
Donny Osmond reflects on his close bond with the late Michael Jackson and draws parallels between their shared childhood experiences in the entertainment industry.
- Nov 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Donny Osmond, a former member of the famous Osmonds family band, reminisced about his special friendship with Michael Jackson in the MTV Entertainment Studios documentary, "Larger than Life: Reign of the Boybands".
Growing up, Osmond and Jackson faced strikingly similar experiences as members of large family bands. Both were the seventh of nine children, with mothers born on the same day. The uncanny parallels extended to their age and undeniable talent that propelled them to stardom at a young age.
Like two sides of the same coin, the "One Bad Apple" singer recounted how he and Jackson would often reminisce about their childhoods. "Michael said something to me one day," Osmond recalled. " 'Donnie, you're the only person on this planet that knows what my childhood was like.' "
Beyond their shared memories, Osmond highlighted Jackson's candid stories about his father, Joe Jackson. He observed, "You look at the dangers of show business... I don't know if I could have been able to survive show business if I didn't have my family."
Osmond attributed his family's success to his father, George Osmond's, strict work ethic. "When we hit big, my father said, 'Back in the rehearsal hall. Learn a new number. Keep this engine going,'" he said. "I think having a very strong father figure was very important for our success."
Osmond also acknowledged the darker side of growing up in the spotlight. "However, it can go a little overboard," he added.
To this day, the documentary "Larger Than Life" serves as a testament to the incredible journey of boybands, their struggles, and the unwavering bonds forged within their families.