The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons are your average working-class family in Gary, Indiana; but when their father Joseph discovers the kids have an extraordinary musical talent, they form a band. Winning talent show after talent show, they soon hit it big when Motown comes calling. From there, they become the now famous Jackson 5. But along the way, their success brings trouble and turmoil.
Episodes
2 EpisodesThe Jacksons are your average working-class family in Gary, Indiana; but when their father Joseph discovers the kids have an extraordinary musical talent, they form a band. Winning talent show after talent show, they soon hit it big when Motown comes calling. From there, they become the now famous Jackson 5. But along the way, their success brings trouble and turmoil.
1. Part I
How Joseph and Katherine managed to raise their children, first in Gary, Indiana, then later dealing with The Jackson 5's early fame and its consequences.
2. Part II
The struggles of young Michael Jackson as he deals with his brothers marrying early, into The Jackson 5 success, his problems with acne as a teenager, his eventual solo superstardom based on the success of his albums Off the Wall and Thriller and his legendary Motown 25 performance of "Billie Jean" as well as his difficult relationship with his father.
Cast & Crew
Angela Bassett
Katherine Jackson
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Joseph Jackson
Billy Dee Williams
Berry Gordy
Jason Weaver
Michael Jackson (ages 9-14)
Bumper Robinson
Jackie Jackson (ages 13-17)
Terrence Howard
Jackie Jackson (adult)
Vanessa Williams
Suzanne de Passe
Holly Robinson Peete
Diana Ross
Ebonie Smith
La Toya Jackson (adult)
Margaret Avery
Martha Scruse
Monica Calhoun
Rebbie Jackson
Monica Allison
Hazel Gordy
Shakiem Evans
Tito Jackson (ages 11-15)
Jacen Wilkerson
Marlon Jackson (ages 10-15)
Nicholas Phillips
Randy Jackson (ages 7-9)
Wylie Draper
Michael Jackson (adult)
Colin Steele
Jermaine Jackson (adult)
Robert Redcross
Randy Jackson (adult)
Finis Henderson III
Apollo Theatre MC
Ángel Vargas
Tito Jackson (adult)
Elizabeth Narvaez
Dee Dee
Marcus Maurice
Marlon Jackson (adult)
Floyd Roger Myers Jr.
Marlon Jackson (ages 7-9)
Kelli Martin
La Toya Jackson (ages 8-10)
