Actor Tyrese Gibson revealed that his mother made him act like he had ‘special needs’ so their family could collect government checks when he was younger.
The Fast & Furious star opened up about his late mother’s scheme in a recent episode of the podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game hosted by King Gillie and Wallace ‘Wallo267’ Peeples.
‘My mama used to make us go to the social security building and play re*****,’ Gibson, 45, told Gillie and Peeples as they both broke out laughing. ‘$780 straight up, government cheese n*****,’ he added.
The three of them continued to chuckle and said that was Gibson’s ‘first acting gig’ and that his mother, Priscilla Murray Gibson was his ‘first director.’
Priscilla died in February 2022 after battling COVID and pneumonia. Gibson, who called his mother ‘My sweet valentine,’ posted numerous updates about her health after she fell into a coma earlier that month.
Actor Tyrese Gibson revealed that his mother made him act like he had ‘special needs’ so their family could collect government checks
Priscilla died in February 2022 after battling COVID and pneumonia. (pictured: The mother and son in an undated photo)
As the trio continued to laugh, Gillie said: ‘Rest in peace to the legend.’
Gibson replied: ‘My mama put me on!’ He admitted that he never shared this about his mother publicly until then.
‘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 explained that he and his brother were told to act that way so Priscilla could support them as a working mother.
‘It was $762 a piece,’ Gibson said, adding that Priscilla would tell them to ‘delay ya’ll answers,’ and to ‘purposely act’ like they couldn’t pass tests.
‘And I’m smart, at eight-years-old I was sharp – I’ve always been a A student. I’m a hood n**** but I’ve always been a communicator, and always been smart,’ Gibson said.
He admitted that although he has ‘behavioral problems’ and was the ‘class clown,’ he was never a ‘dummy.’
He explained he and his three siblings were all told to act that way by her so she could support them as a working mother. (pictured: The actor and Priscilla in 2003)
Gibson recalled an interaction he had with one of the government workers, a white lady that talked to him like he was ‘slow’ as she placed a puzzle in front of him.
‘You’re like I gotta get this money for mama,’ Peeples said.
With his mother by his side, Gibson said he did exactly what she said and pretended to not know how to put the puzzle together.
‘Yeah, she knew you had a little acting in you,’ Giles told him as Gibson said he never remembered his two sisters doing the same.
‘I don’t think that the social security building would’ve been able to believe that four of ya’ll n***** f****** up,’ Gibson said as he broke out in laughter. ‘So we could get away with two.’
After his mother’s heartbreaking death, Gibson took to Instagram and shared a touching video of him holding her hand in the hospital, along with a heartfelt message about her.
‘Rest in peace. You fought, mom, you fought. Oh my God I’m so sorry this happened mom. I’m gonna hold your hand for the rest of my life, OK,’ Gibson said in the video through tears.
‘Everywhere I go, I’m gonna hold your hand, the way you held my hand when I was a kid. Every journey this life takes me to from here on, you’re gonna hold my hand mom, OK?’ he said as the video ended.
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.
He admitted that although he has ‘behavioral problems’ and was the ‘class clown,’ he was never a ‘dummy.’ pictured: Gibson on August 25, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia)
After his mother’s heartbreaking death, Gibson took to Instagram and shared a touching video of him holding his mother’s hand in the hospital, along with a heartfelt message about her
‘May the lord Jesus Christ and his angels open the doors of heavens and embrace her………. We as a family are broken and just can’t believe this.
‘May the lord Jesus Christ honor your walk with him and embrace you into the heavens.
‘From here on I ask that you HOLD MY HAND MOTHER and never let my hand go………. Like you held my hand as a child and a teen never let my hand go mother…..,’ Gibson concluded.
A number of celebrities offered their support like Snoop Dogg, who said, ‘Stay strong I’ll come c u this week if u like to pray with u and hug u.’
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who previously starred in Fast & Furious movies alongside Gibson, added, ‘So so sorry about this brother. She was so proud of all you are and have become. Deepest condolences & love sent your way 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.’
Gibson has faced significant personal losses, including the death of his mother, and his two sisters, Salendra and Shonta Gibson, in 2021 and 2023.
He also mourned the loss of industry colleagues: Baby Boy director Singleton, who passed away in 2019, and 2 Fast 2 Furious co-star Walker, who died in a 2013 car crash.
Additionally, he’s endured the pain of two divorces and ongoing custody battles.
He was married to Norma Mitchell from 2007 to 2009 and shares a 17-year-old daughter, Shayla, with her.
His second marriage to Samantha Gibson ended in separation in 2020 after four years, and they have a 6-year-old daughter, 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.’
