Oprah Winfrey: Michael, millions love you! What's the real story behind your iconic moonwalk?
how did you start your career?.
My career started when I was just a little girl, singing in my church choir. I had this amazing voice, and people would always tell me how talented I was.
but did anyone treat you equally because of that?!
No, unfortunately not. I faced a lot of discrimination and racism growing up. People didn't see my talent, they didn't hear my voice.
how did you deal with that as a kid?
As a kid, I dealt with it by withdrawing into myself. I became very introverted and isolated.
so how did you handle the racism in your career?
I remember getting rejected by record labels because they said my voice wasn't "black enough" or "white enough".
so how did you get signed to your first record label?
I remember going to an audition, singing my heart out, and someone saw something special in me. They gave me a chance, and that's how I got signed to my first record label.
It was a small independent label called CBS Records. They believed in me even when nobody else did.
did they give you a chance at a solo career?
Yes, they gave me a chance to do both music and acting. Little did I know that my first film role would be in a movie called "The Wiz," a black version of "Oz," where I played the role of a Munchkin.
so after that was your breakthrough?
After "The Wiz," my career started to take off. I landed roles in films like "The Women of Brewster" and "Stewart the Last," and soon I was cast as Pat in "The Color Purple." That film changed everything for me.
"The Color Purple" was a masterpiece, a beautiful story about resilience and hope. Playing Pat meant so much to me because I saw so much of myself in her.
i watched the movie! such an amazing film!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! "The Color Purple" won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, which was a dream come true for me.
well, what can you say about your iconic moonwalk?
The moonwalk! It's definitely one of my most iconic performances. During a concert in 1983, I wanted to create a performance that would surprise the audience, something that would make them question reality.
so did you come up with the idea of backsliding while performing ‘Billie Jean’?
Yes, I wanted to incorporate dance moves that were unique and captivating. I worked with a choreographer to create a routine that involved moonwalking across the stage. The rest, as they say, is history.
do you remember your very first time doing it?
Yes, I remember. It was during a rehearsal for the "Bad World Tour." I was nervous, unsure if it would work.