Film star was devastated when her 'big love' took his life after their breakup

Renée Zellweger was left distraught when her ex-boyfriend Sims Ellison died after their romantic relationship ended.

The name Renée Zellweger will mean something to anybody who’s a fan of the movies. Gradually establishing a presence in the early 1990s through movies like Dazed And Confused, she later went on to become a Hollywood star thanks to parts in big hitters like Jerry Maguire, later leading the Bridget Jones’s Diary series that established her without any doubt as a bankable lead. From Chicago to Judy, she has starred in a range of acclaimed efforts over the years, even winning the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the 2019 biopic. No stranger to tragedy in her roles, sadly that extends to her private life…

Renée Zellweger was dating musician Sims Ellison in the ’90s

Renée was dating musician Sims Ellison in the early ’90s, and they became a well-known and much-loved couple in the Austin, Texas music scene.

Sims was born in Texas and began to build a reputation in the scene as the bass guitarist for the rock band Pariah.

She was coming up as an actress and he as a musician, binding them as a power celebrity couple admired by those in their company. However, the couple stayed together for around five years before she broke things off.

Tragically, roughly two years after their relationship ended, Sims took his own life on June 6th 1995, at the age of 28.

“His death wasn’t very long after [they broke up],’ Sims’ mother Bonnie told the Daily Mail in an interview.

“[Renée] was moving to Florida, and he wasn’t. Doctors say that when you’re already mentally ill, there are triggering events – you’re depressed already, and then something terrible happens that makes you more depressed.”

Renée spoke at Sims’ funeral and continues to pay tribute

Sims was suffering from a major depression in the years following his break-up with Renée, and sadly his band Pariah was dumped from their record label Geffen Records shortly before he passed.

“He never left a note,” Bonnie explained. “He’d already tried to kill himself but his brother Kyle took the gun away from him. So he went and got another. That’s why I’m against the gun laws.”

Bonnie and Renée got on well. “I was the sales lady for the Pariah T-shirt booth and [Renée] always helped me,” she said. “It was clear that he loved her a lot. Renée was his favorite girlfriend.”

The acclaimed actress spoke at Sims’ funeral. “I don’t remember what she said,” Bonnie admitted, “but I’m sure it was wonderful. She always was a good public speaker.”

Renée again paid tribute to her ex at the Austin Music Awards to honor the 20th anniversary of his death. She was there as an honorary presenter. Leaving behind a legacy, the Sims Foundation charity, started in his name, is a local Austin organization that helps musicians grappling with their mental health.

“Renée has acknowledged that Sims was her big love,” Bonnie once told RadarOnline.com.

If you are affected by any issues raised in the article or would like someone to speak to, please call the Samaritans for free on 116 123. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch in the UK. In the US, please visit Samaritans USA for more information.

You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Or text 741741 to get in touch with the Crisis Text Line. Americans can now call or text 988 to reach out and speak to a counselor.

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