They even had matching tattoos reading "unconditional love" in Aramaic, the AP reported. "You dont know what unconditional love is. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Thank you.". 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. 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. "King's 11-year-old son was seated in the rear of the vehicle and was not injured." Regina King pictured in a Facebook photo during a Fox 29 report on her death. He turned 26 years old two days before on Jan. 19. 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. ? he wrote. Love you mom! "January 19th is Ian's Worthday. Ian was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun and posted on Instagram just three days ago about an upcoming event at Bardot this month. Regina King on Turning 50: 'I'm Much More Interesting Now', Regina King Honors Late Son Ian Alexander Jr., 1 Year After His Death: 'My Guiding Light', Regina King Steps onto the Red Carpet in First Public Appearance Since Her Son's Tragic Death, Regina King Once Spoke About What Her Late Son Ian Alexander Jr. Ian Alexander Jr. is the only son of Academy Award-winning actress Regina King and her ex-husband . She began to be recognized by a mainstream audience after her role as Cuba Gooding Jr.'s character's wife in Jerry Maguire (1996). To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. 2. Getty Images Ian Alexander Jr., the only son of renowned actress Regina King, has died by suicide. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. Of course orange is your favorite colorIts the fire and the calm. Getty Images for dcp. Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., stole hearts when he accompanied her to the 2019 Golden Globe Awards and called her a "super mom" in front of the cameras. A clip circulating on Twitter shows Regina King onstage at the Emmy Awards, addressing her date--her son Ian Alexander, Jr. "My son, Ian," King says, gesturing at her son. His most recent single, "Green Eyes," was released on Jan. 7. "My lil Rock Star nephew," commented Taraji P. Henson, adding a string of heart emojis. "To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something I will forever be grateful for. King spoke about the deep love she had for her son in a 2011 interview with CNN. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.. Regina King has paid tribute to her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., nearly one year after his death. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 0:00. Just last week, Regina took to Instagram to urge her followers to support her sons new single, Green Eyes. Ian Alexander Jr. and Regina King, wearing Gucci, attend the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala Presented By Gucci at LACMA on November 02, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Ian Alexander, Jr was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. "We were taking Kabbalah classes," King said of the ink on The View in 2017. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. His 26th birthday was Wednesday. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. You may say you do, but if you dont have a child, you dont know what that is. ", He continued, "But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. Regina King is breaking her social media silence, a year after her son's tragic death. "He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Read our Ian Alexander blog for the latest news and updates Bernice King, lawyer, minister and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, posted on Twitter to send condolences to Regina King and her family. Tributes starting pouring in on social media after news of his death broke. "My friend. ", He signed the sweet post: "Love you mom! Suffered Ankle Injury Before Coachella 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. I think of you often. Share. News, and they share one son, Ian Jr. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A Warner Bros. Regina King 's son Ian Alexander Jr. has died by suicide, PEOPLE confirms. 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. Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images, FILE, Garth Brooks interviews Reba McEntire about Not That Fancy album, memoir and more, Brooke Shields says filming for 'Mother of the Bride' is underway, Simone Biles and her fiance Jonathan Owens show off marriage license ahead of big day, Digital Deals: Save 50% on Companion Candles and more, MORE: Regina King explains why her new role is like nothing she's done before, Regina King explains why her new role is like nothing she's done before, Director Regina King shares what she hopes audiences take away from new film, 'One Night in Miami', Regina King dedicates 1st Oscar win to James Baldwin. 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.. This is why The-Sun.com launched the You're Not Alone campaign. Did you encounter any technical issues? "You make being a mother my greatest accomplishment. Hope your soul is resting, one user commented. performing live at Bardot on the 28th for@breakingsoundlaSave a buck and buy tickets in advance at the link in my bio.. ", A few months prior, he shared another Instagram dedicated to his mom. Ian Alexander Jr. took his own life Wednesday, according to law enforcement, the day he turned 26. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level. Justin Theroux joined in with, Love you Regina. News. For more on Regina King's son Ian Alexander Jr., listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day. "She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. Regina Rene King (born January 15, 1971) [2] is an American actress and director. Ian Alexander Jrs tragic final Instagram posts, In anInstagrampost just days before he took his own life, Ian Alexander predicted his music career was about to blow up.. IE 11 is not supported. News, he said: She doesnt really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. In 2010, Regina directed the music video for Jaheims Finding My Way Back. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. 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.". I always pray for your strength & peace in the midst of loss and grief. Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser! One Night in Miami is a movie based on a play of the same name, and premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 7, 2020. ", "January 19th is Ians Worthday. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level. During a 2019 Golden Globes appearance, he branded the actress a super mom.. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable. Regina King became the first-ever Black woman director to have a film selected by the festival. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. We are all in different places on the planetso is Ian," King wrote. But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store. Regina King and her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., marked their love for each other with matching tattoos years before his death. Ian could be seen throughout the remainder of the interview smiling and drinking while mother Regina discusses career highlights. All Rights Reserved. But hold my hands above a pile of oranges as if to warm my skin before a fire.- Roisin Kelly. You may say you do, but if you don't have a child, you don't know what that is," she explained at the time. King wrote in the caption, also making reference to Ian's pledge to stop smoking if the song reached 1million streams. You dont know what unconditional love is. Reach her at sophie.reardon@viacomcbs.com, First published on January 22, 2022 / 11:58 AM. I see you in everything I breath. He shared a picture where Spongebobs appear to be running and screaming while flames burn around them. Praying for Gods comfort and peace., While another commented: Just to watch the love your mom has for you is emotional. Sending you more, adding a heart emoji. He was also a budding celebrity chef who told Flaunt Magazine in May 2021 that he hoped to develop his private dinner parties into a restaurant. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," King says in. So, that is the greatest part about me. There is also a crisis text line. 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. In an interview with USA TODAY in2018, the "Watchmen" actress shared that she and her son were extremely close, detailingthey had matching tattoos on their forearms reading "unconditional love" in Aramaic, which they learned while studying Kabbalah together. The Academy Award-winner confirmed the tragic news in a statement to PEOPLE on Friday. Ian has often also accompanied his mom on red carpets, including in 2019 when he called her "super mom" while at the Golden Globes. He was also a celebrity chef who told Flaunt Magazine in May 2021 that he hoped to develop his private dinner parties into a restaurant. She needs all the grace and light that can flow her way right now. You may say you do, but if you dont have a child, you dont know what that is. Thank you.". Alexander Kacala is a reporter and editor atTODAY Digitaland NBC OUT. We are all in different places on the planetso is Ian. On Twitter, famous friends and fans of Regina King vocalized support in the wake of her tragic loss. Both Ian Alexander Jr and Hudson Madsen are reported to have died by suicide at the age of just 26. 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. Ian's death was officially ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles County Coroner, a spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE Monday. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," a family . Regina King 's only son has tragically died. Alexandershared King withex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. [4] Alexander Jr paid homage to his mom on her 50th birthday last year. The post featured photos of Ian surrounded cigarettes with them in his hands, his mouth, and thrown in the air. Regina King was an American actress and director who enjoyed one of the most rich and diverse careers of any performer in the 21st century; working consistently since she was a teenager, appearing . ", 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! He performed as Desdun, according to his Instagram page. The actress and director said her "family is devastated at the deepest level" in a statement to USA TODAY confirming her 26-year . One said: Praying for Regina, Ian Sr., and the entire family. You dont know what unconditional love is. Ian is the son of Ian Alexander Sr., who married Regina in 1997. The two were very close, with Alexander Jr. often accompanying his mother on the red carpet. IE 11 is not supported. In 2017, she revealed that the pair got matching tattoos. This came as a surprise to King. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives. Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian, King said in a statement shared with TODAY. He had released a new single, Green Eyes, on Jan. 7 and had performances scheduled in Los Angeles later this month. Regina King with son, Ian Alexander Jr., in 2019. Being a mom to Ian.". , her first post since Alexander died by suicide in January 2022. ", A post shared by Regina King (@iamreginaking), The Academy Award winner ended her post by saying her "absolute favorite thing" about herself is being Alexander's mother, adding, "Continue shine bright, my guiding light. CNN Actor and director Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to CNN Saturday. Regina King BREAKS SILENCE On Her Son's Shocking Death Misstee 96.4K subscribers Subscribe 944 52K views 1 year ago #reginaking Regina King BREAKS SILENCE On Her Son's Shocking Death In. He was King's only child . Published Actress Regina King got emotional after learning some surprising facts about her family during an episode of PBS' "Finding Your Roots." The show's host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., informed King. In an Instagram post just days before taking his own life, Ian predicted that his music career was about to take off. My heart breaks for you all. He wrote a heartfelt tribute to his mother on her 50th birthday last year. The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. Together, they have one son: Ian Alexander Jr., whopassed awayin 2022. King said: "We were taking Kabbalah classes. To honor his life, King recorded a lantern lighting ceremony she participated in for his remembrance, calling him her "guiding light. I see you in everything I breathe.". 0:56. The actress and director posted a loving tribute Thursday to her son, Ian Alexander Jr., who died . 4 Ian Alexander Jr died days after his 26th birthday Credit: Instagram/desdunemjv 4 If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. 8:03 PM EST, Sat January 22, 2022, Regina King releases statement after death of son. Regina King and her family will need the biggest hugs at some point, tweeted Pam Grier. The video shows an orange lantern floating across the sky after the sun has gone down. Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died at 26, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Discovery Company. LoveBScott was the first to report the news of Ian's death. Ians final post filled with messages of love, mourning. Associated Press in New York. King explained why she and Ian got matching tattoos. Of course orange is your favorite colorIts the fire and the calm. The whole marvel universe ain't got s*** on you, your the real superhero! Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian, King said in a statement. 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. His spirit is the thread that connects us.". 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 . And, in a separate post, Alexander Jr said: I dont think Instagram is healthy for me.. She needs all the grace and light that can flow her way right now., Praying for Regina King. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others, King said in a statement provided by her representative. Regina King's 26-year-old son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died, a spokesperson for the actor confirmed Saturday morning. I love you.. King and her son spent New Year's Eve together - weeks before his death. The son of actor and director Regina King, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to NBC News Saturday. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. Actors Regina King and Michael Madsen both tragically lost their sons under shocking circumstances, within days of one another. Thank you.". Discovery Company. Aside from acting, Regina King has also directed several episodes of various television shows, including Scandal andThis Is Us. "King's 11-year-old son was seated in the rear of the vehicle and was not injured." Regina King pictured in a Facebook photo during a Fox 29 report on her death. Actor and director Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to CNN. The award-winning actress asked for privacy in the hours after news broke that her son had tragically died. 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. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. "But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. 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. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. Born just four days after her own birthday, the mother and son . My heart hurts for Regina King and her family. Ian is the son of Ian Alexander Sr., who. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," King says in. The actress, 51, has captured four Emmy awards and an Oscar, which she nabbed for her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. King on Instagram Thursday shared video of a lantern glowing in the sky on what would. But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. He was an accomplished musician and DJ who performed as Desdun and had released a new single, Green Eyes, shortly before his passing. Regina and her son would sometimes walk the red carpet together for events and it was apparent how proud she was of him. She shared: We were taking Kabbalah classes. He turned 26 years old two days before on Jan. 19. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. She doesnt really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. Updated on: January 22, 2022 / 4:59 PM ", And just a couple of months before he died, Ian posted a throwback pic of him, his mom and a friend, with the caption "My joys . For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the "second leading cause of death" and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54. Ian was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. Regina King is remembering her late son, Ian. Thank you.". The boy is all grown up now, and he inherited Regina's passion for the arts. Alexander Jr. was a DJ who went by desdun. So, that is the greatest part about me. Thank you.". Regina King took Ian as date to the Emmys. 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. More:Lisa Marie Presley, Grant Wahl, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss and the trauma of a sudden death. His 26th birthday was Wednesday. ", Ian once said of Regina, "She's just a super mom. My absolute favorite thing about myself is being .Regina the mother of Ian the GodKing. The whole marvel universe aint got s on you, your the real superhero, he added. "When you experience it, it's the most fulfilling [thing] ever. "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry and gangsta," he wrote. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.". The pair also has matching tattoos, which read "unconditional love" in Aramaic his on his shoulder and hers on her arm. Ian Alexander Jr. was King's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. Regina King's son Ian Alexander Jr. has died by suicide, PEOPLE confirms. In 2011, the award-winning actress spoke of her unconditional love for her son. US Surgeon General says 13 is too young to join social media. "I see you in everything I breath[e]. She began her career in the television show 227 (1985), followed by a role in Boyz n the Hood (1991). His 26th birthday was Wednesday. She doesn't really let bad workdays or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. Regina King and Ian appeared on New Years Eve show. "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 If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text STRENGTH to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Hear why. May you be find light & peace, wrote another. The only child of the Oscar-winning actor, she. Regina King 's son Ian Alexander Jr. has died by suicide, PEOPLE confirms. A post shared by Regina King (@iamreginaking). Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much The 26-year-old was a buddingDJ/producer. A million streams and Ill quit smoking. Heartbreaking last photos show Alexander Jr raising a toast during a party. The actress posted an Instagram video of an orange sky lantern drifting through the air on Friday, marking her first social media upload since the 26-year-old's suicide in January 2022. Thank you.. The statement, which was shared with multiple news outlets, read: Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. Regina said, "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. She went on to earn aGolden Globenomination for Best Director in 2020, with her debut film, One Night in Miami. January 19th is Ians Worthday, she captioned the video. Shes just a super mom, hetold E! He was King's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. King said her son taught her what unconditional love is. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ian Alexander Jr is Regina Kings only child. This day and everyday YO DAY!! To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. Another image in the post is a closeup of what appears to be a cats eye. He wrote: "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Regina King is grieving the death of her son Ian Alexander, Jr. . All Rights Reserved. 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 (my mother) is. "To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. Regina King says she's "still" processing her son Ian Alexander Jr.'s death nearly one year later.. Alexander Jr. King's only child, whom she shared with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. died by suicide, a spokesperson confirmed toThe Associated Press. Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, TODAY has confirmed. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Dozens of Twitter users replied using broken hearts and praying emojis. Sending love light and prayers to Regina King and her family, Rosanna Arquette chimed in. "He said, let's choose three [designs] each and not tell each other which ones they are and whichever one is matching, that's the one we're going to get tattooed and we both chose unconditional love.". .". For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. So, that is the greatest part about me. Alexander was a musician and DJ. 2023 Cable News Network. The son of actor and director Regina King, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to NBC News Saturday. His favorite celebrity profiles include Cher who said their interview was one of the most interesting of her career as well as Kylie Minogue, Candice Bergen, Patti Smith and RuPaul.