‘Michael’: Nia Long on Giving Katherine Jackson Her Due, Separating Her Performance From Angela Bassett’s and What She Wants to See in a Sequel

Apr 28, 2026 2:27pm PT ‘Michael’: Nia Long on Giving Katherine Jackson Her Due, Separating Her Performance From Angela Bassett’s and What She Wants to See in a Sequel

By Angelique Jackson

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Angelique Jackson

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Last week, Nia Long got the tap on the shoulder she’s been waiting for forever. It was a summons from Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson family, whom she portrays in the new biopic, “Michael.”

Long steeled herself as she walked into a green room backstage at the Dolby Theatre and, when they came face to face, she froze for a moment. Then, she kneeled down, held the 95-year-old woman’s hand and said, “Thank you so much for all your sacrifices, for your love, for your patience, for your commitment to family.”

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