Psychic spoon-bender Uri Geller revealed in My Friend Michael Jackson: Uri's Story, how Jackson naively believed he could dance on the moon and play Peter Pan.
But in his personal home movie, Geller showed how Jackson also went out of his way to help with projects that belied his superstar status.
Jackson Best Man at Geller Wedding
In 2001 Jackson was Geller's best man when he and his wife renewed their wedding vows in a Jewish ceremony. No one believed Jackson would show, but sceptics were amazed when he arrived two hours late, in pain and on crutches due to an injured foot.
Michael Jackson at the Oxford Union
The day after Geller’s wedding, Jackson spoke at the Oxford Union at a debate about parenting techniques. Jackson spoke about his childhood, including his relationship with his father who had treated him severely.
Writer Jonathan Margolis was in the vehicle with Jackson heading to the debate and he recalls Jackson calling his father on the phone to let him know that he would be speaking about him. Jackson assured his father it would be in a ‘positive’ light. He also told his father he loved him. Margolis recalls Jackson saying how it was the first time he had ever told his father he loved him.
At the debate, says Geller, before hundreds of people, Jackson broke down whilst talking about his childhood.
Jackson’s Moonwalk Flight Ambition
Geller also tells of being contacted by an American space enthusiast who claimed to have contacts with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). He said that Jackson could be taken to the moon to perform his famous ‘Moonwalk’ on its surface.
Jackson was enthusiastic about the idea. He left a voice-mail for Geller saying he wanted to be the first person in the pop world to go to the moon, ahead of groups like ‘N Sync. In the voice-mail Jackson asks Geller to do what he can to bring the plan to fruition.
Michael Jackson Visits Exeter Football Club
Geller recalls how Jackson agreed to visit Exeter where Geller was co-chairman of the local Football Club. His visit would help raise money for the Club and for a local children’s charity.
At Paddington Station Jackson was mobbed, falling to the ground and only just managing to get into the carriage unharmed. Arriving at Exeter Football Club, Ashley Clark, a disabled child, rushed onto the pitch and flung himself into Jackson’s arms. He describes how Jackson walked around the pitch with him, waving to the fans, patting his head and telling him he loved him.
A young cancer victim, now in remission, also described how speaking to Jackson gave her confidence and a positive outlook.
Jackson Wanted to Be Peter Pan
Theatre director, Trevor Nunn, recalled a time in the 1980s when Jackson asked his advice about staging his show. Jackson said he wanted to fly out over the audience. Nunn told him he had directed Peter Pan on stage and it would be no problem to rig up the mechanisms he required.
Jackson, overwhelmed with emotion, got down on his knees in front of Nunn and in tears asked if he could play Peter Pan, wondering if it was too late. Nunn says he realized then that Jackson didn’t just want to play Peter Pan, he wanted to be Peter Pan.
Michael Jackson Promotes Geller’s Book
During his first London visit Geller was promoting his book, The Rabbi and the Psychic. Jackson generously endorsed the book and did all he could to help with the promotion.
Geller and Michael’s friendship did not last, and despite Geller's self-promotion, this programme gave some revealing insights into Jackson, a controversial and complex man.
Source:
- My Friend Michael Jackson: Uri’s Story ITV1, Sunday 26th July 2009.
See Also:
- Carlos Acosta, Cuban Ballet Dancer - brief life of the brilliant Cuban dancer.
- Life of Chita Rivera, Dancer - recipient of the Medal of Freedom, Rivera's life is a model of perseverance.
- Bob Marley Worked at Chrysler USA - the year when Bob Marley, reggae superstar, worked at Chrysler influenced his music.
