Ian Alexander Sr.: 5 Essential Facts About Regina King's Ex-Husband And Qwest Records Executive
Ian Alexander Sr. remains a figure of quiet intrigue, primarily known for his decade-long marriage to Oscar-winning actress Regina King and his significant professional career as a music executive and former actor. As of today, December 22, 2025, the narrative surrounding him is one of profound privacy and shared, enduring grief following the tragic passing of his only son, Ian Alexander Jr., in January 2022.
While he has largely withdrawn from the public eye, his professional legacy in the music industry, particularly his high-ranking role at Qwest Records, and his co-parenting relationship with Regina King, which became a model of amicable post-divorce partnership, continue to define his public profile.
Ian Alexander Sr. Biography and Profile
Ian Alexander Sr. is a Canadian-born former actor, music executive, and media personality who achieved prominence through his career in entertainment and his marriage to Hollywood star Regina King.
- Full Name: Ian Alexander Sr. Desdune
- Date of Birth: April 8, 1956
- Age (as of January 2025): 68 years old
- Place of Birth: Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Ex-Wife: Regina King (Married 1997; Divorced 2007)
- Child: Ian Alexander Jr. (Son, 1996–2022)
- Professions: Former Vice President of Qwest Records, Music Executive, Record Producer, Actor, Media Personality
- Notable Career Affiliations: Qwest Records, Warner Bros.
The Professional Legacy: From Acting to Qwest Records Executive
While many know Ian Alexander Sr. as Regina King's ex-husband, his career in the entertainment industry was substantial and multifaceted, spanning both acting and high-level music executive roles.
A Brief Acting Career
Alexander Sr. began his career as an actor, appearing in several television series. Although he kept a relatively low profile compared to his ex-wife, his credits include a number of notable shows.
His acting appearances showcased his early involvement in the media world before he transitioned into the music business. Confirmed television credits for the Canadian actor include:
- Masters of Horror
- The Chris Isaak Show
- Animal Miracles
The Music Industry Powerhouse
Ian Alexander Sr.'s most significant professional impact came from his work in the music industry. He was a highly respected record producer and music executive.
His most prominent role was as the Vice President of Qwest Records, a label co-founded by legendary music icon Quincy Jones.
In this executive capacity, he was instrumental in the business side of music, handling distribution for numerous companies, including the massive conglomerate Warner Bros. His work involved the complex logistics of getting music to the public, a crucial role that cemented his status as a key player behind the scenes.
This period of his career, working closely with major industry entities, is what established his financial and professional standing long before his marriage to Regina King brought him further into the celebrity spotlight.
The Enduring Co-Parenting Bond with Regina King
Ian Alexander Sr. and Regina King married in 1997 and divorced a decade later in 2007. While celebrity divorces often turn acrimonious, King has publicly stated that they worked hard to mend their post-marriage relationship for the sake of their son, Ian Alexander Jr.
The actress noted that after observing an uncomfortable distance between them, they made a conscious decision to foster a positive, present co-parenting environment. This commitment to a healthy relationship, even after the marriage ended, is a testament to their shared dedication as parents.
Their ability to remain close friends and supportive co-parents became an inspiring example in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of putting their child first.
The Shared Grief of Losing Ian Alexander Jr.
The most recent and defining chapter in Ian Alexander Sr.'s public life is the shared, devastating loss of his son, Ian Alexander Jr., who died by suicide in January 2022, just days after his 26th birthday.
Ian Alexander Jr. was an aspiring DJ and musician who was working on his debut album, *Clementine*. The tragedy brought the parents, Regina King and Ian Alexander Sr., together in a shared, profound grief that continues to be a central topic in King's public appearances and interviews.
Regina King has spoken openly about her healing process, which inherently involves the memory of their son and the life they shared as a family. She has discussed reading her late son's journals and the difficulty of navigating the loss, a pain that Ian Alexander Sr. shares privately.
The public discussion surrounding the death of Ian Alexander Jr. has also sparked important conversations about mental health awareness, especially in the context of young Black men, making the family's tragedy a catalyst for broader social impact.
Ian Alexander Sr.'s Current Private Life
Since his divorce and, more significantly, following the loss of his son, Ian Alexander Sr. has maintained an extremely private life.
He has largely withdrawn from the public spotlight, choosing a life away from the media scrutiny that often follows celebrity ex-spouses. This decision aligns with the profile of a man who spent much of his career working behind the scenes as a music executive.
While his net worth and current professional activities are not publicly detailed, his legacy as a former Vice President of Qwest Records, a successful record producer, and a dedicated father remains clear.
His story today is less about his past celebrity marriage and more about his quiet life, his professional achievements, and his enduring, private bond with Regina King as they navigate their shared journey of loss.
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