Regina King Says She’s a ‘Different Person’ Now 2 Years After Son’s Death: ‘Grief Is a Journey’

Regina King reflects on how her life changed after the death of her only son, Ian Alexander Jr.

In the upcoming Good morning America In an interview, the Oscar winner, 53, marked two years since Ian’s death, saying “grief is a journey”.

In an interview with Robin Roberts, she said that her upcoming film, Shirley, is dedicated to her late son. A preview clip shows Roberts, 63, asking King, “How have these last two years been for you?”

Ian died by suicide in January 2022, just after his 26th birthday. He is Kinga’s only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, producer Ian Alexander Sr.

“Oh, wow. I’m a different person now than I was on January 19,” shares King. “It’s me.”

King has continued to share insights about her relationship with grief over the past few years. “Grief is a journey,” King explained. “I understand it is.”

“Sadness is love that has nowhere to go,” continued the actress. “And that we all handle it differently.”

Regina King on “Good Morning America”.

ABC news

A year ago, King shared a message on Instagram paying tribute to her late son on his birthday and marking the one year anniversary of his death.

“January 19th is Ian’s birthday. While we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence,” she wrote at the time. “We are all in different places on the planet…as is Ian. His spirit is the thread that connects us.”

Regina King once talked about how her late son Ian Alexander Jr. learned by watching her career

The actress continued: “Orange is of course your favorite color… It’s fire and calm. I see you in everything I breathe. My absolute favorite thing about me is that I’m … Regina’s mother to Ian the God King.”

“Keep shining, my guiding light,” King added in the tribute.

Regina King and late son Ian Alexander Jr. they had matching tattoos to show their ‘unconditional love’

Regina King and son Ian Alexander Jr. November 2, 2019 Emma McIntyre/Getty

In a statement following the news of the death of her son, King, who will next play Shirley Chisholm in the film Shirley, said: “Our family is devastated by the loss of Ian. He was such a shining light who cared so much about the happiness of others. Our family asks for our respectful condolences during this private time. Thank you.”

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.

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Source: HIS Education