For Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the role of his uncle Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic “Michael” is more than a career milestone; it is a deeply personal journey.
The Jackson 5, the family’s original breakout group, featured brothers including Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson, whose son is Jaafar Jackson — making him Michael’s nephew.
GettyAmerican singer Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, and Randy and their father Joseph, circa 1971.
Formed during the Motown era, the group also included Tito, Jackie, and Marlon Jackson, and rose to global fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.”
In an interview on “TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle,” Jaafar shared how he is approaching the responsibility of portraying one of the most influential figures in music history, whose legacy continues to shape generations following his death in 2009 at age 50.
Jaafar Jackson Shares What It Took to Bring Michael Jackson to Life
“There’s definitely a responsibility that you feel going into something this big,” he said, as per Today.
“There are so many moments that I wanted to nail and make sure I had the true essence and that feeling. I had to feel it to make sure I believed in it, first.”
He added that earning the role was a deeply personal journey. “It was a process that I really had to earn, and it really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off,” he said.
Childhood Memories Offer Personal Connection to the Role
For Jaafar, this role is not just about stepping into the spotlight. It is about honoring a bond rooted in family, memory, and the moments he shared with his uncle.
“I remember just growing up, and we would have family time. Michael would come over to where I was growing up … and we’d have some some days where we’d all get together, play family game day,” he said.
He also recalled time spent at Neverland, where childhood moments were filled with laughter.
“We’d have wonderful times at Neverland and just playing hide-and-go-seek, getting as much candy, going on rides, watching movies. It was all fun.”
Those experiences, he said, allowed him to connect with the role on a deeper emotional level.
Jaafar Jackson Reflects on Family Support and Carrying the Jackson Legacy Forward
Jackson said stepping into the role has been made possible by the unwavering support of his family, something he described as both grounding and deeply meaningful.
“I honestly wouldn’t be able to pull this off if I didn’t have the support,” he shared, calling their encouragement “heartwarming.”
That support has been visible from the very beginning. His grandmother, Katherine Jackson, publicly backed the casting when it was first announced, expressing pride in seeing the legacy continue.
“Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” she said in a public statement obtained by Today at the time.
As the son of Jermaine Jackson, Jackson carries a direct connection to one of music’s most influential families, adding a personal depth to the role that goes far beyond performance.
Inside ‘Michael’ and What to Expect
“Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, traces the life and legacy of the King of Pop, marking a meaningful milestone for Jaafar Jackson in his first major acting role.
For Jackson, the opportunity carries both professional weight and personal significance, and he approached it with a deep sense of responsibility.
He shared that preparing for the role required careful attention to both performance and authenticity, with a focus on capturing the subtle details that made his uncle, Michael Jackson, so distinctive.
“I wanted to set goals for myself to nail the mannerisms. It was the vocal of it, it was just his essence and how he goes about in a conversational way,” he said, as per Today.
“But I wanted to make sure I had everything in a balanced way. I didn’t want the dancing to outdo the acting and the acting outdo the dancing.”
With it being his first major role, Jackson said he worked to fully immerse himself while keeping the performance natural and grounded.
“I wanted to really embody it completely and do it in a way where it feels natural, like it feels like I’m a seasoned actor. Since it’s my first time, I wanted to approach it in that sense.”
MICHAEL – in theaters & IMAX April 24. Get however many seats you need today: t.co/BfqGd8v6oI
The film also features a strong ensemble cast, including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Kendrick Sampson, and Larenz Tate, and is set to open on April 24.
While the project has sparked both excitement and conversation, Jackson has remained focused on honoring his uncle’s legacy with care and respect.
“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” he shared in an Instagram post in 2023.
Jaafar is also a singer and dancer whose 2019 track “Got Me Singing” has drawn more than 10 million views on YouTube, reflecting his early connection with audiences.
He has also made select on-screen appearances, including a 2015 episode of “The Jacksons: Next Generation” and a role in the 2021 music video for his uncle Tito Jackson’s single “Love One Another,” quietly building his path within the family’s musical legacy.
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