As audiences continue to revisit the life of Michael Jackson<\/a> through the hit biopic Michael<\/em><\/a> and a growing number of documentaries<\/a>, former child star Danny Bonaduce is offering a rare firsthand account from long before Jackson became the biggest entertainer on the planet.<\/p>\n During a recent appearance on the Pop Culture Retro!<\/em><\/a> podcast, Bonaduce revealed that he attended school with Jackson while both were navigating life as young performers. The Partridge Family<\/em> star said they first met \u201con the Columbia lot\u201d while working on separate productions before reconnecting years later at Cal Prep, a school designed for working child actors and entertainers.<\/p>\n By then, Jackson was already becoming a major star thanks to the Jackson 5. Bonaduce remembered seeing him at school and recognizing that his classmate was operating on a different level than most young performers.<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI see Michael again, and, you know, he was a pretty big star at that point,\u201d Bonaduce said. \u201cNot what he would become, but he’s a pretty big star.\u201d<\/p>\n Rather than push himself into Jackson’s orbit, Bonaduce said he kept his distance. \u201cI just kind of held back a little,\u201d he recalled. \u201cI said, \u2018Nice to see you again.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n The moment that stayed with him happened during a chance encounter near the school office. Bonaduce said he finally decided to ask a question that had been bothering him for years.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, \u2018You know, Michael, I’ve known you forever. How come you never speak?\u2019\u201d Bonaduce recalled.<\/p>\n Jackson’s answer left an impression.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I’m in constant remembrance of God,\u201d Jackson reportedly replied.<\/p>\n Bonaduce admitted the response wasn’t exactly what he expected from a teenager.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, \u2018Well, that’s cool, but what about chicks?\u2019\u201d he recalled.<\/p>\n The conversation ended almost immediately.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Hey, what about chicks?\u2019 Boom. Gone,\u201d Bonaduce said with a laugh. \u201cJust gone like a ninja.\u201d<\/p>\n Bonaduce said his relationship with Jackson didn’t end at school. He revealed that the two reconnected years later when Jackson invited him and his children to visit his home.<\/p>\n The story adds another layer to the increasingly personal portrait of Jackson that has emerged in recent months. Antoine Fuqua’s Michael<\/em> has centered heavily on Jackson’s humanity, with star Jaafar Jackson saying he focused on capturing his uncle’s \u201ctrue essence\u201d rather than simply copying his mannerisms<\/a>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Nia Long, who portrays Katherine Jackson in the film, recently described Michael as \u201csuch a real person\u201d who always made an effort to connect with people<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a> BTS Clarifies Participation in Michael Jackson Tribute Album<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/a> John McClain, Architect of Michael Jackson Estate Empire, Dies at 71<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/a> Questlove Says Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Gave Him Back His Humanity’<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Martin Scorsese\u2019s Daughter Francesca Claps Back at Nepo Baby Hate and Fat-Shaming<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Sadie Soverall Reportedly Tapped for Selena Gomez\u2019s X-Rated Occult Saga<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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