Michael JACKSON
When he was four years old, he was one of the Jackson Five. At the age of forty-five, he was a living legend. The legend of a singer who had achieved a unique solo career.
Michael Jackson: a voice, body language and a face, but above all, a pro who leaves nothing to chance.
A real saga
1988 : Michael Jackson’s first figure was inaugurated by a look-alike dancing in his style.
Early 1996: a new version of the figure was being prepared. Laurent Hopman and Julien Derain, who are the publishers in France of a Michael Jackson fan magazine, offer to help the Grévin team.
June 1996 : trip to Los Angeles.
The team is welcomed by the singer’s producer, Bob Jones. Michael Jackson took time off that morning to admire the clay figure and compare the sculptor to Michelangelo.
January 1997: a second meeting, in Switzerland this time where Michael Jackson is recording an album. Outside the hotel where the meeting is to be held, a riot develops! Some kids come dreessed like mini Bambis!. Michael Jackson comments: “I am not that strapping”. The figure’s athletic build was toned down...
March 1997: The Museum is on red alert. Michael Jackson is coming in person to inaugurate his waxwork. His producer announced the event and the world’s media must be informed.
April 1997: Traffic grinds to a halt on the Grands Boulevards. A frenzied crowd screams his name and applauds wildly as the star arrives, wearing dark clothes and half concealed by dark glasses and a hat.
Inside the Museum, in the theatre, Marceau the Mime put on a show specially for Michael Jackson.
He was the inspiration for the famous Moonwalking step. The curtain rises: Bip miming a sculptor conjures up the figure. Michael Jackson is moved to tears. They visit the museum together. On emerging, a happy Michael Jackson graciously waves to the crowd and signs autographs.
A week later : Michael Jackson returned to visit the Museum, but incognito in the company of Prince Al Walid’s children.
Exceptional : The whole event was such a success that the Grévin gave Michael Jackson a replica of his figure. The singer gave the Museum one of his stage costumes; it bears the mark of a felt-pen, a souvenir left by an impatient fan.
Two child prodigies meet.
When he visited the Museum, Michael Jackson paid his respects to Mozart.