Jacob Perez Mourns Uncle Gus’s Passing

Jacob Perez Announces Uncle Gus’s Passing

During the early hours of June 16, Princeton Perez—better known by millions of fans simply as Princeton from the Grammy-nominated boy band Mindless Behavior—took to Instagram with gut-wrenching news: the death of his beloved Uncle Gus. In a lengthy post punctuated by broken hearts and doves, Perez revealed the dates “September 4th 1975 – JUNE 16th 2025” and lamented that “this world was too much for a beautiful soul & spirit like yours.”

He described his uncle as “the ❤️HEART❤️ of our family” and the “❤️LIGHT❤️ of our family,” adding that everyone needed a “Gus” in their life. Perez asked God to protect his uncle and thanked him for “lending” the special family member to them. His words captured both shock and deep pain—an outpouring that resonated far beyond his inner circle.

[Instagram post from @princetonperez]

Uncle Gus 💔🕊️ •September 4th 1975 – JUNE 16th 2025• … Rest In Eternal Peace… we’ll see u soon! 🕊️

Tracing Pérez’s Tribute Traditions

Honoring those who shaped his journey has long been a hallmark of Perez’s social media presence. Back on August 15, 2022, he posted an equally emotional tribute to his dance mentor Dave Scott, whom he met at age seven. That post recounted how Scott and his partner offered him free classes at their studio, believed in his talent and helped him secure a scholarship at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

[Instagram post from @princetonperez]

Dave❤️ … Rest In Peace ❤️ Never Stop Dancing

Career Evolution And Personal Growth

Born on September 20, 1996, in Los Angeles, Perez rose to international fame in 2010 as a founding member of Mindless Behavior. The group’s debut hit “My Girl” climbed into the Billboard Hot 100 top ten, launching a run that included sold-out world tours, television appearances and collaborations with top producers. When Mindless Behavior disbanded in 2017, Perez continued to carve his own path—releasing solo music, acting in scripted series and hosting virtual dance workshops for aspiring performers.

Offstage, he has served as an ambassador for mental health initiatives and youth arts programs, often citing the influence of trusted mentors and family pillars like Uncle Gus.

A Disneyland Connection

Perez’s caption hinted that Disneyland would never be the same without his uncle. Family insiders confirm that Mr. Gus worked at the park for more than a decade, charming visitors as a performer and storyteller. “He had the best laugh, the best smile, the best heart,” Perez wrote. Over the years, Princeton and Uncle Gus shared countless backstage moments—rides, photo props and late-night conversations that fans may never see on camera but that fueled the singer’s creative spirit.

Fans Rally With Support

Comments flooded in from celebrities, former bandmates and lifelong fans. Actress and dancer Debbie Allen sent prayers and memories of how Uncle Gus welcomed her young students during summer intensives. Former bandmate Prodigy left a string of heart emojis, while actress Zendaya posted a black heart in solidarity. Many recalled spontaneous meet-and-greets at Disneyland when Uncle Gus paused his afternoon shift just to say hello.

Community Impact And Philanthropy

Beyond music and performance, Perez and Uncle Gus partnered on community outreach at local youth centers. County youth programs benefited from joint book drives and dance workshops led by Perez in tribute to his uncle’s commitment to education and storytelling. In partnership with several arts foundations, they organized monthly visits that brought art and hope to under-resourced neighborhoods. Perez says maintaining this legacy will honor the generosity and devotion that defined Uncle Gus’s life.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

Perez closed his message by reflecting on a life “before Gus & life after Gus,” acknowledging that his family “will never be the same.” Yet amid the grief, he expressed gratitude for every story, every shared meal and every moment of unconditional support. Even as he faces this painful loss, Perez’s tribute underscores an unshakeable belief: that love and memory can keep a guiding light alive.

Through heartfelt posts, tearful captions and genuine calls for prayer, Jacob Perez has once again reminded fans why he remains one of today’s most authentic voices in pop music. While Disney’s gates will remain open, the absence of one unforgettable cast member will be felt in every corner of the kingdom—and in the heart of the singer who lost his Uncle Gus.

Trivia

Jacob Perez has collaborated with other artists in the contemporary R&B and pop genres to broaden his musical repertoire.

Reporter

Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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