Entertainment
Tyler Perry opens up about attempting suicide as he reflects on death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
‘Don’t let the darkness stop you from getting to this incredible place of life.’
Tyler Perry reflected on previous mental health struggles and suicide attempts int he wake of the death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss (Picture: Getty Images)
Tyler Perry has shared he has tried to take his own life in the past as he opens up following the death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss.
Dancer and TV star Boss died this week at the age of 40, with his wife Allison Holker confirming the news in a devastating statement on Wednesday.
Friends, family and fans have been paying tribute to the star as they reel from his sudden death, with actor Perry now opening up about his own ‘dark’ times.
Perry – who took part in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Netflix documentary where it was revealed he was asked to be their daughter Lilllibet’s godfather -pleaded with people to ‘reach out’ if they’re struggling, in an emotional video to social media.
Speaking amid reports Boss died by suicide, Perry said he was sharing his own story to help ‘any of you who are going through hard times, and struggling.’
In the video to Instagram, titled Life, he said he was ‘shocked’ by Boss’ death, recalling how every time he met him ‘he was always full of life… such a light.’
Perry, who recently appeared on Meghan and Harry’s new Netflix documentary, opened up about the ‘dark’ time in his life (Picture: Netflix)
Perry shared his raw and vulnerable story with followers on Instagram (Picture: Tyler Perry/ Instagram)
He went on: ‘With that said, I just want to take you back to a time in my life when I tried to commit suicide, a couple of times, because it was so dark I didn’t think it would get any better.’
Perry revealed he had ‘endured so much pain, so much abuse, sexual abuse, it was all so hard to just move through that I thought the only way to make this better was to end my life.’
He says he later realised that had ‘any of those attempts happened, I would’ve missed the best part of my life.’
The star pleaded with people to reach out for help, even though at the time ‘it may seem like there’s no hope.’
The entertainment world is reeling from the death of dancer Boss, who has been described as a ‘light’ (Picture: Getty)
The star pleaded with people to reach out for help (Picture: Tyler Perry/ Instagram)
Now in a far better place, the director said he rationalises it by considering ‘sometimes the pain is a buy-in.. what I mean by that is, all that pain, all that hell, all that struggle, if I had given up… I wouldn’t have seen the better part of my life. I was buying into something, I was paying for something.’
He says he is now ‘the happiest’ he has ever been, with a life ‘full of joy and love,’ and told anyone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide ‘please think about what the other side could be. It could be amazing.’
Sharing the number for the US National Suicide Prevention Lifelines, he added: ‘Don’t let the darkness stop you from getting to this incredible place of life.’
The Ellen Show star Boss was filmed dancing with his wife days before his death (Picture: Instagram/ allisonholker
He concluded: ‘I’m a living witness you can make it through it. I’m so glad my attempts didn’t work. I’m still alive.’
Boss’ wife Holker confirmed his death in a heart-wrenching statement to People Magazine on Wednesday which said: ‘‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. Stephen lit up every room he stepped into.
‘He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.’
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Paying tribute to the dancer, she finished: ‘Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.’
Boss is survived by his wife, and children Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
MORE : Dwayne Johnson and Jada Pinkett Smith lead tributes after Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss dies at 40
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