Ashford and Simpson, Lou Gossett Jr.and Colette Phillips on The Red Carpet at The Opening Gala of Tyler Perry's new Motion Picture & Television Studio on October 4, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images North America)

Mr. Gossett and publicist Colette Phillips helped friend and film-maker Tyler Perry celebrate a historical and momentous event - the opening of his new movie and TV studio complex in Atlanta, Georgia.  Its opening marks the first state of the art Black owned movie studio in the United States.

Perry says he will film House of Payne at the facility as well as his other ongoing TV show, Meet The Browns.  With a string of cinema successes to his credit, Perry has stated that he will also use the complex for his film projects.

The event was star studded with guests such as Oprah, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee; Cecily Tyson, Danny Glover; Will Smith, Patti La Belle, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Andrew Young, Hank Aaron, and a host of other celebrities.  R&B singer Mary J Blige performed at the event.

The weekend celebration culminated with a Gospel brunch at Perry’s home, a property which is rich in its own history.  The home was once owned by a southern segregationist who sued to revoke the sale of the property once he found out that it had been purchased by a Black man.

Congratulations Tyler!