Michael Jackson, a global icon since his Jackson 5 debut in the mid-1960s, remained world-famous throughout his life. At his peak, he was arguably the most beloved figure on Earth. Even after his passing in 2009, the Thriller singer endures as one of the planet’s most renowned pop stars.
List of 10 Interesting Facts About Michael Jackson
Love for Animals:
Jackson’s affection for animals began in childhood with German Shepherds and a pet rat named Ben. At Neverland Ranch, he maintained a private zoo featuring orangutans, giraffes, llamas, flamingos, and even an elephant.
| Facts | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Family Background | Born to Joseph Jackson, a boxer and crane operator, and Katherine Esther Scruse. Came from a large family. |
| Spider-Man Dream | Michael Jackson aspired to portray Spider-Man in the late ’90s and tried to buy Marvel Comics for this purpose. |
| Pepsi Mishap | Jackson suffered severe burns during a Pepsi commercial, leading to his interest in plastic surgery. |
| Neverland Ranch Scandal | In 2003, Neverland Ranch was raided, uncovering controversial items, supporting child sexual abuse allegations. |
| Marital Affairs | Brief marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Deborah Jeanne Rowe, resulting in children. |
| Entertainment Legacy | Michael Jackson’s influence in music, dance, and fashion is enduring and defines him as a global entertainment icon. |
| Innovative Dancer | Invented a special shoe and patented it to achieve his famous 45-degree tilt in the “Smooth Criminal” video. |
| Love for Animals | Maintained a private zoo at Neverland Ranch, reflecting his lifelong love for animals. |
| Financial Ups and Downs | Despite earning vast sums, Jackson faced significant debt due to extravagant spending. |
| Jehovah’s Witness | Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Jackson and his family continued to spread their faith even after relocating. |
Financial Ups and Downs:
Despite earning a staggering $1.1 billion (or $2 billion adjusted for inflation) during his lifetime, Jackson’s lavish spending habits left him with approximately $350 million in debt at his death.
Jehovah’s Witness:
Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness after his mother’s conversion in 1963, Jackson and his family continued to spread their faith, even after moving to California.
Family Background:
Born to Joseph Jackson, a boxer and crane operator, and Katherine Esther Scruse, a devout Jehovah’s Witness who also worked part-time in a department store, Michael hailed from a large family with three sisters and five brothers.
Dream of Being Spider-Man:
Michael Jackson had a serious ambition to portray Spider-Man in a movie during the late ’90s. He even attempted to buy Marvel Comics when it faced bankruptcy, though this venture ultimately fell through.
Pepsi Mishap:
Jackson’s $5 million deal with Pepsi-Cola led to a severe injury during a commercial shoot, causing burns to his face and scalp. This incident marked the beginning of his experimentation with plastic surgery.
Neverland Ranch Scandal:
In 2003, a raid on Jackson’s Neverland Ranch uncovered adult pornography, pictures of animal cruelty, and books containing semi-nude images of children. The prosecution argued that Jackson had used pornography to groom underage accusers.
Marital Affairs:
Jackson’s first marriage, in 1994, to Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, lasted only 19 months. His second marriage, in 1996 to Deborah Jeanne Rowe, produced two children, but this union also ended in 1999.
Entertainment Legacy:
Michael Jackson’s legacy transcends as one of the greatest entertainers in history. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion solidify his global influence.
Innovative Dancer:
In his 1988 video for “Smooth Criminal,” Jackson executed an impossible 45-degree tilt. To achieve this, he invented a special shoe and patented the design.
Michael Jackson’s life was a complex narrative, marked by unparalleled success, personal turmoil, and a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
