You probably remember the masks. Back in the early 2000s, the world was obsessed with the sight of three small children draped in elaborate veils and Spider-Man masks, trailing behind one of the most famous men to ever live. It looked weird. People called it eccentric—or worse. But if you ask the man those kids grew up to be, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, he’ll tell you those masks were the greatest gift his father ever gave him. They gave him a chance to be invisible.
Today, the 28-year-old—widely known as "Prince"—doesn’t wear a mask anymore. He’s out in the world, riding his Harley-Davidson through the streets of California and running a production company. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how normal he turned out. When your dad is the King of Pop, "normal" isn't usually on the menu. Yet, Prince has managed to build a life that feels surprisingly grounded, focused more on spreadsheets and charity than the moonwalk.
The Reality of Growing Up Jackson
There’s this weird misconception that Prince and his siblings, Paris and Bigi, grew up in some golden cage where they didn't know how the "real world" worked. It’s partially true; Neverland Ranch was basically a private theme park. But Prince has been vocal about the fact that his dad was a stickler for education and work ethic.
He wasn't just some pampered heir. By the time he was a teenager, Prince was helping his father with technical tasks in the recording studio. He’s recalled being woken up in the middle of the night because Michael needed help with a camera or a piece of software. It wasn't about being a star. It was about being a professional.
When Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, the world expected the kids to crumble or turn into tabloid fodder. Instead, Prince went to high school at The Buckley School and then headed to Loyola Marymount University. He didn't just skate through, either. He graduated cum laude with a degree in business administration in 2019. That business degree is the backbone of everything he’s doing now in 2026.
Why Michael Joseph Jackson Jr Chose Business Over the Stage
Let’s be real: Prince knows he can’t dance like his father. He’s admitted it many times. "I didn't get that gene," he joked in an interview. While his sister Paris has embraced the spotlight through music and modeling, Prince felt a different pull.
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He’s a behind-the-scenes guy.
He founded King’s Son Productions in 2016. The name is a direct nod to his father, but the mission is all his own. He wanted to create a "one-stop shop" for production—everything from music videos to documentaries. He even executive produced the music video "Your Look (Glorious)" for his sister's band, The Soundflowers.
His approach to the family legacy is more about stewardship than stardom. He acts as a special consultant to the Jackson Estate, helping manage the business side of his father's massive catalog. It’s a heavy weight to carry, especially with the 2025/2026 biopic Michael bringing the family back into the global spotlight.
Healing Los Angeles and the "Thriller Night" Legacy
If you want to know what Prince Jackson actually cares about, look at his charity work. While a student at LMU, he co-founded Heal Los Angeles. It started as a student organization and morphed into a full-blown 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The name is a tribute to his father’s "Heal the World" foundation, but the focus is local. They deal with some heavy stuff:
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- Ending child abuse
- Combating homelessness
- Improving food security for inner-city youth
Every October, Prince hosts the "Thriller Night" costume party at the family's Hayvenhurst home in Encino. It’s not just a party; it’s a massive fundraiser. Guests see the original "Thriller" costumes and awards, but the money goes straight to programs like the Power Up Fitness initiative and virtual cooking classes for families in need.
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Prince was seen working with Mattel to shut down toy stores for shopping sprees—a tradition his father started. He’s often said that philanthropy is the "badge of honor" he and his siblings wear. It’s their way of keeping the best parts of Michael Jackson alive.
The Secret Engagement and a Private Life
For a long time, people wondered if Prince would marry his longtime girlfriend, Molly Schirmang. They met at university and have been together for nearly a decade. In late 2025, the news finally broke that they were engaged.
What’s interesting is how they handled it. No massive magazine spread. No televised special. Just a quiet post on Instagram showing their journey together. Prince is notoriously private about his personal life, which is a sharp contrast to the circus that surrounded his father.
He’s very close with his siblings. He often calls Bigi (formerly known as Blanket) his "best friend." They used to run a YouTube channel together where they reviewed movies like Avengers: Endgame. Even as they’ve grown into their own lives, they still have those family dinners. Prince has noted that the "hierarchy" of being the older brother has faded; now they just lean on each other as equals.
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The Biopic Era and 2026
As we move through 2026, the Jackson name is everywhere because of the Michael biopic starring his cousin, Jaafar Jackson. Prince has been a frequent presence on set, serving as a bridge between the filmmakers and the family.
He isn't trying to rewrite history. He’s acknowledged that his father was a complex human being. But he’s also determined to make sure the side of the man he knew—the one who read him bedtime stories and insisted on "making that change"—isn't lost to the tabloid noise.
What We Can Learn From His Journey
Michael Joseph Jackson Jr could have easily become another "celebrity kid" tragedy. He had every excuse. Instead, he chose a path that’s almost boringly stable.
If you’re looking for a takeaway from his life so far, it’s the power of intentionality. He didn't let the fame define him; he used the resources it provided to build a foundation—both literally and figuratively.
Actionable Insights from Prince Jackson’s Path:
- Define your own lane: Just because your "family business" is one thing doesn't mean you have to do it. Prince leaned into business and production because he knew his strengths weren't in performing.
- Education as a shield: He used his time in university to build a network and a skill set that had nothing to do with his last name.
- Service as legacy: If you want to honor someone, don't just talk about them. Do the work they cared about.
- Privacy is a choice: Even in 2026, you don't have to share everything. You can be the son of the most famous man on earth and still have a quiet engagement.
At the end of the day, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr isn't trying to be the next King of Pop. He’s just trying to be a good man who happens to have a very famous dad. And honestly? That might be the most impressive thing he’s ever done.
Next Steps to Explore the Jackson Legacy:
If you want to support the causes Prince is passionate about, you can check out the Heal Los Angeles Foundation website to see their current programs for inner-city youth. For those interested in the cinematic side of the family, the 2025 biopic Michael offers the most detailed look at the environment Prince grew up in, featuring consulting work from Prince himself to ensure the technical details of his father's life are accurately portrayed.