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Let’s face it: not many people know what it’s like to grow up in the spotlight with parents who are international superstars. Michael Jackson, who spent most of his life in the public eye, grew up with a unique perspective of what it was like to have the world watching his every move, which is why he wanted to make sure his children – including his daughter Paris – had someone who could help them navigate the experience.
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In a recent interview for the BBC docuseries “Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar,” the now 26-year-old Paris talks about her father’s close friendship with Taylor and the influence the Oscar-winning actress – who was also her godmother – had on her life growing up.
Taylor, who was the daughter of actress Sara Sothern and art dealer Francis Lenn Taylor, made her acting debut in 1939 at age seven. Her experience gave her a unique perspective that allowed her to relate to Paris’ feelings of isolation from other kids her age.
“I think because I was growing up in the spotlight. There’s definitely a part of [Michael Jackson] that knew that we would have a very similar experience,” Paris said in her interview. “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.”
Elizabeth Taylor’s close friendship with Michael Jackson was undeniable. She was present at his 2009 memorial in support of the children. Though Taylor passed away in 2011 when Paris was just 12 years old, Jackson’s daughter says she’s made a point of continuing her godmother’s legacy and commitment to the issue of AIDS as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).
“When I grew older and started getting involved in activism myself, I learned of her tireless efforts to end HIV. I surmised that was a major reason for her coming to see my dad,” Paris said in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE. “I felt a compelling need to be part of that effort and always will.”
