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Colman Domingo attends the World Premiere of Warner Bros.' "The Color Purple" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)© Leon Bennett

Colman Domingo talks about playing Michael Jackson's dad in new biopic and praises Jaafar Jackson

"I met with the Jackson family when we were shooting," Colman said.  


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
NOVEMBER 21, 2024 12:35 PM EST

Colman Domingo had a great time during his latest special appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. The Hollywood star showed off his incredible dance moves during the last episode of the talk show, including Michael Jackson's signature move, the moonwalk.

The actor talked about his experience Michael's dad in the upcoming biopic, describing Joseph Jackson as a "sizable character" to portray. "That's gotta be the best part right? Michael's dad!" Jimmy said to Colman after he revealed that they finished filming the movie. 

"I feel like he is just an interesting character to portray," Colman explained. "Do you play him mean?" the host asked. "I play him complicated," the actor responded.

Michael Jackson and Joseph Jackson depart the Santa Maria Superior Court© Pool
Michael Jackson and Joseph Jackson depart the Santa Maria Superior Court

The pair also talked about Jaafar Jackson, who plays Michael in the biopic. "He's a revelation, Jermaine Jackson's son." Colman continued, admitting that he is "an incredible performer," he added. "He has the most beautiful heart. He sings, he dances, he is exceptional in his own right."

Colman Domingo attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards © Matt Winkelmeyer
Colman Domingo attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards

“After seeing him in rehearsal, my mind was blown. There is something divine about the way that Jaafar is channeling his late uncle. His talent and embodiment of Michael’s essence is simply on another level,” Colman previously said in a statement.

Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family, at their home in Encino, California, 1984.© David Hume Kennerly
Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family, at their home in Encino, California, 1984.

"I met with the Jackson family when we were shooting," Colman added, sharing his excitement about being part of the upcoming movie. This is not the first time the actor talks about his experience portraying Michael's dad, as he also told People that he looked for a "complex version" of him.

“Right now I seem to be on the track of interrogating some of these real-life human beings. I want to find their humanity, I want to find their heart and their humor. It may go against public opinion sometimes, but I think that's my responsibility to find the complex version of these people," he said at the time.