How Big Sean’s Mom Let Go Of Her Acting Dreams to Support His Career
Big Sean's relationship with his mom was, perhaps, one of his biggest blessings on blessings on blessings.
When the "I Know" rapper told his mother Myra Anderson that he wanted to pursue a music career at just 11 years old, she was happy to nurture his passion. Despite their family's financial struggles, she supported his dreams at any cost—even at the expense of her acting aspirations.
"She knew what it was like to have a dream and chase it," Big Sean—whose real name is Sean Michael Anderson—told E! News in an exclusive interview. "She knew what it was like to pursue something and see it come to fruition, even if it was just for a little bit."
At the beginning of her career, Myra—mom to Sean, 37, and Brett, 41, with ex-husband James Anderson—found success in New York City doing commercials in her 20s.
"She made her dream come true to a certain extent," Sean said. "She was making a lot of money from doing commercials. She was living in Manhattan and had a nice apartment with my dad."
Myra and James went on to move to Los Angeles when Brett was a baby to focus on her acting career before eventually moving back to her hometown of Detroit to be closer to family. She began working at auto shows until she decided to step away from the spotlight for a more stable income in teaching.
"I knew I was never going to be able to pursue my acting career," Myra said in OWN's 2019 Behind Every Man docuseries. "We were struggling financially, but I would do anything to support my son, to help him fulfill his dream."
Sean—who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his most commercially successful album Dark Sky Paradise—understands the weight of her decision, especially now as a dad to his and Jhené Aiko's 2-year-old son Noah.
"When you have a kid, what they want to do is important," he told E!. "It's even more important when you see something they're passionate about. You want to do what you can to provide the launching pad."
But Myra's decisions didn't come without lasting consequences. From juggling multiple jobs to navigating overdue payments, it was difficult to make ends meet for years.
"I remember seeing her cry over bills and credit card statements when they would come in once in a while," Sean recalled. "Seeing her cry at the table, looking at that stuff, it really motivated me in some of my toughest, tired moments. That was probably when I was in middle school."
It's why when the "I Don't F--k With You" rapper found financial success through rap, he made sure to show his appreciation for his mom's endless dedication.
"It was something that I never let go of," he said. "I was able to help pay off her debt and buy her and my grandma a new crib out in the 'burbs."
With finances being so intrinsically tied to his childhood, his and Myra's collaboration with Chime and their new series Mama, I Made It to highlights their financial journey was the perfect choice.
"It aligned with our ideals and what they were going for," Sean explained. "I know how important it is to be financially literate and how important it is to consider taxes, to consider spending, to consider how much you really are making every single check."
In fact, he revealed that he has a huge portfolio of investments, including stocks, crypto, gold, silver, real estate and more.
"It's something that I'm passionate about," he continued. "I'm glad we were all able to align on. It's something my mom has instilled in me."
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