Actress and filmmaker Terri J. Vaughn is finally living the dream she’s been working toward for two decades — and she credits Tyler Perry for helping her get there.
In a heartfelt and emotional interview on the Lip Service Podcast, the Steve Harvey Show alum opened up about the life-changing opportunity she recently received, which included her “Executive Producer” credit, a “created by” label, and — as she joyfully put it — a “nice check.”
“Tyler has given me my dream… He’s given me my dream. This has been 20 years in the making,” Vaughn said, holding back tears. “It’s my dream. I have everything I want. My executive producer credit, created by — and I got a nice check.”
But for Vaughn, the win goes beyond financial success or industry accolades. The actress opened up about how the opportunity has positively impacted her entire family — particularly her son.
Vaughn’s comments follow the release of a new Netflix’s She the People, created by Tyler Perry. The 16-episode series will be released in two parts. The first already dropped on May 22, with the second half to follow on Aug. 14.
Terri J. Vaughn stars as Antoinette Dunkerson, Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor, who must juggle a sexist boss and her overbearing family.
Dreams Being Made and Pouring Into My Family
Vaughn shared that her son, a recent graduate of the Atlanta School of Audio and Engineering, was also given a professional boost thanks to the opportunity:
“When we were having meetings, they were talking about how they were looking for more young people at the studio. I was like, ‘Well, do y’all need people in your post department? My son just graduated.’ They were like, ‘Yeah, bring him in.’”
Her son was offered an internship and later hired full-time — a testament to what Vaughn called the deeper value of her current success.
“This is what I mean. It’s so much bigger than just the show. And even so much bigger than just the paycheck. It’s like dreams being made and pouring into my family,” she was candid.
A Dream 20 Years in the Making
For Vaughn, known for her powerful performances in film and television, the road to creative ownership and industry respect has been long. But with her new role as creator and executive producer, she’s now in a position to shape stories, guide careers, and pay it forward.
“You deserve a groove every day. And I’m drinking champagne every day,” she added with a laugh.
Vaughn’s comments suggest she is now deeply embedded in the Tyler Perry Studios ecosystem — a platform known for providing opportunities to Black creatives both on and off screen.
