As the highly anticipated biographical drama Michael prepares for its global theatrical release this Friday, April 24, 2026, all eyes are on its leading man, Jaafar Jackson. Portraying his late uncle, the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, the 29-year-old actor is stepping into the spotlight for his feature film debut. Beyond his physical transformation for the role, fans are increasingly curious about the man behind the makeup and his long-term partner, Maddie Simpson. ‘Michael’ Release Date, Cast – Know About Jaafar Jackson’s ‘King of Pop’ Biopic.

Jaafar Jackson in ‘Michael’

Jaafar Jackson’s casting in the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic was met with significant interest due to his direct lineage and striking resemblance to his uncle. The film, which premiered in Berlin earlier this month, covers the complex life and career of Michael Jackson.

Jaafar Jackson As the ‘King of Pop’

 

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Initial reviews have highlighted Jaafar’s dedicated performance, particularly in recreating iconic musical sequences like the "Motown 25" performance of "Billie Jean." Producers have noted that Jaafar was selected following a worldwide search because of his organic ability to emulate Michael’s mannerisms and vocal style, a feat he reportedly spent years perfecting before filming began.

Who is Jaafar Jackson?

Born on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson is a third-generation member of the legendary Jackson musical dynasty. He is the son of Jermaine Jackson, a former member of the Jackson 5, and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.

Jaafar Jackson's Instagram Post

 

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Jaafar Jackson and the Complex Jackson Family Tree

His family structure is notably large and intertwined; he has one full younger brother, Jermajesty Jackson, and is part of a broader group of 10 siblings and half-siblings.

His mother, Alejandra, also has children with Jermaine’s brother, Randy Jackson, making Jaafar’s half-siblings Genevieve and Randy Jr also his cousins. As the grandson of Joe and Katherine Jackson, Jaafar grew up surrounded by musical royalty, including his famous aunts Janet and La Toya Jackson.

Jaafar Jackson's Career and Net Worth

Though Michael marks his first major acting role, Jaafar has been involved in the arts from a young age. He began singing and dancing at 12 and released his debut solo single, "Got Me Singing," in 2019. Before his cinematic turn, he appeared in family-oriented reality programming, including the docuseries The Jacksons: Next Generation. Beyond entertainment, Jaafar was an aspiring golfer during his youth before choosing to follow the family's path into the music and film industries.

As of early 2026, Jaafar Jackson’s net worth is estimated to be between USD 500,000 and USD 4 million. While much of his earlier wealth was tied to his family's legacy and his budding music career, his financial standing is expected to see a significant increase following the release of Michael.

Who is Maddie Simpson?

Maddie Simpson is the longtime girlfriend and the fiancee of Jaafar Jackson. The couple has maintained a relatively private relationship, though they have been linked since at least 2016. They made one of their first major public appearances together in 2018 at the Q85: A Musical Celebration for Quincy Jones event.

Simpson, who is also a musician based in Los Angeles, has been a consistent presence by Jaafar's side throughout the demanding production of the biopic. Interestingly, eagle-eyed fans recently noted that she reportedly makes a brief cameo in the film during the recreation of the "Motown 25" anniversary special, appearing in a background role during one of the movie's most pivotal scenes.

Jaafar Jackson and Maddie Simpson at ‘Michael’ Premiere

 

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More About ‘Michael’

The journey to bring Michael to the big screen has been extensive, involving over seven years of development and a production budget exceeding USD 120 million. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film features a high-profile ensemble cast, including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2026 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).