Tyrese visits his dad in STL for Father’s Day

Singer and actor Tyrese spent Father’s Day connecting with his St. Louis family during a surprise visit that he partly documented on Facebook Live. 

“I just popped up in St. Louis – where my father and my mother was raised,” Tyrese said in the video. “The majority of my physical family is out here in St. Louis.”

The Los Angeles native is a grandson of the late Bishop Willie Ellis, longtime pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church. He said Ellis told him his last name is Gibson because when unwed parents had a baby, the child was automatically given the mother’s last name. 

“My name would have been Tyrese Ellis,” Tyrese said. “But my father was given the last name Gibson. He was Tyrone Gibson and therefore my name is Tyrese Gibson.”

As he approached the residence, he gave context for the visit. 

“My father does not know I’m here,” he continued. “My father is dealing with stage four cancer – and I’m about to surprise him. I’ve had a strained relationship with my father over the years. But you’ve got to put all that stuff to the side.”

The actual reunion was private. Tyrese ended the video just as someone opened the door to the home.