Michael Jackson is a name that resonates far beyond the world of music. With his signature dance moves, Jackson brought a new level of artistry to the stage. His hits like “Thriller” and “Beat It”, top the charts, proving that he deserved the title “King of Pop”.
Given his immense reputation, countless articles have been written about Michael Jackson, covering his life and career. However, there are some surprising facts about him that might just blow your mind.
Keep scrolling down to see what they are.
Michael Jackson’s father forced him to pursue music
Michael Jackson’s childhood was anything but ordinary, largely due to the strict and often harsh discipline imposed by his father, Joe Jackson. Joe demanded perfection from his children, pushing Michael and his siblings to rehearse relentlessly.
Mistakes weren’t tolerated, and the fear of punishment loomed over every practice session. Joe’s tough love was meant to keep his children focused and away from negative influences.
That’s why Michael and his siblings didn’t have many friends. It also left them isolated and burdened by immense pressure.
Jackson brought his llamas to the recording studio with him
At his ranch, Michael Jackson had a variety of animals, including his beloved llamas, Lola and Louis. These two weren’t just pets—they sometimes accompanied Jackson to the recording studio.
During a 1983 recording session in Los Angeles with Queen’s legendary frontman Freddie Mercury, Jackson brought Louis along, which added an unexpected twist to their collaboration.
Jackson’s llama visits became a regular thing and Mercury wasn’t too thrilled about it. This quirky habit is rumored to be one of the reasons their work together remained unfinished.
The singer received a 5,000-pound elephant as a gift
Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor shared a bond that went beyond Hollywood glitz. They both understood what it meant to live luxuriously. Their friendship was marked by extraordinary gifts that reflected their affection.
Taylor once gifted Jackson a 5,000-pound elephant named Gypsy, which found a home at his Neverland Ranch, in California. It symbolized their mutual love for animals.
Though their friendship was tragically cut short by Jackson’s unexpected passing in 2009, the memories of their unique connection continue to resonate with fans around the world.
Michael Jackson’s skin tone altered due to a skin condition
Michael Jackson’s changing skin tone sparked widespread controversy and speculation. While his doctor diagnosed him with Vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment, many people questioned whether the change was intentional.
Many believed that he was trying to alter his appearance due to discomfort with his natural skin color. However, following his death, an autopsy confirmed that Jackson indeed had Vitiligo, shedding light on the truth behind the rumors.
Shortly after Jackson’s death, investigators discovered tubes of Benoquin and hydroquinone in his home—medications commonly prescribed for vitiligo.
Darkening the depigmented areas is very difficult, and the depigmentation process makes the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. This sensitivity puts vitiligo patients at a higher risk of developing melanoma, so regular cancer check-ups are recommended.
To manage his condition, Jackson often wore long sleeves and pants to cover his skin. In his music video for “Remember the Time,” while the other dancers and actors were lightly dressed like ancient Egyptians, Jackson chose to stay more covered. He also avoided patterned clothing to keep attention away from his skin disorder.
He created shoes that allowed him to defy gravity
Michael Jackson’s iconic moonwalk and his ability to lean at seemingly impossible angles were thanks to his gravity-defying shoes.
These shoes, earned him U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452, had a special design that let Jackson secure his feet to the stage, creating the illusion of defying gravity.
Although Jackson didn’t invent the moonwalk, he mastered it like no one else. Sadly, in 2005, the patent expired when Jackson missed a payment, making the design public.
Jackson once tried to buy Marvel Comics
In the early ’90s, while James Cameron was sketching out his own ideas for a Spider-Man movie, Michael Jackson had his sights set on something even bigger—owning Marvel. According to his nephew, Taj Jackson, the King of Pop was serious about buying the comic book giant, hoping to team up with Stan Lee to bring Spider-Man to life on the big screen.
Although Jackson’s dream of swinging through New York as the web-slinger never came true, it’s fascinating to think how close he came to making that a reality. Taj mentioned that both Jackson and Lee were eager to move forward, but the deal ultimately fell through for reasons that remain unclear.
His animals have mysteriously disappeared
Following Jackson’s death, the fate of many of his beloved animals remains a mystery. The petting zoo he once cherished was shut down, and the whereabouts of several exotic creatures he adored have become uncertain.
While some were relocated to zoos or found new homes with private owners, others seem to have simply vanished. Notably, there is no clear record of his elephant, Gypsy, or his treasured llamas.
The absence of these animals, especially those Jackson was closest to, raises concerns about their well-being and leaves a lingering sadness over what might have happened to them.