Lionsgate and Universal Pictures' forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, announced the eight actors cast to play the "Thriller" singer's Jackson 5 bandmates through the years.
In 1993, Michael told Oprah Winfrey that his father would watch them rehearse and if they did anything wrong he would beat them with a belt leaving them covered in welts. But the brothers are staunch defenders of Joe. Without Joeâs iron will, they say, they wouldnât have made it. Their father saw the boysâ talent as a way out of Gary.
We always hear about Joeâs role in the boysâ success, but what about their mother, Katherine? Actually, Jackie says, there wouldnât have been a Jackson 5 without her. âSheâs the one who from the very beginning realised we had talent. My momma was an avid country-and-western fan, so we would harmonise with her all the time. And she told my poppa: âHey, Joe, the boys can really sing. You need to check them out.â After he heard us sing, he started buying instruments.â