In the upcoming biopic Michael, much of the spotlight is naturally focused on the King of Pop. But behind the legend of Michael Jackson stands a woman whose quiet strength helped shape one of the most famous families in the world. That woman is Katherine Jackson, brought to life with grace and emotional depth by Nia Long.
In an exclusive interview with Black Girl Nerds, Long opened up about stepping into the role of a matriarch often defined by her silence, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her children.
When asked if she judged Katherine’s actions about how she approached her relationship with her children and her husband Joe Jackson, rather than address Katherine with judgment, Long found herself leaning into empathy.
BGN: “Do you find yourself feeling a sense of judgment for her actions?”
“I wouldn’t say judgment,” she explained. “I would definitely say empathy, and I would say that I have more in common with her than I ever thought I did.”
That connection, Long reveals, is rooted in motherhood. Portraying Katherine Jackson meant tapping into a deeply personal understanding of what it means to protect and nurture a family under extraordinary circumstances.
“Once you’re a mother and you’re connected to the wellness of your family and the wellbeing of your children, there’s an energy of protection that supersedes everything,” she said. “That was her job, that was her mission, that was her heart.”
Katherine Jackson’s role in the The Jackson 5 phenomenon and the global rise of her son was not one of spectacle, but of steadfast presence. Long describes her as a woman “incredibly dedicated to being of service,” someone who leads “with kindness” and “with love” even amid immense pressure.
The film doesn’t shy away from the magnitude of what the Jackson family endured. Fame at that level is rarely without cost, and Long highlights the necessity of Katherine’s grounding force within that chaos.
“When you look at what the Jackson family had to manage, the amount of, the level of stardom, there had to be a quiet force leading the way,” Long said. “That’s what makes her such a beautiful woman.”
It’s in those quieter moments, Long suggests, where Katherine’s true power lies.
“Sometimes when we hold it and we’re still, that’s when we make the most impact,” she reflected. “I think it’s a beautiful thing. I think she’s a beautiful woman.”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael aims to present a more intimate portrait of the global icon, tracing his journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his evolution into a once-in-a-generation performer. While audiences will undoubtedly be drawn to the music and spectacle, Long’s portrayal ensures that the emotional backbone of the story remains firmly intact.
Michael premieres in theaters on April 24th.
