Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 22, 2025 · Entertainment

Regina King Honors Late Son with a New Venture: A Tribute in Every Sip

Regina King, 54, has honored her late son by learning to 'live in the moment,' three years after his death. 'I one thousand percent live in the moment more' she told Haute Living Los Angeles;  Pictured in Los Angeles in November 2019

REGINA KING HONORS HER LATE SON WITH NEW WINE BRAND: "HE'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"

In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring move, Oscar-winning actress Regina King has unveiled her new orange wine brand, MianU (pronounced me and you), as a tribute to her late son Ian Alexander Jr. The 54-year-old star has revealed that she's been living in the moment more since his tragic passing three years ago, and this latest venture is just one of many ways she's keeping his memory alive.

A PAINFUL YET TRANSFORMATIVE TIME

Ian, whom she shared with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr, died by suicide in January 2022 at age 26. She called him 'such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others';  Pictured in Pasadena, CA in February 2014

The COVID-19 pandemic and Ian's untimely death by suicide in January 2022 sent shockwaves through King's life. In a candid interview with Haute Living Los Angeles, she revealed how her approach to life has changed dramatically since then. "Now, I understand that sadness and happiness can be happening at the same time," she explained, her voice filled with a mix of pain and wisdom.

For those who may not know, Ian was a 26-year-old with a bright light and a deep love for art, flavor, and people. His mom described him as "such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others" when announcing his passing. It's clear that she's still grappling with her loss, but also finding ways to keep his memory alive.

IAN'S LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH MIA NU

King has launched a new wine brand, MianU (Me-and-You,) in Ian's memory and thinks of him when she pours a glass. 'Always in this moment, I can see his face,' she said

MianU is not just any wine brand – it's a labor of love created by Regina King herself, inspired by her son's passion for art and life. "It was lan who first introduced me to orange wine," she revealed on social media. "Its playful and complex flavors capture his taste and talent for transforming everyday moments into something exceptional."

The name MianU is more than just a clever play on words; it's a reflection of the bond between Regina and Ian. As she explained, "Inspired by lan’s deep love for art, flavor, and the people around him, I created a wine that celebrates the beauty of connection." It's clear that this new venture is not only a tribute to her son but also a way for King to create something new and meaningful in his memory.

FRIENDS AND FANS RALLY AROUND REGINA KING

The actress said she loves to talk about her son. 'I just don¿t have the chance to create new memories... But I¿m not focused on that. This is my way of creating something new, together';  Pictured in New York City August 13

The actress has received an outpouring of support from friends, fans, and fellow celebrities. Ava Duvernay, the director behind films like "Selma" and "When They See Us," praised King's new endeavor, writing, "This is a great legacy." Other notable supporters include Tisha Campbell Martin, WNBA star Lisa Leslie, and numerous fans who've pledged their support for MianU.

A NEW BEGINNING

Regina King's journey has been one of pain, transformation, and ultimately, love. Her new wine brand is just the latest chapter in her story, a testament to the power of memory and legacy. As she sips on a glass of MianU, she's reminded of Ian every moment – and for those who never got to meet him, this new venture offers a chance to experience his spirit.

As King herself said, "For people who never got the chance to dance with Ian, maybe they’ll be curious. Maybe they’ll ask. His name is right there, in the middle of it all. He’ll never be forgotten."