There’s hardly any music lover on this planet who hasn’t heard the name of Michael Jackson. Universally hailed as the King of Pop for his invigorating voice and out-of-the-world moves, his influence on pop culture is undeniable. MJ left the world too soon, on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, due to an improper dosage of medicinal drugs. His death shook the core of the entertainment industry, which left a void that hasn’t been filled yet. His shoes are just too big to fill.
However, an attempt at portraying the versatile performer’s incredible journey is being made by Antoine Fuqua, who will be directing a movie (Michael) based on Jackson’s life. While MJ’s moves and singing are hard to replicate, the director found a match in the Jackson family itself: the King of Pop’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
Meet Michael Jackson’s Nephew, Set to Star in Biopic Michael
Michael Jackson’s 27-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the late icon in the Lionsgate biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. The singer, dancer, and actor is the son of Jermaine Jackson, the King of Pop’s brother. He was born in Los Angeles and has been singing and dancing since the age of twelve. Seeing the striking resemblance to the Off the Wall hitmaker, The Replacement Killers director has hired Jaafar Jackson to helm Michael, which has a script by John Logan.
While many people are aware of Jackson’s talented brothers, fewer people know of the other prominent members of his family. Let us explore some other members of this late star’s family.
1. Janet Jackson
Though by no means unknown, Janet Jackson, 57, occasionally loses out to her older, late brother despite her exceptional talent and success. She forged her own route as a trailblazer in the music business, producing classic hits and even breaking through in a number of acting roles. She is the tenth and youngest child of the Jackson family.
She starred in the television series The Jacksons in 1976. Later, in the 1970s and early 1980s, she appeared in a number of television shows, including Fame, Diff’rent Strokes, and Good Times.
Among the greatest pop singers of all time, Janet Jackson is known for her captivating stage presence, socially conscious lyrics, and classic dance moves. Having sold more than 100 million records, she is also among the top-selling musicians globally.
2. Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson, the only daughter of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, is their second child. She was given names that honored her father, her grandmother, and the city in which she was conceived. She has continued her father’s musical career by participating in multiple bands, releasing EPs, and, in 2020, releasing her debut solo album, Wilted.
Her single Bandaid, which she told PEOPLE was “louder” and “more fun” than her previous hits Just You and Lighthouse, was released on February 24, 2023.
In addition, she works as an actress and model, having starred in the teen comedy Sex Appeal on Hulu and American Horror Story.
3. Prince Jackson
Born in Los Angeles on February 13, 1997, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., also known as Prince Jackson, was Michael Jackson’s first child with his ex-wife Debbie Rowe.
Known as Prince Michael Jackson, he was named after Macaulay Culkin and Elizabeth Taylor, who are his godparents. In collaboration with a friend, he co-founded Heal Los Angeles while attending Loyola Marymount University (via PEOPLE). Heal and a meal delivery service collaborated in 2020 to provide meals to people in need throughout the pandemic. He claimed his dad would have been “proud” of what he had accomplished. He shared with Fox Soul the sage advice his late father had given him years earlier about always seeking out new information.
“And my father also would say something along the lines of, ‘The minute that you stop learning is the minute that you’re going to start dying.”
A passionate motorcyclist, he maintains a YouTube channel featuring his rides throughout California, as well as a few videos in which he reviews films with his brother and cousin.
4. La Toya Jackson
La Toya Jackson, the middle daughter and fifth child of the Jackson family, has experienced a turbulent career in the spotlight, frequently drawing notice for her candor and occasionally provocative remarks. Nevertheless, she has succeeded in establishing herself as a versatile talent in spite of the intense scrutiny.
In addition to enjoying some success in the music industry, Jackson has been a successful author, actress, model, and philanthropist. Notable among the famous family for her persistence as well as her determination to take pride in herself, she is also a former New York Times best-selling author. Her 1980 self-titled debut album and the 1984 single Heart Don’t Lie were her two most popular releases in the US.
Also Read: Michael Jackson Went to Extreme Lengths to Play a Marvel Hero Who Made MCU Debut Just a Year Ago
From La Toya’s trailblazing presence to Janet’s captivating performances and Prince’s artistry, the Jackson family has an amazing legacy of talent.
