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. Getty Images Ian Alexander Jr., the only son of renowned actress Regina King, has died by suicide. US Surgeon General says 13 is too young to join social media. Regina King's only son has tragically died. A musician and DJ, Ian Alexander performed under the name desdun, according to his Instagram page. Regina King has confirmed the death of her son, Ian Alexander Jr. LoveBScott was the first to report the news of Ian's death. I love you ," Niecy Nash-Betts commented. The actress, 51, has captured four Emmy awards and an Oscar, which she nabbed for her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian, King said in a statement shared with TODAY. "January 19th is Ian's Worthday. 2023 Cable News Network. Regina King Makes Her First Public Appearance Since Her Son's Passing . 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. They were together 10 years before divorcing. Regina King with son, Ian Alexander Jr., in 2019. 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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. appreciated. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Reach her at sophie.reardon@viacomcbs.com, First published on January 22, 2022 / 11:58 AM. ? he wrote. "To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something I will forever be grateful for. Reese Witherspoon wrote, Always remembering Ian and his bright spirit. A million streams and Ill quit smoking. 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. "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry and gangsta," he wrote. Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, TODAY has confirmed. He turned 26 on Wednesday. Social media users have posted messages of condolence underneath the tweets. 8:03 PM EST, Sat January 22, 2022, Regina King releases statement after death of son. You dont know what unconditional love is. 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. From 2011 until 2013, Regina was romantically linked to Malcolm-Jamal Warner. 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. Ian was due to perform at the Avalon Hollywood Bardot on January 28. Discovery Company. Academy award-winning actor Regina King is mourning the death of her son, Ian Alexander Jr.The 26-year-old's death by suicide on January 21 came as a shock to his family, who issued a statement to . 0:56. Instagram video To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. Actor and director Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to CNN. 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. The only child of the Oscar-winning actor, she shared him with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. She was married to the record producer for a decade beginning in 1997. Alexander Jr paid homage to his mom on her 50th birthday last year. IE 11 is not supported. Ian is the son of Ian Alexander Sr., who married Regina in 1997. He was 26. Heartbreaking last photos show Alexander Jr raising a toast during a party. "He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. More:Lisa Marie Presley, Grant Wahl, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss and the trauma of a sudden death. According to Alexander Jr.'s Instagram, he had a show scheduled for January 28 in Los Angeles. Since Alexander's death, King has remained out of the public's eye, making this post the first time she's spoken publicly about her family's loss. "When you experience it, it's the most fulfilling [thing] ever. His 26th birthday was Wednesday. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable. The statement, which was shared with multiple news outlets, read: Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. The boy is all grown up now, and he inherited Regina's passion for the arts. ", 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 . "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," said King in a statement . "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," a family . Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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 26-year-old son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died, a spokesperson for the actor confirmed Saturday morning. And we drink in the spirit of inclusivity too.. 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. 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. Regina King 's son Ian Alexander Jr. has died by suicide, PEOPLE confirms. Sending you more, adding a heart emoji. News. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. Its really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with., Ian Alexander Jr was promoting upcoming show. This day and everyday YO DAY!!". Ian Alexander Jr. is the only son of Academy Award-winning actress Regina King and her ex-husband . He had released a new single, Green Eyes, on Jan. 7 and had performances scheduled in Los Angeles later this month. Regina and her son would sometimes walk the red carpet together for events and it was apparent how proud she was of him. King on Instagram Thursday shared video of a lantern glowing in the sky on what would. In an episode of PBS' Finding Your Roots, actress Regina King discovered "unimaginable" details about her grandfather's life. "The fact that I get to spend this night with you, the best date in the house. He was an accomplished musician and DJ who performed as Desdun and had released a new single, Green Eyes, shortly before his passing. . He was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. King wrote in the caption, also making reference to Ian's pledge to stop smoking if the song reached 1million streams. Regina King and Ian Alexander Sr. at the 2005 Academy Awards Regina King was married to Ian Alexander Sr. for 10 years before she filed for divorce in 2007, according to E! Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Hear why. Getty Images for dcp. She needs all the grace and light that can flow her way right now., Praying for Regina King. King, 52, said her father, the late Thomas King Jr., never. Regina King and her son, Ian Alexander Jr., in Los Angeles in 2019. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level. He was King's only child . CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Ian is the son of Ian Alexander Sr., who. 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 . The whole marvel universe ain't got s--- on you, your the real superhero! Praying for Gods comfort and peace., While another commented: Just to watch the love your mom has for you is emotional. .". Aside from acting, Regina King has also directed several episodes of various television shows, including Scandal andThis Is Us. "She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. Regina King and Ian appeared on New Years Eve show. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. He was Kings only child with record producer Ian Alexander Sr. On January 14, Alexander Jr, who was known as desdune 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.. "Maaaan ListenI got this jam on repeat!" "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. You may say you do, but if you dont have a child, you dont know what that is. ", RIP to Ian Alexander Jr and prayers to Regina King!! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store. 0:00. Published So, that is the greatest part about me. The post featured photos of Ian surrounded cigarettes with them in his hands, his mouth, and thrown in the air. 2023 Cable News Network. And, in a separate post,Alexander Jrsaid: I dont think Instagram is healthy for me.. They even had matching tattoos reading "unconditional love" in Aramaic, the AP reported. On Twitter, famous friends and fans of Regina King vocalized support in the wake of her tragic loss. ", A few months prior, he shared another Instagram dedicated to his mom. It's really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with.". If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support: Regina promoted her sons music just last week. This day and everyday YO DAY!! King and her son spent New Year's Eve together - weeks before his death. The comment section on Ian Alexander Jrs final Instagram post, where he promoted an upcoming show, is filled with messages of mourning and love. The actress and director posted a lovingtribute Thursday toher son, Ian Alexander Jr., who died a year ago at age 26by suicide. He wrote a heartfelt tribute to his mother on her 50th birthday last year. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. He performed as Desdun, according to his Instagram page. The video shows an orange lantern floating across the sky after the sun has gone down. Ian Alexander Jr. took his own life Wednesday, according to law enforcement, the day he turned 26. ", 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. For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the "second leading cause of death" and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54. 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 wrote: "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! 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. According to a news . Ian Alexander Jr. and Regina King in November 2019. International Association for Suicide Prevention. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.. 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. Continue to shine bright, my guiding light, King wrote. "Of course orange is your favorite colorIt's the fire and the calm," she continued. Dozens of Twitter users replied using broken hearts and praying emojis. CNN Actor and director Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to CNN Saturday. So pullup this month!! January 19th is Ians Worthday, she captioned the video. An actor who rose to fame onThe Cosby Show, Malcolm and fellow 80s-sitcom star Regina had been friends for years before they took their relationship to the next level. In 2017, she revealed that the pair got matching tattoos. One said: Praying for Regina, Ian Sr., and the entire family. King said her son taught her what unconditional love is. TV star Regina King's son, Ian Alexander Jr, tragically died by a reported suicide just days before launching his music career. Alexander Jr died by suicide just three days after turning 26, a representative for King confirmed on Saturday. The son of actor and director Regina King, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, her representative confirmed to NBC News Saturday. REGINA King's son Ian Alexander Jr's final tweets revealed his mental health fears - days before he took his own life. Regina King is breaking her social media silence, ayear after her son's tragic death. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. / CBS News. 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 . But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. Her most recent Emmy award came for her portrayal of Angela Abar in HBOs Watchmen. Regina King was born in Los Angeles, California, to Gloria, a special education teacher, and Thomas King, an electrician. Allegedly Exploited Womans Altered State. During a 2019 Golden Globes appearance, he branded the actress a super mom.. She shared: We were taking Kabbalah classes. 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. In 2011, the award-winning actress spoke of her unconditional love for her son. Regina King hostedSaturday Night Liveon Saturday, February 13, 2021 with Nathaniel Rateliff as the musical guest. He was a DJ and singer-songwriter who performed under the name Desdun. He turned 26 on Wednesday. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. "January 19th is Ian's Worthday," King, 52, wrote, referencing what would have been her son . As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence," King, 52, wrote in the caption of an He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. ", Ian once said of Regina, "She's just a super mom. Ian Alexander Jr. took his own life Wednesday, according to law enforcement, the day he turned 26. Regina King has paid tribute to her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., nearly one year after his death. King spoke about the deep love she had for her son in a 2011 interview with CNN. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC.