Tyler Perry Says This Is the Secret to Keeping Long-Lasting Friendships with Pals Like Kerry Washington (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Tyler Perryknows Hollywood is a tough industry — and maintaining deep, meaningful relationships can be even tougher.

“This business is so short-sighted, and it’s so selfish. So if you want a long-lasting friendship in this business, lean in to the person,” he shares with palKerry Washingtonand PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.

“Really listen, really check in. Because we’re so good at, ‘Oh, we’re fine,’ because we perform. We know how to fool the world that everything’s okay. Because when I say, ‘How are you?’, I really want [to know],” continues Perry, 55, who countsOprah Winfreyamong his friends.

Washington, 47, agrees. “I know, you’re one of those people where when you ask me, I have no choice but to tell the truth. Because you’ll ask me again,” says the Emmy winner.

‘The Six Triple Eight’ producer Nicole Avant, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Kerry Washington on Dec. 3.Presley Ann/Getty

Presley Ann/Getty

“Again and again,” adds Perry. “Because of what I feel when I’m looking into your eyes, I want to look past the mask that we show the world. And look in and go, ‘Okay, are you really okay?’”

Keeping secrets is also key, he says. “Hold people’s confidence. Hold their confidence. Hold it so sacredly so that when they tell you something, they know it’s a safe place. Because a lot of us don’t have that in this business.”

“Where we can be honest and be truthful and not be sold out. All of those are really, really important to have a long-lasting friendship in this business,” he adds.

Perry, who directed Washington (and Winfrey) in Netflix’s new historical dramaThe Six Triple Eightalso opened up about first meeting his friend while they worked on the 2010 movieFor Colored Girls.

“The beauty in working with you on that film was just having the opportunity to actually see you. Not just work with you, but see you. I’m like, ‘Oh no, this is a beautiful soul,” Perry tells Washington.

Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington and the cast of ‘The Six Triple Eight.'.Laura Radford / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

Laura Radford / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

The pair kept in touch, and Washington leaned on Perry for wisdom as her profile rose thanks to theABC seriesScandal.

The Six Triple Eightis now streaming on Netflix.

For more on Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington andThe Six Triple Eight, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE.

source: people.com