Stars of Tyler Perry's latest flick, 'I Can Do Bad All By Myself,' caught up with ET at the film's premiere.

Gladys Knight praises Perry, saying, "When he's working, he is serious about his work. But he keeps you relaxed enough and laughing enough to be relaxed and do what you gotta do, but he drives you till you get that character." She continues, "He took Gladys Knight out of the picture and made me Wilma."

Perry was able to sign an all-star lineup of talent to his cast. When offered the role, Mary J. Blige tells ET she committed right away and believes the part was written for her. Her background being in singing, she did find acting to be a challenge, so she sought the help of an acting coach. She says, "It's complicated to just paint a blank canvas, make this person come to life, but I found who Tonya was…"

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC