Regina King talks about her grief after son’s death

Good Morning America
14 Mar 202410:11

Summary

TLDRIn a heartfelt interview, actress Regina King opens up about her new film 'Shirley,' which chronicles Shirley Chisholm's historic presidential run, and her personal journey of healing after the tragic loss of her son, Ian. King reflects on the importance of discussing mental health and the profound impact her son's life and death have had on her. The conversation highlights King's resilience and her dedication to honoring her son's legacy.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 Regina King stars in the new biopic 'Shirley,' which chronicles Shirley Chisholm's historic run for president.
  • 🏆 This is Regina King's first TV interview since the tragic passing of her son, Ian, two years ago.
  • 🎬 King's return to the screen highlights her career, from her breakout role in '227' to her Oscar-winning performance in 'If Beale Street Could Talk'.
  • 🚀 The journey to tell Shirley Chisholm's story took 15 years, with King acknowledging she wasn't ready to play the role earlier.
  • 👭 Regina's sister Raina co-produces the film and plays a key role, emphasizing the importance of sharing Shirley Chisholm's legacy.
  • 🏛️ Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to run for president in 1972, and the film aims to inspire young people to engage in politics.
  • 💔 Regina King dedicated the film to her son Ian, who passed away by suicide in January 2022.
  • 😔 King openly discusses her grief journey, recognizing that grief is love with nowhere to go and the importance of honoring Ian's life and choices.
  • 🌈 Despite her loss, King finds strength in her role as a mother, acknowledging that being Ian's mom is her favorite thing about herself.
  • 🎥 The film 'Shirley' is set to release in select theaters on March 19th and globally on Netflix on March 22nd.
  • 🙏 Regina King's interview and the film 'Shirley' serve as a testament to resilience, the power of representation, and the importance of mental health awareness.

Q & A

  • Who is the actress featured in the GMA coverage story?

    -The actress featured in the GMA coverage story is Regina King.

  • Which movie is Regina King starring in that is mentioned in the interview?

    -Regina King is starring in the movie 'Shirley', which is about Shirley Chisholm's historic run for president.

  • What significant personal event in Regina King's life occurred two years prior to the interview?

    -Two years prior to the interview, Regina King experienced the sudden death of her beloved son, Ian.

  • How has Regina King been healing after her son's passing?

    -Regina King has been healing by understanding that grief is a journey and recognizing that grief is love that has no place to go. She also honors her son by speaking about him in the present tense, acknowledging his joy and happiness, as well as his struggles with mental health.

  • What is Regina King's favorite thing about herself?

    -Regina King's favorite thing about herself is being Ian's mom.

  • How did Regina King prepare for her role as Shirley Chisholm in the biopic?

    -Regina King prepared for her role by acknowledging that she wasn't ready to play Shirley 15 years ago and that she needed to live more life to fully understand and portray the character.

  • What was the significance of the 1972 political rise of Shirley Chisholm that the film chronicles?

    -The film chronicles Shirley Chisholm's political rise in 1972 when she became the first black woman to run for president.

  • What was the impact of Ian's passing on Regina King's perspective towards life and acting?

    -Ian's passing has made Regina King a different person, with a deeper understanding of grief and love. It has also influenced her approach to acting, as she dedicates her performances to her son's memory.

  • How does Regina King feel about the public's response to her return to the screen?

    -Regina King is appreciative of the public's support and well-wishes, but she also acknowledges the difficulty of hearing phrases like 'be strong' from well-intentioned people, as simply getting out of bed and continuing to live is an act of strength in itself.

  • What are 'e Inspirations' as mentioned by Regina King?

    -'e Inspirations' are moments or occurrences that remind Regina King of her son Ian, named in his honor. These can be instances where someone unknowingly says something that her son knew or situations that trigger memories of him.

  • When and where can viewers expect to see the movie 'Shirley'?

    -The movie 'Shirley' will be in select theaters on Friday and will be available globally on Netflix on March 22nd.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Regina King's Return to the Spotlight

This paragraph focuses on actress Regina King's return to the public eye after a personal tragedy. It discusses her first TV interview since the death of her son, Ian, and her role in the new movie 'Shirley,' which tells the story of Shirley Chisholm's historic run for president. King shares her journey of healing, the legacy of her son, and her preparation for the role of Shirley Chisholm, highlighting the 15-year process of bringing the story to screen. The paragraph also touches on the importance of the film's release during an election year and its potential to inspire young people to engage in politics.

05:00

😔 Coping with Loss: Regina King's Personal Struggle

In this paragraph, Regina King opens up about her grief and the journey of coping with the loss of her son, Ian, who passed away by suicide. She discusses the complexity of emotions that come with being a mother to a child who has died, the guilt of 'what ifs,' and the concept of 'happy sorrow.' King also reflects on the public's response to her loss and the importance of acknowledging the strength it takes just to carry on with daily life after such a loss. Additionally, she talks about the inspiration she draws from her son and how she feels his presence in her life.

10:02

🎥 'Shirley': A Film's Timely Release

This paragraph emphasizes the timely release of the film 'Shirley' and its significance in today's political climate. It highlights the importance of sharing Shirley Chisholm's story and the impact it can have on viewers, particularly young people. The paragraph also touches on Regina King's readiness to discuss her son and the film, her appreciation for the public's support, and the wisdom she has gained from her experiences. The paragraph concludes with information about the film's release in select theaters and on Netflix globally.

🌞 GMA's Gratitude and Farewell

This final paragraph serves as a closing remark from GMA, expressing gratitude to the viewers for watching and subscribing to their YouTube channel. It invites the audience to continue engaging with their content for more exciting videos and updates from GMA.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Regina King

Regina King is an accomplished actress who is the subject of the interview within the transcript. She is known for her roles in various films and television series, including an Oscar-winning performance. In the context of the video, she discusses her new role in the biopic 'Shirley' and her personal experiences following the tragic loss of her son, Ian.

💡Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to run for President of the United States, and the biopic 'Shirley' is about her historic political journey. Regina King plays Chisholm in the film, and the interview discusses how King prepared for this role and the significance of Chisholm's story in contemporary times.

💡Grief

Grief is a profound emotional response to loss, particularly the death of a loved one. In the transcript, Regina King openly discusses her grief following her son's death, describing it as a journey and acknowledging the complexity of emotions involved, such as love, sadness, and guilt.

💡Mental Health

Mental health refers to an individual's psychological and emotional well-being. The transcript highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially in the context of discussing Regina King's son, Ian, who passed away by suicide. It emphasizes the need to understand and respect individuals' choices and experiences related to mental health.

💡Suicide

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. It is a tragic and complex issue often associated with mental health disorders. In the transcript, Regina King's discussion of her son's suicide brings attention to the seriousness of mental health and the need for open conversations about suicide prevention and support for those affected.

💡Resilience

Resilience refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to challenging situations. In the context of the video, Regina King demonstrates resilience by returning to her acting career and speaking openly about her personal struggles, showing strength and determination in the face of adversity.

💡Biopic

A biopic is a film or series that dramatizes the life of a real person or group of people. In this case, 'Shirley' is a biopic about Shirley Chisholm, and the transcript discusses how Regina King prepared for the role and the impact of bringing Chisholm's story to the screen.

💡Political Rise

Political rise refers to the progression or increase in political power or influence of an individual or group. In the transcript, it is used to describe Shirley Chisholm's ascent in politics, becoming the first black woman to run for President of the United States.

💡Unbought and Unbossed

This phrase, associated with Shirley Chisholm, reflects a stance of political independence and refusal to be influenced or controlled by others. It embodies the spirit of standing firm on one's principles regardless of external pressures.

💡Public Support

Public support refers to the encouragement or endorsement received from the general public. In the context of the transcript, it highlights the positive reception Regina King has received from fans and the public as she returns to the public eye after her personal tragedy.

💡Inspirational

Inspirational refers to something that motivates or encourages others to take action or feel uplifted. In the transcript, Regina King's story and her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm serve as inspirations, both in terms of overcoming personal challenges and highlighting important historical figures.

Highlights

Actress Regina King discusses her role in the biopic 'Shirley' about Shirley Chisholm's historic run for president.

This is Regina King's first TV interview since the tragic death of her son, Ian.

Regina King has been a versatile talent in Hollywood for nearly 40 years, known for humanizing complex characters.

The 15-year journey to tell Shirley Chisholm's story reflects the actress's growth and readiness to portray such a significant figure.

Regina King's sister, Raina, co-produces and plays a key role in the film, highlighting the family's involvement.

The film 'Shirley' aims to inspire young people to engage with the political process and honor Shirley Chisholm's legacy.

Regina King's son, Ian, passed away by suicide in January 2022, and she dedicated the film to him.

The actress shares her journey of grief and the importance of honoring Ian's life and legacy.

Regina King's candid discussion about her son's mental health and the impact of depression.

The profound personal impact of her son's passing, and how it has changed her perspective on life.

Regina King's emotional connection to her son, recognizing his presence in her life and events.

The actress's struggle with acceptance and the guilt that often accompanies the loss of a child.

Regina King's reflection on the phrase 'happy sorrow' and its significance in her grieving process.

The importance of the words 'unbought' and 'unbossed' in describing Shirley Chisholm's legacy and Regina's own approach to life.

Regina King's readiness to return to the public eye and discuss both her film and her son's legacy.

The film 'Shirley' is set to release in select theaters and on Netflix globally, marking a significant moment for Regina King's career and the Chisholm legacy.

Transcripts

00:00

we're going to turn now to our GMA

00:02

coverage story I had the privilege of

00:03

sitting down with actress Regina King

00:05

who stars in the powerful new movie

00:08

Shirley about Shirley chism's historic

00:11

run for president Regina's return to the

00:13

screen and to the public comes two years

00:16

after the sudden death of her beloved

00:18

Son Ian this is her first TV interview

00:21

since that tragedy we talked about her

00:23

son's Legacy how she's been healing and

00:25

what she calls her favorite thing being

00:28

Ian's mom

00:32

for nearly 40 years she's reigned as one

00:34

of Hollywood's most versatile talents

00:37

that plane does not take off unless

00:39

we're both on it got it from her

00:41

breakout role in the 80s sitcom 227 to

00:45

her Oscar winning performance in if

00:48

beill Street could talk do you think I

00:50

came here to make you suffer Regina King

00:54

is known for humanizing complex

00:56

characters if I can't get the nomination

00:58

I can still get delegates including her

01:00

latest role starring in the biopic

01:03

Shirley how did you prepare to play

01:05

Shirley Chisum it's been a 15-year

01:08

Journey since we were going to tell

01:09

Shirley's story to now it actually

01:13

happening and I think 15 years ago I

01:16

wasn't ready to play Shirley I may have

01:19

thought that I was then but I wasn't

01:22

ready I needed to live more life Regina

01:24

is joined by her sister Raina who

01:27

co-produces and plays a key role in the

01:29

film that Chronicles Shirley chism's

01:32

political rise in

01:33

1972 as she becomes the first black

01:36

woman to run for president we felt like

01:40

there were so many people who did not

01:41

know who Shirley Chisum is who she was

01:46

who she is and that bugged us when

01:50

you're a first when when you set out to

01:53

do something that no one else has done

01:55

before there's no example of that for

01:57

you that's a lonely road to travel

02:00

yeah and it just so happens to be an

02:03

election year yeah we were like no it

02:06

needs to live and be in the space now um

02:10

so that if it's going to inspire anyone

02:13

especially young people to be involved

02:16

with the political process then we've

02:18

done something right and we've also

02:21

honored Shirley and we've um we'

02:24

followed through with what

02:27

Shirley is has unbought and boss for the

02:31

last couple of years Regina has been

02:33

taking much needed time away in January

02:37

of 2022 her Dear Son Ian tragically

02:40

passing away by Suicide you dedicated

02:43

the film to your beloved Ian youran what

02:47

has this time span these last two years

02:51

been like for you oh wow

02:54

um you know um I'm I'm I'm a different

03:00

person you know uh now than I was um

03:04

January

03:06

19th um I

03:08

[Music]

03:09

am grief is is is a journey you know I I

03:15

understand that um grief is love that

03:19

has no place to go I know that it's

03:22

important to

03:24

me

03:27

to honor Ian

03:31

in the

03:33

totality of of who he is speak about him

03:36

in the present because he is always with

03:39

me and the joy and happiness that he

03:43

gave all of us but behind that joy and

03:46

happiness Ian's mental health took a

03:49

toll when it comes

03:51

to um

03:54

depression that people expected to look

03:56

a certain way and they expected to look

03:59

look heavy

04:01

and um people expect that

04:10

um it's okay to have to experience this

04:15

and not be able to um have the um time

04:23

to just sit with Ian's Choice which I

04:27

respect and understand you know that he

04:30

didn't want to be here anymore and

04:32

that's a um a hard thing for other

04:37

people

04:38

to uh receive because they did not live

04:42

um our experience um did not live Ian's

04:46

journey I think a lot of people a lot of

04:50

people are going to appreciate that you

04:53

said it was his

04:55

choice and that you recognize that I was

05:00

so angry with God you know that why

05:05

would why

05:09

would that weight be given to Ian you

05:15

know of all of the things that we had

05:17

gone through with the therapy psych

05:21

psych with psychiatrists and programs

05:25

and and he just Ian was like I'm tired

05:29

of talking fing mom my favorite thing

05:31

about myself is being Ian's mom and I

05:35

can't say

05:37

that with a smile with tears with all of

05:41

the emotion that comes with that I can't

05:43

do that um if I did not um respect the

05:48

journey they close Bond always on full

05:51

display at Regina's Red Carpet Events I

05:55

I thought about him when you were on the

05:56

stage at the Oscars cuz you were wearing

05:58

orange that's his favorite color yes I

06:01

remember he used to escort you yeah to

06:04

so are there moments where he was always

06:07

there with you

06:08

physically that not not as a trigger but

06:11

is it oh it's a trigger is it absolutely

06:14

absolutely so sometimes it'll trigger um

06:19

just laughter most times um as of recent

06:24

it it triggers a smile um but sometimes

06:29

um

06:30

the absence his absence is really loud

06:34

Regina admits she still struggles with

06:37

acceptance sometimes you know it's a lot

06:40

of guilt

06:42

um comes over me when a parent loses a

06:47

child you still wonder what could I have

06:50

done to so that wouldn't have happened I

06:56

know that I

06:57

share this grief with um everyone but no

07:02

one else is Ian's mom you know only me

07:07

and so

07:09

um it's mine and the the sadness uh will

07:14

never go away it'll always be with me

07:17

and I think I saw um somewhere

07:22

uh the sadness is a reminder of how much

07:27

he means to me you know

07:30

happy sorrow is what my mother used to

07:32

call it happy

07:35

sorrow you said um something that

07:37

Shirley Chism what are the two words

07:40

unbought and

07:42

unbossed so what are two words for your

07:45

M to get what what would be your two

07:51

words I don't know that I can two

07:55

words I had two words for you do you Ian

07:59

Mom that's the first thought that came

08:01

to my mind I know you that's the first

08:04

thought that came to my mind but I was

08:06

like okay let me come up with something

08:08

more profound let me that's what I was

08:10

trying to but that was the first thought

08:12

that came to my mind that's all right

08:14

Ian's mom yeah she is she's such a

08:18

special special human being and she said

08:21

that often that she will feel his

08:22

presence or something will be said

08:24

somebody that she didn't know that her

08:26

son knew will say something and she

08:28

calls those her e Inspirations e

08:31

Inspirations named after her son but for

08:34

her to be able to find the strength at

08:38

this at this point um to sit down and

08:41

she was very we talked over the weekend

08:43

when she was at the Oscars and she said

08:44

I'm ready to talk uh you know this this

08:46

film that I'm doing is is very important

08:48

I know people want to talk about that I

08:50

want to be able to talk about my son I'm

08:52

not going to make him a poster child for

08:53

what's going on I want to talk about it

08:55

once and then but I love that thought

08:58

that he's always with her yeah yes yes

09:00

and so many wise Revelations I mean my

09:03

mouth was just open listening to the

09:04

wisdom come from her and she did say

09:06

something and and and I was telling

09:08

Rebecca about it and I wanted to come

09:10

out right she she is so appreciative of

09:13

the public and when she was at the Oscar

09:15

people were hitting her up on Instagram

09:17

like oh you're back they were great to

09:18

see her she said it's wonderful that

09:20

people and they have they're well

09:22

intended they're well they're they're

09:24

good intentions but she said when you

09:27

say to somebody who's lost a child or

09:29

gone that be strong she said getting out

09:31

of the bed is being strong you don't

09:33

need to say that to someone just

09:35

breathing just walking just being is

09:38

being strong yeah really beautiful and

09:41

surely I'm telling you it is a terrific

09:44

film it's in Select theaters Friday and

09:47

on Netflix globally on March 22nd well

09:51

hey there GMA fans Robin Roberts here

09:53

thanks for checking out our YouTube

09:55

channel lots of great stuff here so go

09:57

on click the Subscribe button but right

09:59

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10:02

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10:04

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10:07

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10:08

morning on GMA

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ReginaKingShirleyChisholmBiopicGriefJourneyMentalHealthHollywoodActressInspirationalInterviewPoliticalFirstsOscarWinnerMotherSonRelationship
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