In an emotional homage to Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who took his own life at the age of 40, Tyler Perry reminisced on the “dark” events in his life that prompted him to attempt suicide.
Thursday, the 52-year-old actor turned to Instagram to share his personal experiences in an effort to encourage anyone “going througtough times” or “struggling.”
“Having said that, I’d want to take you back to a moment in my life when I attempted suicide multiple times because I didn’t believe things could get much worse. I had undergone so much suffering, so much physical and sexual abuse, that I believed the only way to make things better was to take my own life.
“Had any of these attempts been successful, I would have lost the best years of my life,” he concluded.
The “Madea” actress then urged individuals to “reach out to someone” and “ask for assistance” even if they feel “hopeless.”
He completed the video by stating that he is “the happiest I’ve ever been” before imploring people once more to call 1-800-273-TALK, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (8255).
“Life is full of happiness and love, two things I never expected to experience. Please, please, please ponder what could be on the other side if you are contemplating suicide or ending your life. You have already been through a great deal of suffering. It might be incredible. And if you went through the darkness, you would miss the finest part. Don’t allow the gloom prevent you from reaching this amazing position in life.”
Boss was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the toilet of his Encino, California motel room on Tuesday morning.
Staff at the Oak Tree Inn told TMZ that the “Ellen DeGeneres” DJ did not appear noticeably distressed when he checked in with a little overnight bag on Monday night.
Holker opened her message to People by saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must inform you that my husband, Stephen, has left us.” “Stephen illuminated every room he entered. He placed family, friends, and community above all else, and he placed the utmost importance on leading with love and light.
She continued, “He was the pillar of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his admirers,” adding that she will “always save the last dance” for him.
Weslie, 14, Maddox, 6, and Zaia, 3, are the only surviving members of the deceased actor’s family.
Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you or someone you know is affected by any of the topics addressed in this article.
»Tyler Perry recalls his own suicide attempts following the passing of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss«