Hollywood star Regina King was seen most recently in the film Shirley, a biopic on the trailblazing Black congresswoman Shirley Chisholm which hit theaters on March 15th, 2024. The release of the film and the promotions leading up to it resulted in the Oscar winner talking about the very painful death of her son Ian Alexander, who died 2 years ago due to suicide.
Addressing the tragedy extensively for the first time in March, King spoke about the emotional turmoil that her son went through in the final days leading up to his death. She was also candid in her thoughts on mental health and depression that took a toll on so many people all over the world, and her own healing journey two years after the unfortunate incident.
Regina King On Surviving Her Son’s Tragic Suicide
Oscar-winner Regina King faced one of the worst tragedies in her life two years ago when her son Ian Alexander died by suicide after a challenging period of mental health issues. The only son of King and ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr, the 26-year-old was a rising DJ in the field of music.
While the Poetic Justice actor made a brief public statement at the time of her son’s death, it is only now that she is opening up in detail to talk about the incredibly difficult journey that he faced leading up to his suicide. During the promotion of her latest film Shirley, King spoke to Good Morning America about the extensive therapy sessions and programs that Alexander went through to combat depression. But it turned out to be in vain.
“I was so angry with God. Why would that weight be given to Ian? Of all of the things that we had gone through with the therapy, with psychiatrists and programs — and Ian was like, ‘I’m tired of talking, Mom.’”
The Jerry Maguire actor also spoke about her grieving journey as a mother and her effort to come to terms with her son’s extreme decision. She believed that people who have not gone through these traumatic experiences will never be able to understand the struggles of living after such an incident.
Having said that, the celebrity revealed that she was in the process of healing and accepting her son’s decision to not want to be in the world anymore. She believed that grief also stemmed out of love, and she wanted to hang on to that positive emotion. In another appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, King shared a touching moment with the host who enquired about her well-being.
How Regina King Is Paying Tribute To Her Son Through Shirley
Regina King is playing another powerful woman in her latest film Shirley, a biographical drama that follows the 1972 presidential run of Shirley Chisholm, who pioneered a revolution by being the first Black woman to be elected to Congress. While the story is an inspiring one, it holds a deeper significance for King following her only son Ian Alexander’s death in January 2022.
The Watchmen star spoke to Rolling Stone and revealed that Shirley was the first film she had taken on after her son’s unfortunate demise. In addition to playing an inspirational character, King was also driven by Alexander’s memory and her words of advice to him regarding any issue in life.
“Shirley is the only thing that I’ve acted in [since]. I had to finish it because I always told Ian, ‘Finish what you start.’ And because Ian was so much … because he is an integral part of Shirley even happening. He’s been by my side through it all.”
With the Oscar winner known for her powerful portrayals on screen, Shirley looks to be another feather in the cap for King, and an emotional one for her as well.
Shirley is currently streaming on Netflix.
