Donny Osmond recently opened up about the unique bond he shared with Michael Jackson, highlighting the remarkable similarities in their personal lives and careers that deepened their friendship. From growing up as the seventh of nine children in large entertainment families to navigating the pressures of early fame, their lives intertwined in ways that fostered mutual understanding and respect.

Family Ties Beyond the Spotlight

Both Osmond and Jackson were born into sprawling families of nine children each, with both being the seventh child—a striking coincidence that created an immediate point of connection. Even more surprising, their mothers share the same birthday, and the two entertainers were the same age, aligning their life journeys in uncanny ways.

These parallels gave them a shared lens on family dynamics, especially within households that balanced both support and strict discipline. Donny Osmond’s father, George, was known for his strictness, sometimes involving physical discipline, while Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, has been described as one of the most controlling and harsh parents in pop history. These experiences shaped their early careers and personal challenges alike.

Parallel Careers in the Spotlight

Osmond and Jackson each rose to fame as child stars fronting their respective family bands—the Osmonds and the Jackson 5—during the 1960s and 1970s. Both acts achieved massive success, setting records and shaping pop music history, before embarking on solo careers that cemented their individual legacies.

Their paths frequently drew comparisons, and Michael once told Donny, “You’re the only person on this planet that knows what my childhood was like.” This candid acknowledgment highlighted the rare empathy they shared, understanding the isolation and pressures of growing up famous.

Interestingly, their careers were intertwined in competitive yet respectful ways. The Osmonds’ 1971 No. 1 hit “One Bad Apple” was originally written for the Jackson 5, underscoring the close relationship between the two groups despite the rivalry. As the Deseret News put it, the rivalry was “real” but didn’t preclude friendship.

A Lasting Connection

Their relationship extended beyond professional parallels. Donny and Michael’s reunions were marked by laughter and reminiscence, as they bonded over their unique experiences. A photograph from the 1974 American Music Awards capturing them together serves as a reminder of the warmth amid the competition.

Recent reflections in the documentary Larger than Life: Reign of the Boybands on Paramount+ revisit their shared history and highlight their influence on the boy band era. Media outlets including Entertainment Weekly, HuffPost, and Deseret News covered Osmond’s stories in late 2024, painting a vivid portrait of two stars linked by fate, family, and music.

Donny Osmond’s recollections shed light on the deep personal connection he had with Michael Jackson—a bond forged through extraordinary similarities and mutual empathy. Their story is a testament to how shared experiences can unite even the biggest stars in an industry often defined by rivalry.