray the wig with hairspray again. Be aware if you decide to use a heated curling iron to add a curl to the wig, as synthetic hair can easily burn.

Styling a Long Gray Wig:

1. Position the wig on your head comfortably
2. Cut a small portion of the hair slightly below chin length.
3. Continue trimming around your head until you have achieved the desired length.
4. Remove the wig.
5. Add curls to the wig by applying hair rollers.
6. Spray the wig with hairspray to hold the style in place.
7. After the hairspray has dried, remove the rollers.
8. Gently run your fingers through the hair to loosen the curls.
9. Spray the wig with hairspray again.

1. Drape the fake chest over your neck, and adjust it so that the chest rests properly.
2. Put on the remaining pair of pantyhose.
3. Position the fake buttocks in the seat of the pantyhose.
4. Put on the dress/ moo-moo.
5. Lightly apply the eyeshadow and lipstick.
6. Put on the wig, pinning it into place with bobby pins if necessary.
7. Put on the black loafers
8. Finish the look with the oversized eyeglasses and black purse.

Madea is known for having a distinctive accent, and being sassy, short tempered, and confrontational. Using some of her more well-known lines will add to the believability of your costume. Watch a few Madea clips to pick up on her southern dialect and one-liners. Below are a few lines from Madea films:

"[Balls up her fist] I'll be waiting for you at three o'clock!"

"You know I only go to church for two reasons, weddings and funerals, which one we gonna have today?"

"Girl, I will set it off up in here. She don't know me. You better be glad you at church. Jesus just saved your life, Hallelu-yer!"

"I ain't scared a no po po. Call da po po hoe... Call da po po hoe."

"Wi-yah hangah! (wire hanger)"

"Well when you gettin' "got" and somebody done "got" you and you go "get" them, when you get 'em everybody's gon' get got."

"I oughta punch chur in da face"