Michael Joseph Jackson (1958-2009) was a singer, songwriter, and keen dancer. Also known as the 'King of Pop' he holds the record for the biggest selling album of all time, Thriller (1982) with in excess of 70 million copies sold worldwide!
Regarding his height, he often looked average on stage, and above average on other occasions. Yet he was very slim and often wore clothing to emphasize this, so did his lean figure create a height illusion, making him appear taller than he really was?
That being said, on this page, we will investigate Michael's real height by finding out his height claim, what others said about his height, and also by comparing him to other celebs!
What's His Real Height?
After investigating Michael's height claim, his height on paper, and comparing his height when standing next to other celebs, he consistently appears to be 5'9" (175.3 cm) tall, and that is what I will list his height as on this page.
Height Listing
Michael Jackson is listed at 175 cm or 5'9" on Google and IMDb.
Height Claim
In Michael's autobiography, titled: Moonwalk (1988), in relation to struggles regarding his changing appearance, he mentions that:
"My appearance began to really change when I was about fourteen. I grew quite a bit in height." and also, "I was a gangly adolescent heading toward five feet ten inches." (1)
What Others Say
Michael's sudden growth and height claim is backed up by Michael's elder sister, La Toya Jackson, wherein the book La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family (1992), she mentions that:
"Adolescence proved awkward for Michael too. He sprouted from just over five feet to five feet ten. Overnight, it seemed, he went from a cute little boy to a gangly teenager." (2)
Other Height Info
In these examples, whether Michael was wearing shoes cannot be confirmed.
Autopsy Report
Michael's 2009 autopsy report lists his height as 5'9" and weight as 136 pounds.
Drivers License
On a driver's license from 1985 Michael had his height as 5'9" and weight as 120 pounds.
Arrest in 2003
In 2003, The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office took a mug shot of Jackson and his stated height as 5'11 and weight as 120 pounds.
Height Next to Celebs
Akin to Freddie Mercury, Michael held a slender frame that could easily trick us into thinking he was taller than he was. He also sometimes wore heeled shoes giving him 1.5 inches of height, but in the examples below, he appears to be wearing regular footwear.
So, let's compare Michael's height to celebs that he has been pictured standing with over the years, to better understand how tall he really was.
Usher Raymond 5'7.75 (172.1 cm)
Michael Jackson was highly influential to Usher, and when they performed on stage together at the You Rock My World concert (2001) and also in backstage photos from the event, Usher looked exactly 1 inch shorter than Michael.
So, compared to Usher, Michael looked to be 5'9" tall.
Mike Tyson 5'10.25" (178.4 cm)
During the 1980s there are a good amount of photos where Jackson is standing side-by-side with Tyson, and they look fairly close in height, but Tyson is still clearly taller.
For instance, in 1989 backstage at the Sammy Davis Jr 60th anniversary special, and when Mike and Michael are standing together there is a 1.25 inch difference in height, with Tyson clearly looking taller. This height difference carries itself over to almost all pics I have seen of them together.
So, with Mike Tyson, Jackson appears bang on 5'9" tall.
Lionel Richie 5'11" (180.3 cm)
With their relationship starting through Lionel's band being the warm-up act for the 1972 Jackson 5 tour, and becoming good friends thereafter, when pictured together, Lionel is distinctively taller, and there appears to be a 2 inch difference in height.
For instance, when they are on stage together after winning song of the year for We Are The World at the 1986 Grammy Awards, or standing together at the American Music Awards in 1986, there is a distinctive difference between the pair.
So with Lionel Richie, Michael once again appears 5'9" tall
The Results - When compared to other celebs, there is no evidence to suggest Michael is either under or over 5'9", standing at exactly 5'9" tall.
Height of The Jackson Five
Similar to other celebs, Let's find out who was the tallest and shortest member of the band.
- Jermaine Jackson: Bass Guitar, 6'1" (185.4 cm)
- Jackie Jackson: Tambourine, 6'0" (182.9 cm)
- Michael Jackson: Lead Singer, 5'9" (175.3 cm)
- Tito Jackson: Lead Guitar, 5'8.5" (174 cm)
- Randy Jackson: Jacksons Singer, 5'8" (172.7 cm)
- Marlon Jackson: Tambourine, 5'8" (172.7 cm)
Coming in at 3rd tallest, height wise Michael blended in perfectly with the other members!
Height + Weight of Michael's Chimpanzee Bubbles
Born in 1983 and still alive in 2022, Bubbles is an adult male chimpanzee who stands at 4'6" and weighs 185 pounds. Bubbles was adopted by Michael as a baby, becoming his companion, frequently traveling together, and he even mimicked Michael's dance moves!
These days he resides in the Centre for Great Apes in Florida (a retirement home for orangutans and chimpanzees).
The Bottom Line
Michael Jackson is one of the most 5'9" looking celebs I have ever come across. He rarely appears under or over this height, consistently giving off a 5'9" (175.3 cm) impression, and that is what I will list his height as on this page.
Heights Related to Michael Jackson
- Debbie Rowe, Ex-Wife (1996-1999), 5'7.5" (171.5 cm)
- Lisa Marie Presley, Ex-Wife (1994-1996), 5'2" (157.5 cm)
- Paris Jackson, Daughter, 5'8" (172.7 cm)
- Prince Jackson, Son, 5'8.75" (174.6 cm)
- Macaulay Culkin, Friend/Supporter, 5'6" (167.6 cm)
- Prince, Singer/80s music icon, 5'2" (157.5 cm)
