To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. She began to be recognized by a mainstream audience after her role as Cuba Gooding Jr.'s character's wife in Jerry Maguire (1996). Shes just a super mom, hetold E! The son of actor and director Regina King, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to NBC News Saturday. Regina King and her son, Ian Alexander Jr., in Los Angeles in 2019. Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! ", He signed the sweet post: "Love you mom! Regina and her son would sometimes walk the red carpet together for events and it was apparent how proud she was of him. Regina King is grieving the death of her son Ian Alexander, Jr. . "Maaaan ListenI got this jam on repeat!" Allegedly Exploited Womans Altered State. So, that is the greatest part about me. Reach her at sophie.reardon@viacomcbs.com, First published on January 22, 2022 / 11:58 AM. 2023 Cable News Network. I love you ," Niecy Nash-Betts commented. Heartbreaking last photos show Alexander Jr raising a toast during a party. "We were taking Kabbalah classes," King said of the ink on The View in 2017. Hear why. News. Ian is the son of Ian Alexander Sr., who married Regina in 1997. To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for, Ian wrote. Kardashian fans think Kourtney secretly celebrated her bridal shower as sisters drop 'hints' on Instagram, Kanye West 'rants incoherently' about bipolar meds in 'disturbing' scene on Netflix doc as he demands final edit of film, Heath Ledger's lookalike daughter Matilda, 16, 'wants to go to Australia to meet his family' - 14 years after his death, Pregnant Kylie Jenner wears just a pink bra in rare makeup-free photo before star gives birth to second baby. In an Instagram post just days before taking his own life, Ian predicted that his music career was about to take off. But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. Regina King's only son has tragically died. Last year, Alexander Jr. posted a tribute to his mother on her birthday, writing, "To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media. His 26th birthday was Wednesday. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level. He was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. Many hearts are heavy right now as people think of actress Regina King and her family following the loss of her son, Ian Alexander Jr. News of the 26-year-old's passing came from King early . He had just recently released a song called "Green Eyes," which King posted about on her Instagram last week. Regina King has confirmed the death of her son, Ian Alexander Jr. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. ", RIP to Ian Alexander Jr and prayers to Regina King!! If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night. To have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for, he wrote in an Instagram post. A Warner Bros. Regina King has also been rumored to have dated Nicholas Gonzalez and Curtis Baldwin in the past, but neither of these relationships were ever confirmed. So, that is the greatest part about me. Regina King hostedSaturday Night Liveon Saturday, February 13, 2021 with Nathaniel Rateliff as the musical guest. She needs all the grace and light that can flow her way right now., Praying for Regina King. ", He continued, "But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. ", Marc Lamont Hill wrote, "Sending all of my love and condolences to Regina King. According to the DA's. Its been a minute but now we back at the jump off. The post featured photos of Ian surrounded cigarettes with them in his hands, his mouth, and thrown in the air. Regina King Makes Her First Public Appearance Since Her Son's Passing . For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable. The statement read: "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. He is based in New York City and his favorite film is Pretty Woman.. On Twitter, famous friends and fans of Regina King vocalized support in the wake of her tragic loss. Actors Regina King and Michael Madsen both tragically lost their sons under shocking circumstances, within days of one another. "You don't know what unconditional love is. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. Days before his death, Ian, 26, posted to Instagram about an upcoming event at Bardot this month. When Regina turned 50 in 2021, Ian posted this on Instagram "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry and gangsta. He was Kings only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. Kings son paid tribute to his mom on her birthday last year. God please watch over them, wrote Kid Cudi. When Regina King brought her son, Ian Alexander Jr., as her date to the 2019 Golden Globes, it wasn't the first time he tagged along with his mom to a big event.The 22-year-old, whom Regina had . He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others, King said in a statement provided by her representative. We are all in different places on the planetso is Ian. "January 19th is Ian's Worthday. On the Spotify for Desdun, the name Ian Alexander Jr performed under, the young artist was described as a Renaissance man of our time, he sings, produces, acts, paints and even is a celebrity chef., Desdun grew up in a musical household and grew to have a deep appreciation for all aspects of music including DJing, production and recording., Suicide prevention resources: You're Not Alone. Thank you.". News, and they share one son, Ian Jr. She doesn't really let bad workdays or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. Ians final post filled with messages of love, mourning. Before his tragic passing, Ian Alexander Jr would often accompany his famous mom to red carpet events. "To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. Love you mom! ", In honor of his mom's 50th birthday last year, Ian paid tribute to the multi-hyphenate on Instagram, writing: "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! It affects all genders, races and ages. ", Yes! The 26-year-old was a buddingDJ/producer. Ian was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. You dont know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you dont have a child, you dont know what that is. Alexander was the only son of King and her ex-husband Ian Alexander. In 2011, a few years after separating from Ians father, Regina toldEssence: I get emotional because my son is an amazing young man, and it took me to be a mother for me to realize how incredible of a woman she (my mother) is. King on Instagram Thursday shared video of a lantern glowing in the sky on what would. 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In one of his last Instagram posts, Alexander Jr told fans my health is in your hands. From 2011 until 2013, Regina was romantically linked to Malcolm-Jamal Warner. King previously told PEOPLE that he was "an amazing young man.". Editors Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor or visit the Lifeline site. ", Ian once said of Regina, "She's just a super mom. Please enter valid email address to continue. "He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Actor and director Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to CNN. His spirit is the thread that connects us.". He was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. Instagram video She shared: We were taking Kabbalah classes. In 2021, Ian Alexander Jr wrote a birthday post on Instagram celebrating mom Regina Kings 50th. Help is there if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters. Reese Witherspoon also left a supportive message beneath the post, writing, "Always remembering Ian and his bright spiritI love you.". REGINA King's son Ian Alexander Jr's final tweets revealed his mental health fears - days before he took his own life. Regina King's Son Ian Alluded to Social Media Not Being 'Healthy' for Him Before His Death King confirmed to PEOPLE last week that her son Ian had died at 26 By Alexia Fernndez Published. "He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others." By Associated Press Jan 22, 2022, 12:30pm PDT Leanne Italie 0:56. Regina and Ian were married from 1997 until 2007. [3] In 2019, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Who is the most streamed artist on Spotify? At the time of her son's death, King released the following statement: "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. More than 6,000 British military personnel will take part in the coronation of King Charles III, the U.K. forces' biggest ceremonial deployment in seven decades, the government said Sunday. He performed as Desdun, according to his Instagram page. Regina King 's son Ian Alexander Jr. has died by suicide, PEOPLE confirms. His mother, 51, has won critical acclaim in Hollywood, winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and four Primetime Emmy Awards. In the final photographs of King with her son, she was pictured with Ian and a man named Brandon, whom she called her bonus son, in a virtual appearance on Cooper and Cohens New Years Eve show. King spoke about the deep love she had for her son in a 2011 interview with CNN. More:Lisa Marie Presley, Grant Wahl, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss and the trauma of a sudden death. Ian has often also accompanied his mom on red carpets, including in 2019 when he called her "super mom" while at the Golden Globes. Link Copied! He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Regina Rene King (born January 15, 1971) [2] is an American actress and director. You may say you do, but if you dont have a child, you dont know what that is. Regina King is breaking her social media silence, a year after her son's tragic death. Throughout her career, King has been feted with many accolades including an Oscar and Golden Globefor "If Beale Street Could Talk," and several Emmys for "Watchmen," "American Crime" and "Seven Seconds. January 19th is Ians Worthday, she captioned the video. May you be find light & peace, wrote another. So, that is the greatest part about me. Continue to shine bright, my guiding light, King wrote. I love you, cheers. The Oscar-winning actress, 51, confirmed her only child's death in a statement on Friday in which she branded Ian a "bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others.". She went on to earn aGolden Globenomination for Best Director in 2020, with her debut film, One Night in Miami. Ian Alexander Jr. is the only son of Academy Award-winning actress Regina King and her ex-husband . Ian Alexander Jr. was often by his mom's side on red carpets for awards shows. The post stated: Green Eyes out Friday. King, 52, said her father, the late Thomas King Jr., never. Regina King and her family will need the biggest hugs at some point, tweeted Pam Grier. Regina King's 26-year-old son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died, a spokesperson for the actor confirmed Saturday morning. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," a family . As for tributes they are cascading in "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Garcelle Beauvais said, "My heart breaks for you @ReginaKing Ian was sweet & kind. Of course orange is your favorite colorIts the fire and the calm. Alexander Jr died by suicide just three days after turning 26, a representative for King confirmed on Saturday. Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, TODAY has confirmed. Ian Alexander Jr, the only child of the Oscar-winning actor and director Regina King, has died. Ian Alexander Jr. and Regina King in November 2019. International Association for Suicide Prevention. "From my vantage point as a girl, my grandfather was definitely in (my father's) life because I knew my grandfather. The comment section on Ian Alexander Jrs final Instagram post, where he promoted an upcoming show, is filled with messages of mourning and love. Suffered Ankle Injury Before Coachella 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. Regina King took Ian as date to the Emmys. Ian Alexander Jr. took his own life Wednesday, according to law enforcement, the day he turned 26. For more on Regina King's son Ian Alexander Jr., listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day. The actress, 51, has captured four Emmy awards and an Oscar, which she nabbed for her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. After separating from Ian's father in 2007 after nine years of marriage, King admitted being a single parent wasn't always easy, but that nothing is stronger than her love for her son. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. The Emmy-winning actress often spoke of her close bond with her son, revealing on The View in 2017 that the pair got matching tattoos. King, an actress and director, confirmed Alexander Jr's death in a statement last week. She began her career in the television show 227 (1985), followed by a role in Boyz n the Hood (1991). A post shared by Regina King (@iamreginaking). Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. CNN Regina King has paid tribute to her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., nearly one year after his death. 2. "She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. My heart goes out to her.. Alexander Jr. was a DJ who went by desdun. It's really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with.". Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time.". The only child of the Oscar-winning actor, she. He was King's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. A million streams and Ill quit smoking. My heart hurts for Regina King and her family. "Continue to shine bright, my guiding light," King concluded her tribute. The son of the actor died on Friday, Jan. 21, two days after his 26th birthday. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Several celebs have rallied around the actor in her time of grief, including Rosanna Arquette, Kid Cudi and Pam Grier. In honor of her 50th birthday in 2021, Ian paid homage to his mom by dedicating an Instagram post to her. Its really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with.. The statement, which was shared with multiple news outlets, read: Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. In the interview, King said: Twenty years, were all together, this whole family of people are together because of these two [Ian and Brandon] and their lives together that brought us together. Ian died at age 26. "Of course orange is your favorite colorIt's the fire and the calm," she continued. In 2017, she revealed that the pair got matching tattoos. Sending you more, adding a heart emoji. To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. The award-winning actress asked for privacy in the hours after news broke that her son had tragically died. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. "We are all in different places on the planetso is Ian. As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. In 2011, the award-winning actress spoke of her unconditional love for her son. Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. She also directed the 2020 film "One Night in Miami" She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, four Primetime Emmy Awards and two NAACP Image Awards over the course of her more than 30-year career. So pullup this month!! Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. "That mama bear thing where I'll do anything for my child, I'm one of those moms," King said at the time. 4 Ian Alexander Jr died days after his 26th birthday Credit: Instagram/desdunemjv 4 SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018. The actress and director posted a lovingtribute Thursday toher son, Ian Alexander Jr., who died a year ago at age 26by suicide. News, he said: She doesnt really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. performing live at Bardot on the 28th for@breakingsoundlaSave a buck and buy tickets in advance at the link in my bio.. Praying for Gods comfort and peace., While another commented: Just to watch the love your mom has for you is emotional. King explained why she and Ian got matching tattoos. "His spirit is the thread that connects us. She toldEssenceat the time: I get emotional because my son is an amazing young man, and it took me to be a mother for me to realize how incredible of a woman she [her mother] is. King's post garnered support from a number of celebrities, including Octavia Spencer, Sarah Paulson, Justin Theroux, Ava DuVernay, Tracee Ellis Ross and more. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. He said, 'lets choose three [designs] each and not tell each other which ones they are and whichever one is matching, thats the one were going to get tattooed and we both chose unconditional love.. Aside from acting, Regina King has also directed several episodes of various television shows, including Scandal andThis Is Us. "He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. / CBS News. He was King's only child . Regina King is breaking her social media silence, ayear after her son's tragic death. Despite her growing success as an actor and director, King said at the time that Ian was her biggest source of pride. His 26th birthday was Wednesday. Regina King dedicates 1st Oscar win to James Baldwin By Carson Blackwelder Regina King marked her son Ian Alexander Jr.'s "worthday" -- the day he would have celebrated his 27th birthday -- in an emotional tribute on Thursday. "She's just a super mom," he told E! appreciated. Born just four days after her own birthday, the mother and son . King on Instagram Thursday shared video of a lantern glowing in the sky on what would have been Alexanders 27th birthday. This came as a surprise to King. Thank you.. Discovery Company. Alexandershared King withex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. "January 19th is Ian's Worthday," King, 52, wrote, referencing what would have been her son . Thank you.". During a 2019 Golden Globes appearance, he branded the actress a super mom.. As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence," King, 52, wrote in the caption of an The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. 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Getty Images for dcp. pic.twitter.com/kumP7kwm0J, Maralee Nichols & son hit the beach in new pics as dad Tristan remains absent, Mama June reunites with cancer-stricken daughter Anna for chemo session, Fans say Travis 'deleted flirty comment' on Kylie's pic as she 'dates' Timothee, Netflix bashed for massive glitch during failed attempt to livestream show, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Who was Regina Kings son Ian Alexander Jr. You dont know what unconditional love is. Ian is the son of Ian Alexander Sr., who. Tributes starting pouring in on social media after news of his death broke. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. And, in a separate post,Alexander Jrsaid: I dont think Instagram is healthy for me.. Thank you.". Days before his death, Ian, 26, posted to Instagram about an upcoming event at Bardot this month. King said: "We were taking Kabbalah classes. He wrote: "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! His 26th birthday was Wednesday. My health is in your hands.. ", A few months prior, he shared another Instagram dedicated to his mom. I love you.. Its really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with., Ian Alexander Jr was promoting upcoming show. Another image in the post is a closeup of what appears to be a cats eye. The whole marvel universe ain't got s*** on you, your the real superhero! "When you experience it, it's the most fulfilling [thing] ever. There is also a crisis text line. This day and everyday YO DAY! Love you mom! Ian Alexander Jr is Regina Kings only child. Sophie Reardon is a News Editor at CBS News. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Ava DuVernay commented on the post with a quote, Ill choose for myself next time who Ill reach out and take as mine, in the way I might stand at a fruit stall having decided to ignore the apples, the mangoes and the kiwis. I pray that shes surrounded by love and healing energy.". King confirmed Ians death in a statement on Friday, January 21, 2022, describing her only child as a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others., On January 14, Alexander Jr, who was known as desdun online,tweeted: You know that episode of SpongeBob where they go inside his brain and its a bunch of mini spongebobs just losing their s**t yea that one really hits home.. This day and everyday YO DAY!! Just last week, Regina took to Instagram to urge her followers to support her son's new single, Green Eyes. . Praying for Regina King, Bernice posted. "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Garcelle Beauvais tweeted, "My heart breaks for you@ReginaKing Ian was sweet & kind. As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence. Regina King's 26-year-old son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died, a spokesperson for the actor confirmed Saturday morning. He turned 26 years old two days before on Jan. 19. "You make being a mother my greatest accomplishment. 2. Reese Witherspoon wrote, Always remembering Ian and his bright spirit.