If you have watched the trailers for the Michael biopic and wondered about the actor who plays the King of Pop, you are not alone. So, how old is Jaafar Jackson? He was born on July 25, 1996, which makes him 29 years old. Here is everything worth knowing about his age, his family, and how he landed one of the most talked-about acting roles of the decade.
Jaafar Jackson’s Age and Birthday
Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson was born on July 25, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. That birth date places his zodiac sign as Leo, and it means he turned 29 in the summer of 2026.
His age has become a talking point for a specific reason. Jaafar is close to the age Michael Jackson was during several of the most iconic eras covered in the biopic, which added authenticity to the casting decision. Fans following the film often search his exact age to compare timelines with his uncle’s career.
Who Is Jaafar Jackson?
Jaafar Jackson is an American actor and singer, and a member of the famous Jackson family. He is the son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Through his father, Jaafar is the nephew of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and the other members of the Jackson 5.
He grew up in Encino, California, surrounded by a family that shaped decades of pop music. Despite the famous last name, Jaafar spent years out of the spotlight before stepping into acting.
Jaafar Jackson’s Early Life and Family Background
Music was not Jaafar’s first ambition. As a child, he actually dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. That changed around age 12, when he began singing and dancing seriously, eventually teaching himself piano.
Jaafar briefly appeared on the family’s reality series Living with the Jacksons in 2015, giving early audiences a glimpse of his personality outside the recording studio. He also drew inspiration from classic vocalists, and he has covered songs by Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye during his early performances.
Jaafar Jackson’s Music Career
Before acting, Jaafar pursued a career as a recording artist. He released his debut single, “Got Me Singing,” in 2019. The single was meant to be part of a full-length album called Famous, but the project was shelved after setbacks with record labels.
That early music chapter mattered because it gave him stage experience, vocal training, and comfort performing in front of cameras, all of which became useful once the biopic came along.
How Jaafar Jackson Landed the Role of Michael Jackson
In January 2023, producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua announced that Jaafar would play his late uncle in the biographical film Michael, distributed by Lionsgate. He had no prior acting experience, and the casting was not handed to him simply because of his last name.
According to interviews, the process took about two years. Jaafar initially caught King’s attention by sending a voice note of himself speaking as Michael Jackson. He then worked with acting coaches and choreographers to prepare for the role, describing it as something he had to earn rather than inherit.
Principal photography for Michael began on November 27, 2023, in Los Angeles. Jaafar kept the casting a secret from most of his family for a full year before it became public, including from his own father, Jermaine.
Jaafar Jackson’s Resemblance to Michael Jackson
Part of the reason Jaafar’s casting drew so much attention is his physical resemblance to his uncle. Early behind-the-scenes footage that surfaced online showed him performing choreography from “Thriller” and “Beat It,” and fans were quick to note how closely his movement style echoed Michael’s.
Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, reportedly approved of the casting, saying Jaafar embodies her son. Jaafar has described the experience as humbling, and he has spoken publicly about the pressure of representing his uncle’s legacy on screen.
Jaafar Jackson’s Career Milestones Timeline
- 2015: Appears on Living with the Jacksons
- 2019: Releases debut single “Got Me Singing”
- January 2023: Cast as Michael Jackson in the biopic Michael
- November 2023: Principal photography begins in Los Angeles
- April 2026: Michael is honored with a ceremony in Gary, Indiana, where Jaafar received the key to the city
Inside the Michael Biopic
Michael follows the pop icon’s life from his childhood in Gary, Indiana, through the Jackson 5 years and into the Thriller era. Antoine Fuqua directs, with Graham King producing through Lionsgate. Casting a real member of the Jackson family in the lead role was always going to draw scrutiny, which is part of why Jaafar’s age and preparation timeline became such a talking point among fans following the production.
The film’s connection to the Jackson family extends beyond the screen. In April 2026, Jaafar was honored during a Michael ceremony held in Gary, Indiana, where he received the key to the city from Mayor Eddie Melton. Jaafar has also made public appearances tied to the film’s promotional run, including at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.
Jaafar Jackson’s Age Compared to His Uncle’s Career
One reason his age keeps coming up in conversation is the comparison fans naturally draw. By 29, Michael Jackson had already released Thriller and become a global superstar, while Jaafar spent his twenties largely out of the public eye before committing to acting. That contrast is part of what makes his casting feel meaningful rather than accidental: he is stepping into a legacy at roughly the same life stage his uncle used to build one.
Jaafar has spoken about the pressure that comes with the comparison. In interviews tied to the film’s release, he described the two-year casting process as something he had to work for, not something that came automatically because of his family name.
Why People Are Searching “How Old Is Jaafar Jackson”
Search interest around Jaafar’s age spikes whenever the Michael biopic trends online. Viewers want to understand how a first-time actor, still in his twenties, was chosen to portray one of the most scrutinized entertainers in history. His age also matters for context: at 29, he was old enough to have lived through the tabloid years surrounding Michael Jackson, yet young enough to bring a fresh, physically demanding performance to the role.
Instagram Link: @jaafarjackson
FAQs About Jaafar Jackson
How old is Jaafar Jackson? Jaafar Jackson is 29 years old. He was born on July 25, 1996.
Is Jaafar Jackson related to Michael Jackson? Yes. Jaafar is Michael Jackson’s nephew. His father, Jermaine Jackson, is Michael’s older brother and a founding member of the Jackson 5.
What movie does Jaafar Jackson star in? Jaafar plays his uncle in Michael, a biographical film directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King for Lionsgate.
Did Jaafar Jackson have acting experience before the biopic? No. The Michael biopic marks his first major acting role. He was previously known as a singer and dancer.
Where was Jaafar Jackson born? He was born in Los Angeles, California.
Who are Jaafar Jackson’s parents? His father is Jermaine Jackson, and his mother is Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.
Final Thoughts
So, how old is Jaafar Jackson? At 29, he stepped into a role that few actors would dare to take on: playing one of the most famous entertainers in history, and doing so as a member of the same family. His age, background, and years of quiet preparation all played a part in why fans and critics have taken his performance seriously rather than dismissing it as nepotism.
