Actor and acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Perry reacted to the death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss by sharing his previous struggles with mental health, revealing he attempted suicide “a couple of times.”
In a video posted to social media, Perry said he was shocked to hear of Boss’ death and chose to share his own story in hopes of helping those who are going through difficult times. Boss, a professional dancer and longtime DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” died Tuesday, Dec. 13, at a hotel in Los Angeles, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The 40-year-old died by suicide, a representative confirmed to the outlet.
“I’ve only met him a couple of times, and he was always full of life and seemed like such a light,” Perry said of Boss. Recalling his past traumas, the “Madea” actor said he was in such a dark place that he considered suicide on multiple occasions. “I didn’t think it would get any better,” he said. “I 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, to make this pain go away, is to end my life.” “Had any of those attempts happened, I would’ve missed the best part of my life,” Perry continued.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports suicide was a leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data shows that suicide rates among men were about four times higher than women’s, with Indigenous American men experiencing the highest rates (37.4 per 100,000). They’re followed by white, non-Hispanic men (27.0 per 100,000) and Black, non-Hispanic men (12.9 per 100,000). For women, rates of suicide were also highest among Indigenous Americans and those aged 45 to 64, according to the NIHM.
Perry encouraged those who may be struggling to reach out for help and “think about what the other side could be.” “It could be amazing,” the New Orleans-born director said. “And you could miss the best part of it going through the darkness. Don’t let the darkness stop you from getting to this incredible place of light.” Perry said he is the “happiest I’ve ever been,” and his life is “full of joy.” “I’m a living witness; you can make it through it,” he said. “And I’m so glad my attempts didn’t work.”
Someone could look so happy on the outside while enduring a significant battle on the inside. You may struggle with dark thoughts, but hope is on the other side. All you have to do is reach out for it. Some people might believe that asking for help is weak, but it’s the strongest thing you can do when you’re struggling. It shows that you recognize that you’re not going through life alone and some people are willing to help you. Unfortunately, some people believe their struggles are too powerful and give in to their dark thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.