Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the late Michael Jackson, has made his acting debut playing his uncle in the new biopic Michael, which premiered on April 24, 2026, to widespread critical praise.
Who Is Jaafar Jackson
Jaafar Jackson was born in July 1996 to Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. His father Jermaine is a singer, songwriter, and producer best known as a member of the iconic Jackson 5 alongside his brother Michael.
Jaafar has been singing and dancing since the age of 12 and released his first single, Got Me Singing, in 2019. He has appeared in family projects over the years, including The Jacksons: Next Generation in 2015 and Tito Jackson’s 2021 music video Love One Another. Michael marks his first major acting role.
Playing His Uncle on the Big Screen
Landing the role was not something Jaafar took lightly. Speaking at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on April 20, he told PEOPLE: “I knew to make my family proud. I knew I would have to have a work ethic that was incredible and really take on everything the way Michael would take it on.”
To prepare for the role, Jaafar spent time at the Jackson family’s California estate, Hayvenhurst, to connect with his uncle’s energy.
“I slept in many different rooms in the house just to feel the energy,” he told co-star Miles Teller for Interview Magazine. “Staying there allowed that to happen without forcing it. I was so fortunate to have that as my playground. Without that, I don’t think my performance would be what it is, honestly.”
Fans first saw Jaafar in the role through a November 2025 teaser trailer that showed him replicating his uncle’s iconic choreography.
Critics and Family React
When reviews for Michael were published ahead of the April 24 release, critics praised Jaafar’s performance, with many calling his portrayal of his uncle perfection. The film has also drawn some criticism for not including more controversial details of Jackson’s life.
Director Antoine Fuqua spoke about Jaafar’s casting in a statement to Variety in January 2023. “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
The praise extended to the Jackson family itself. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, said Jaafar embodies her son. “It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
His uncle Marlon was equally direct. “Jaafar is unbelievable. As a matter of fact, I think he’s the only one that could have done this. I’m watching the movie and sometimes I’m thinking I’m watching Michael up there, and I forget it’s Jaafar,” he told Entertainment Tonight in April 2026.
Humbled and Honored
When the casting was first announced in January 2023, Jaafar shared the news on Instagram with a black and white image of himself striking his uncle’s iconic pose.
“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life,” he wrote. “To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.”
Photo: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate ; Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty
