Nia Long Reflects on Playing Katherine Jackson

Nia Long is opening up about the profound impact playing Katherine Jackson in the upcoming biopic, “Michael,” has had on her. Even without having met the legendary matriarch yet, Long finds herself deeply moved by the experience of embodying her spirit.

An Emotional Journey of Motherhood

“I get so emotional,” Long shared with People magazine when reflecting on the role. As a mother of two sons, Kez and Massai, Long understands the depths of maternal love. However, she acknowledges the unique challenge of raising a global superstar like Michael Jackson.

Katherine Jackson, the wife of the late Joe Jackson, is the matriarch of one of music’s most iconic families, raising ten children. Portraying her journey has clearly resonated deeply with Long, who sees Katherine’s strength and kindness as central to her character.

Embodying Grace and Strength

Speaking with The Cut, Long emphasized how much she learned about grace from researching Katherine Jackson. “She is one of the most graceful women that I think I’ve ever known,” Long stated, noting Katherine’s “silent strength” as a quality that has helped her grow personally.

The role also prompted Long to reflect on her own past, including her mother’s connection to Jackson’s label and her own encounter with Michael Jackson himself. She aspired to capture Katherine’s quiet dignity, strength, and faith, believing these qualities were key to authentically portraying the matriarch.

The ‘Michael’ Biopic

The “Michael” biopic, directed by acclaimed Black filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, is set to hit theaters on April 24. In the film, Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, while Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson (son of Jermaine), takes on the role of the King of Pop himself.