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

Regina King is reflecting on how her life has changed after the death of her only son Ian Alexander Jr.

In an upcoming Good Morning America interview, the Oscar winner, 53, marked two years since Ian's passing, sharing how "grief is a journey."

In a sit-down interview with Robin Roberts, she shared that her upcoming film, Shirley, is dedicated to her late son. The preview clip shows Roberts, 63, asking King, "What have these last two years been like for you?"

Ian died by suicide in January 2022 just after turning 26. He is King's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr.

"Oh wow. I'm a different person now than I was Jan. 19," shares King. "I am."

King continued to share insight about her relationship with grief these past couple of years. "Grief is a journey," explained King. "I understand that."

"Grief is love that has no place to go," continued the actress. "And that we all handle it differently."

A year ago, King shared a message on Instagram to honor her late son for his birthday and mark one year since his death.

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

The actress continued, "Of course orange is your favorite color…Its the fire and the calm. I see you in everything I breath. My absolute favorite thing about myself is being ….Regina the mother of Ian the GodKing."

"Continue to shine bright, my guiding light," King added in that tribute.

In a statement after news of her son's death, King, who next stars as Shirley Chisholm in the film Shirley, said, "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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