Mario Van Peebles opened up about the final moments with his legendary father, Melvin Van Peebles.
The “Godfather of Black Cinema” transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday (September 21) at his home in Manhattan.
He was 89.
In a video posted on his Instagram page, Mario said a lot of people have been asking him how his father died.
Mario first noted, “Well, as this so-called Godfather of modern Black cinema…he’s not just my dad…he’s your dad too.”
He went on to share how he “felt very strongly” that his father would not want to pass at a hospital.
So, he made sure Mr. Melvin was at home.
When he came through the door, he had such a look of relief and joy on his face and I just let that wash over me.
Mario Van Peebles said he wanted to stay in the room with his father, so he slept on a cot beside him.
Around 2:30 a.m. for some reason I woke up.
I felt something and I went over to dad and I didn’t turn the light on – I put my hand on his chest and I said, ‘Daddy, I love you.’
And he had stopped breathing.
Watch below as Mario shares his final moments with his father.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to the Van Peebles family during their time of sorrow.
May Mr. Melvin Van Peebles rest in paradise.
