Forbes StaffRegina King, the acclaimed actor, appeared on “Good Morning America” for her first TV interview since the tragic passing of her son, Ian Alexander Jr., in January 2022.
In a heartfelt conversation with Robin Roberts, the Oscar-winning star revealed how her life has been transformed since the loss of her son two years ago.
“Grief is a journey. I’ve come to understand that grief is love that has no place to go,” Regina King shared. “It’s essential for me to honor Ian for who he was, to speak of him in the present because he’s always with me, and to cherish the joy and happiness he brought into our lives.”
Ian Alexander Jr., a talented musician and DJ, sadly took his own life at the age of 26, leaving King to grapple with profound sorrow and unanswered questions.
“Depression doesn’t always look the way people expect it to. It doesn’t always feel heavy,” King remarked, reflecting on her son’s mental health challenges. “Coming to terms with Ian’s decision, which I respect and acknowledge, has been incredibly difficult. He reached a point where he no longer wanted to be here, and that’s a reality that’s hard for others to comprehend because they didn’t walk in our shoes or live Ian’s journey.”
Opening up about her initial struggles to reconcile with her son’s passing, King shared her journey of grappling with anger and guilt.
“At first, I was furious with God. Why Ian? After all we had tried — therapy, medications, programs — Ian reached a point where he said, ‘Mom, I’m done talking,’” King recalled. “The weight of guilt still weighs heavily on me. As a parent who has lost a child, I constantly question what more I could have done to prevent it. While this grief is shared by many, I’m Ian’s mother, and this pain is uniquely mine. The sadness, it lingers. It’s a part of me, and I know it always will be.”
King’s poignant interview sheds light on the profound impact of loss and the enduring struggle to navigate grief in the wake of a loved one’s untimely departure.
