Liongate Announces New Supporting Cast Members For Michael Jackson Biopic Michael
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has found and announced its supporting cast, taking on the roles of our favorite music icons, including Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, and LaToya Jackson.
“I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together such a gifted group of actors for this film,” said producer Graham King. “What they bring to these key roles provides a rich backdrop for the movie, adding to the extraordinary ensemble.”
Kat Graham, known for playing Bonnie Bennett on The Vampire Diaries, will portray Diana Ross. Ross was an important figure in Jackson’s Motown experience, having introduced the Jackson 5 to the world, and continuing to be influential in his career.
Larenz Tate portrays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who played a crucial role in boosting the careers of legends such as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and the Jackson 5. Tate is best known for his role as Rashad in Starz’s Power and now stars in Power Book II: Ghost.
Jessica Sula will play Michael's older sister LaToya, the middle daughter of the Jackson family. LaToya was first exposed to the world in the family's variety TV series The Jacksons in the mid-1970s and eventually went on to launch a solo career. Sula starred in M. Night Shyamalan's horror film Split and the Prime Video series Panic.
Liv Symone, a recording artist and actress best known for her performance in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, will play Gladys Knight. Knight’s soulful voice and electric performances produced several #1 hits for Motown, including “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Kendrick Sampson, known for his role on Insecure, will play Quincy Jones, a 28-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter, composer, and producer. Jones first met Jackson when he was 12. They worked on some of Michael's biggest hits, including "Off the Wall,” "Thriller,” and "Bad.”
Kevin Shinick, an Emmy Award-winning writer, bestselling author, celebrated comic book creator, Broadway veteran, and the former host Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego will play Dick Clark. Clark, host of American Bandstand, met the Jackson 5 during their legendary appearance at the start of their careers.
The film is currently in production and expected to premiere on April 18, 2025.
