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7 Celebrities You Never Knew Were Related to Michael Jackson

Photo Credit: 1. Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection / Getty Images 2. Canva
Photo Credit: 1. Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection / Getty Images 2. Canva

Michael Jackson left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Arguably one of the most recognizable voices to have ever hit the airwaves, his incredible vocals and suave dance moves made him a music legend, with fans around the world still listening to his albums.

Everyone knows that he and his siblings once formed the famous Jackson 5, but did you know the King of Pop has many other celebrity relatives? Some of them are even A-list stars!

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson standing on a red carpet
Samuel L. Jackson, 2022. (Photo Credit: David Livingston / FilmMagic / Getty Images)

Arguably one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson is known for being the face of such classic films as Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Snakes on a Plane (2006). While you might have assumed he was related to the Jackson Family, given his last name, it was never officially confirmed until Janet appeared on Scott Mills’ Radio 1 show.

While she didn’t specify how she and Jackson are related, she told the radio host that he was just one of three big-name stars her family calls their own.

Jaafar Jackson

Jaafar Jackson standing on a red carpet
Jaafar Jackson, 2014. (Photo Credit: Araya Diaz / Getty Images for REELZ)

This connection might be known to those who are major fans of the King of Pop, but those of you who are simply passive listeners may not know that Michael Jackson has a multi-talented nephew who doesn’t just sing, but dances and acts, as well!

Jaafar, born in 1996, is Jermaine Jackson’s son, and he’s been steadily building a name for himself in recent years – but that’s not what’s most interesting about the 20-something. What is, is that he’ll be portraying his late uncle in the upcoming biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder performing on stage
Stevie Wonder, 2013. (Photo Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

Stevie Wonder‘s supposed relation to the Jackson Family is something that’s been suggested in years past, but we never had a concrete answer as to whether the rumors were true or not. As it turns out, they were!

While appearing on Scott Mills’ radio show, Janet Jackson revealed that the music legend is her third cousin once removed on her mother’s side. We can’t believe how much musical talent runs through this family’s veins.

Austin Brown

Rebbie Jackson and Austin Brown standing on a red carpet
Rebbie Jackson and Austin Brown, 2013. (Photo Credit: Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic / Getty Images)

One of the few Jackson relatives to not use the family name is Austin Brown, the son of Rebbie Jackson. A talented musician in his own right, Brown got his start in the business in 2005, when he signed to Interscope Records.

He’s since gone on to produce and write music for other big-name artists, with his talents heard on releases by Ariana Grande, JoJo, Raven-Symoné and more.

3T

Portrait of 3T
3T, 1996. (Photo Credit: Bill Nation / Sygma / Getty Images)

Talk about a blast from the past! 3T was a musical trio who appeared on the scene in 1995 with the release of their debut album, Brotherhood. Featuring such hit singles as “Anything” and “24/7,” it went Platinum and Gold in several countries, including the United Kingdom and France.

The group took a brief break in the mid-2010s to pursue solo careers, but they’re now back together. While you might not know it by their name, the three – T.J., Taryll and Taj – are all Jacksons! Their father is Tito Jackson, Michael’s brother.

Bigi Jackson

Bigi Jackson standing on a red carpet
Bigi Jackson, 2022. (Photo Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

You definitely know this famous person is related to Michael Jackson, you just might not realize it, as he no longer goes by the name we’re all familiar with. Yep, that’s right, Bigi is actually “Blanket,” or Prince Michael Jackson II. He changed his name in 2015.

While not as in the spotlight as his siblings, Paris and Prince, Bigi has dedicated himself to keeping his father’s legacy alive. That being said, he does prefer to keep things private, which is completely understandable, given how much the media swarmed all of the Jackson children following Michael’s death.

Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman standing on a red carpet
Tracy Chapman, 2014. (Photo Credit: Trisha Leeper / WireImage / Getty Images)

Tracy Chapman has experienced a renaissance as of late, thanks to country singer Luke Combs covering her popular 1988 single “Fast Car.” She has a voice that’s as unique as they come, and she’s won over countless audiences with her approach to music.

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Chapman’s familial relation to the Jackson Family was the third and final one Janet confirmed while speaking with Scott Mills. Similarly to Samuel L. Jackson, however, how they’re related wasn’t divulged.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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