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Michael Jackson Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birthAugust 29, 1958

Age50 Years

BirthplaceGary, Indiana, US

ProfessionSinger, Songwriter, Dancer, Actor, Record Producer, Businessman and Philanthropist

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusDivorced (13 years before death)

SpouseLisa Marie Presley (m. 1994–96; divorced); Debbie Rowe (m. 1996–99; divorced)

FamilyFather - Joe Jackson; Mother - Katherine Jackson; Brothers - Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy; Sisters - Rebbie, La Toya and Janet

Net worth$1 Billion

Michael Jackson Biography

Michael Joseph Jackson, known worldwide as the King of Pop, was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, record producer, businessman and philanthrop

Early life and background

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, and grew up in a large musical family. The son of Joe and Katherine Jackson, he began performing as a child alongside his brothers in the group that became known as the Jackson 5. He was educated at home and did not attend college.

Career

Jackson emerged as a solo artist while still a teenager and released his debut solo album Got to Be There in 1972. Over the course of his life he worked across multiple facets of entertainment — recording, performing, producing and acting. He appeared in the 1978 film The Wiz and developed a string of hugely successful albums, including Thriller, Bad and Dangerous, that established him as a global pop star.

His 1982 album Thriller became a defining commercial and cultural achievement; it produced several number-one singles and went on to become the best-selling album of all time. Jackson was widely praised for his showmanship and for originating or popularizing many signature dance moves, including the Moonwalk and a patented forward-leaning step used in the Smooth Criminal performance. He collaborated with acclaimed directors and artists throughout his career and collected numerous industry honors, including multiple Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (twice), a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and recognition in the Guinness World Records for a range of achievements.

Public profile

Jackson was a figure of extraordinary public attention. He sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, amassed many chart-topping singles, and received accolades such as Artist of the Century and numerous American Music Awards. He also supported an extensive range of charities and was recognized for humanitarian contributions.

His personal life, health and appearance attracted sustained media scrutiny. He married twice, first to Lisa Marie Presley (1994–1996) and then to Debbie Rowe (1996–1999); he and Debbie Rowe had two children together, and he had a third child as well. Jackson was a father who oversaw the homeschooling of his children. At times he lived at Neverland Ranch, a private estate that included both a zoo and an amusement park.

Controversies and legal matters

Jackson faced serious legal challenges in his later life. He was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993; that matter was settled out of court. In 2005 he was tried on a separate set of allegations and was acquitted on all counts. These legal battles, along with other business and financial issues, were a significant part of his public narrative.

Health and death

Michael Jackson died at age 50. The excerpt lists cardiac arrest and medication intoxication involving propofol and benzodiazepines as causes associated with his death. Following his passing, the physician who treated him faced legal consequences.

Legacy

Jackson left a complex legacy as one of the most commercially successful and culturally influential entertainers of the 20th century. He is credited with expanding the global reach of popular music, breaking racial barriers in the music industry, and influencing generations of performers through his recordings, visuals and choreography. His awards, record sales and longstanding visibility in the public eye reflect a career that reshaped modern pop.

Latest updates

The licensed excerpt does not provide new projects or posthumous releases beyond noting his continuing chart presence in later years and the long-term influence of his work.
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Recent Work

Got to Be There

Debut solo album released in 1972

1972
The Wiz

Film appearance

1978
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Career Highlights

  1. Member of the Jackson 5 and later a solo superstar
  2. Released Thriller, the best-selling album of all time
  3. Popularized the Moonwalk and patented the forward-leaning step
  4. Winner of multiple Grammys and recipient of lifetime achievement honors
  5. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and the Songwriters Hall of Fame
  6. Recognized by Guinness World Records for multiple achievements
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Net Worth

$1 Billion

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Michael Jackson born?

August 29, 1958

What is Michael Jackson known for?

Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Actor, Record Producer, Businessman and Philanthropist

What is Michael Jackson’s marital status?

Divorced (13 years before death)

Who is Michael Jackson married to?

Lisa Marie Presley (m. 1994–96; divorced); Debbie Rowe (m. 1996–99; divorced)

What is Michael Jackson’s net worth?

$1 Billion