Ahead of the premiere of her biopic 'Shirley' portraying the groundbreaking congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Regina King, the Oscar-winning actress, shared her heartfelt thoughts on the tragic suicide of her son, Ian Alexander Jr., on 'Good Morning America' in her first extensive interview since his passing. Over two years after Ian's departure, King bravely opened up about the devastating "choice" Ian made and the profound "journey" of grief she has traversed as the mother of her only child.
"Depression often presents itself in ways that are unexpected and unseen," King said, reflecting on Ian's struggle. "It's been a challenge to comprehend Ian's decision, one that I respect and understand deeply. He simply didn't want to be here anymore. This reality is difficult for others to grasp, as they haven't walked in our shoes, haven't experienced Ian's path."
With tears welling up, King confessed, "I was enraged with God. Why was this burden placed on Ian? Despite all the therapy, psychiatrists, and programs we tried, Ian simply said, 'I'm tired of talking, Mom.'" The grief remains raw and unhealed, two years on.
"I am a transformed person since January 19th," she admitted. "Grief is indeed a journey, a love that finds no rest. It's vital for me to honor Ian in his entirety, to speak of him in the present tense, because his spirit is ever-present in my life, bringing joy and happiness to all of us."
She continued, "My greatest pride is being Ian's mother. I cannot utter these words with a smile or without tears, for the emotions are overwhelming. I wouldn't be able to say this if I hadn't respected his journey."
Amidst her sorrow, King also acknowledged the guilt that often accompanies the loss of a child. "As a parent, you always question, 'What could I have done differently?' I know I share this grief with many, but I am Ian's mother, and this sadness is uniquely mine. It will never fade, it will always be a part of me. Yet, I see the sadness as a reminder of how profoundly he meant to me."
Last year, on what would have been Ian's 27th birthday, King posted a tribute on Instagram, calling it his "Worthday." She wrote, "We celebrate his presence, even as we grapple with his absence. His spirit is the invisible thread that binds us all."
During the 2024 Oscars, King silently honored Ian by wearing an orange dress, his favorite color, a subtle yet profound tribute. She shared that even in moments of joy, she still experiences "Ian-spirations," feeling his presence deeply.
Now, King is poised to take on the role of Shirley Chisholm in the Netflix biopic 'Shirley,' which debuts on March 22nd, a dedication to Ian's memory. As Roberts revealed, King had informed her that she was ready to discuss her son's passing and wished to do so in a single interview, as she promoted the film. "I want to talk about my son," King had told her, "not to make him a symbol but to share my truth once, and then move forward."
