Paris Jackson, daughter of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, recently opened up about the special bond her father hoped she would forge with the legendary screen icon Elizabeth Taylor.

In a candid interview for the BBC documentary series Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, which aired in October 2024, Paris explained the deeper reasons behind Michael’s decision to name Taylor as her godmother—highlighting their shared experience growing up under the relentless gaze of the public eye.

Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor’s friendship was well known, rooted in their mutual understanding of fame’s pressures. Taylor, who began her illustrious acting career at age seven in 1939, endured the challenges of childhood stardom much like Michael did as a young performer with the Jackson 5.

Paris, born in 1998, similarly faced intense media scrutiny from an early age, growing up in the unique environment of Neverland Ranch with homeschooling and limited peer interaction.

A Shared Childhood in the Spotlight

Paris reflected on the parallels between her upbringing and Taylor’s, noting:
“I think because I was growing up in the spotlight. There’s definitely a part of him that knew that we would have a very similar experience. I was homeschooled and because of that, I don’t know what it was like to be around other kids my age. Hanging out with adults, all the time. And I think it was just the same for her.”

This insight reveals Michael’s intention to provide Paris not only with a mentor but also a confidante who truly understood the complexities of life lived in public from a young age.

Aspect
Paris Jackson
Elizabeth Taylor

Age at Public Debut
Born into fame (1998)
Acting debut at age 7 (1939)

Education
Homeschooled, limited peer interaction
Homeschooled, focused on acting career

Social Environment
Surrounded by adults, constant media attention
Surrounded by adults, constant media attention

Public Scrutiny
Intense from birth
Intense from childhood

Role Models/Mentors
Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor
Parents, industry figures

A Lasting Personal Connection

Beyond the public mentorship, Paris’s memories of Taylor were warm and personal. She recalled Taylor as “very pretty and wore sparkling necklaces and rings,” and fondly remembered bringing small gifts on visits and spending time with Taylor’s cat, Fang. Their relationship deepened, especially after Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 when Paris was just 11, and Taylor passed away in 2011.

Continuing Taylor’s humanitarian legacy, Paris became an ambassador for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), demonstrating the enduring influence Taylor had on her life. In a 2021 interview with People magazine, Paris reflected on her godmother’s work raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research, reinforcing the bond her father had envisioned.

Michael’s Thoughtful Choice of Godparents

Michael Jackson’s choice of godparents was a strategic one, aimed at surrounding his children with figures who truly understood the challenges of fame. Alongside Taylor, actor Macaulay Culkin—another child star—was chosen as godparent to Paris and her brother Prince. Paris’s close friendship with Culkin, often noted in interviews, further reflects Michael’s protective and thoughtful approach to parenting in the spotlight.

Paris Jackson’s reflections reveal the depth of Michael Jackson’s care and foresight in guiding his children through the complexities of celebrity life. Through Elizabeth Taylor’s mentorship and legacy, Paris found a unique source of strength and understanding—a testament to the enduring bond between these icons of music and film.