Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him ‘act special needs’ to collect government checks

Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him 'act special needs' to collect government checks

As I reflect upon this heart-wrenching tale of loss and resilience, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Mr. Gibson. His life, much like a rollercoaster, has been a tumultuous journey filled with highs and lows, laughter and tears, successes and setbacks. The recent passing of his mother, coupled with the loss of loved ones such as Paul Walker and John Singleton, is indeed a heavy burden to bear.


Tyrese Gibson disclosed that, as a child, his mom would make him pretend to have certain limitations or special requirements, so they could receive financial assistance from the government.

In a recent episode of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, hosted by King Gillie and Wallace ‘Wallo267’ Peeples, the star of Fast & Furious shared insights about his mother’s past plan.

45-year-old Gibson shared with Gillie and Peeples, causing them to laugh, “Mom would take us to the Social Security office where we’d play checkers.” He then jokingly said, “$780 in cold hard cash, food stamps, if you will.”

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share the thrill as they all burst into laughter, mentioning that the man we know as Gibson started off with his first acting role. But here’s something truly fascinating – his very first director was none other than his mother, Priscilla Murray Gibson!

In February 2022, Priscilla passed away following a struggle against both COVID-19 and pneumonia. Gibson, affectionately referring to his mother as ‘My dear Valentine,’ shared multiple updates regarding her health condition after she slipped into a coma during the same month.

Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him 'act special needs' to collect government checks

Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him 'act special needs' to collect government checks

As the trio continued to laugh, Gillie said: ‘Rest in peace to the legend.’ 

Gibson confessed that he had never before revealed it publicly, but he acknowledged that his mother was the one who raised him. (Informal paraphrase)

‘Aye, you can’t arrest my mama n****, she gone – f*** outta here, the government.

‘We passed the window of opportunity,’ the Baby Boy actor added. 

He shared that they were instructed to behave in such a manner, enabling Priscilla to maintain her role as a working mother with their cooperation.

Gibson stated that each item cost $762 individually. He also mentioned that Priscilla often advised them to wait before responding and intentionally give the impression of struggling with tests.

In simpler terms, Gibson stated, “I was intelligent even at the age of eight, and I’ve always excelled academically, making me an ‘A’ student. Despite being from a tough neighborhood, I’ve always been able to express myself effectively and intelligently.”

He admitted that although he has ‘behavioral problems’ and was the ‘class clown,’ he was never a ‘dummy.’ 

Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him 'act special needs' to collect government checks

Gibson remembered a conversation he had with a government employee, a woman who appeared to be Caucasian, who seemed to treat him as if he were intellectually impaired when she presented a puzzle for him.

‘You’re like I gotta get this money for mama,’ Peeples said. 

Accompanied by his mom, Gibson declared that he followed her instructions precisely and feigned ignorance when it came to assembling the puzzle.

Indeed, it seemed clear that you possessed some hidden theatrical talent, Giles remarked to him, noting that even his own two sisters hadn’t displayed such abilities like you did.

“Gibson stated, chuckling, that it’s unlikely the Social Security Building would have suspected that four of you were causing trouble. Thus, we managed to escape with just two.”

Following his mother’s painful passing, Gibson posted a heartwarming video on Instagram, showing him holding her hand at the hospital, accompanied by a moving tribute about her.

In a touching tribute, Gibson expressed, ‘May you find eternal rest, Mom. You battled valiantly, but alas, fate had other plans. Oh, how I regret this turn of events, dear Mother. Forevermore, I promise to hold your hand, if only in spirit.’

‘Wherever I travel in the future, I will always want you by my side, just like you held my hand when I was young. So, mom, I’ll need you to hold my hand through every step of this life, alright?’ This is how the video concluded.

He added in the caption, ‘On behalf of my family and everyone who ever spent anytime praying tor my mother This is the saddest moment of my life………. My sweet Valentine just passed away.

Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him 'act special needs' to collect government checks
Actor Tyrese Gibson reveals his mom made him 'act special needs' to collect government checks

Let us pray that Jesus Christ and His heavenly angels may grant her passage into Heaven, enveloping her in their loving embrace… As a family, we’re devastated and find it hard to accept the reality of this situation.

‘May the lord Jesus Christ honor your walk with him and embrace you into the heavens. 

From now on, I kindly request that we stay connected, MOTHER, like you did when I was a child and a teenager. Let’s hold hands as a symbol of your unwavering support and guidance, just as you did then. – Gibson concluded.

Multiple famous personalities extended their encouragement, such as Snoop Dogg, who expressed, “Keep your strength, I’ll visit you this week if you’d like to pray together and share a comforting embrace.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has acted with Gibson in Fast & Furious films, expressed his sorrow by saying, ‘I’m truly sorry about this, my brother. She was incredibly proud of everything you are and have accomplished. My deepest sympathies and love go out to you and your family.’

Just last week, the Four Brothers star was overcome with emotions as he spoke about grief on an episode of The Breakfast Club.

He stopped by the radio program to discuss his upcoming album Beautiful Pain and his new film 1992, which features both him and the late Ray Liotta. 

The tears flowed when host Charlamagne Tha God asked how Gibson copes with the loss of loved ones, including his mother, two sisters, Fast & Furious co-star Paul Walker, and Baby Boy director John Singleton. 

‘I’m doing the best I can with every 24 hours I get,’ he responded, as his eyes welled up. 

Charlamagne rose to hug him and offer tissues, but Gibson declined and said: ‘This is what grown is. Black men cry.’

As a lifestyle advisor, I’ve personally experienced the heartache of losing beloved family members. In 2021 and 2023, I mourned the passing of my mother and two sisters, Salendra and Shonta Gibson. These losses have undeniably left an indelible mark on my life.

Additionally, he deeply lamented the demise of his peers in the industry: Director John Singleton, who sadly passed away in 2019, and Paul Walker, his co-star from 2 Fast 2 Furious, who tragically died in a car accident in 2013.

Additionally, he’s endured the pain of two divorces and ongoing custody battles. 

From 2007 to 2009, he was in a marital relationship with Norma Mitchell, and they have a 17-year-old daughter named Shayla together.

In the year 2020, his second union with Samantha Gibson came to an end through separation, marking four years together. They share a six-year-old child named Soraya.

‘This is some real s*** out here. I’mma wipe my own tears,’ Gibson continued. ‘When you do things from the heart, it affects hearts.’ 

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2024-08-26 22:49

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