The conversation with Michael Jackson lasted about an hour.
In 1992, I was working in The Sharper Image in Beverly Hills located on 1550 Santa Monica Blvd.
As one of the managers, I got there early in the morning to meet with employees and get ready for the day.
After I unlocked all the doors, I headed for backroom to oversee the days shipments.
One of our sales people came to me and said..."Did you know Michael Jackson was in the store?"
Hmmm...There was only one customer out front when I walked through after opening the doors. He was sitting at the piano we had on display. I remembered he had a surgical mask on.
At that time Michael had just started wearing a mask. So it wasn't something I would think was unusual or think it was Michael.
I turned around and headed for the showroom. There he was checking out a Indian headdress. The only person with him was an elderly fellow that reminded me of an English butler.
Since it was so early on a weekday morning, there were no other customers in the store.
Michael turned my direction as I walked up and said "hello".
He pulled down the mask and flashed one of his smiles then in a quiet whisper asked, "Is this made by real Indians?"
I wasn't expecting that question and it made me laugh. "Well...I'm not 100 percent sure but I can check on that for you."
Taking my time, I took a better look at him and could see he looked very pale, sort of a translucent pink. Dressed all in black with a hat to match. Other than that he seemed normal, but my thought was that it was like talking with a big kid in a candy store.
The Sharper Image was full of interesting toys, signed mementos (like Mohammad Ali's boxing gloves), the newest gadgets and odd things for rich clients to buy.I loved working here because everyday was different and the clients were a blend of superstars, rich people and foreign tourists.
Michael excitedly walked around for over an hour with me asking for demos or just chatting about all the fun items in the store. He was having a blast trying the things out.
One item he was enthralled with was Wake The Wizard (a plastic globe with a wizard inside). "What does it do?" he whispered.
"Well....you wave your hand over the top of the globe after you ask him a question" I replied.
"Ask it a question" he instructed me.
Hmmm..just what do I ask the wizard spur of the moment in front of Michael Jackson?
Without much thought I asked the wizard, "Will I be rich and famous?" as I waved my hand over the top of the globe.
"NO...it is not in the cards!" Said the wizard in an eerie voice.
We were both surprised and Michael started laughing and I did too.
"I'll take 5 of those wizards!!" he said.
He spent time examining a clock from Germany and loved the yellow bird that popped out on the hour.
Along with a 10 Indian headdresses, 5 Wake The Wizards and the clock, my salespeople carefully wrapped them up in our big glossy red signature bags w/ gray tissue paper.
Once they were all done...he thanked me for taking time to help him and was out the door with the English butler.
His limo was parked a few doors down the street. Our display windows were a mirror finish on the outside. Michael couldn't resist catching his reflection as he moon-walked backward to the car. How cool was that!
It was an awesome sight to see him do that in person and I feel sad that I won't see him again. He was like a child genius that never grew up and so polite.
It's taken me a day to process that he's gone. There will be no more new dance music or Michael Jackson sightings. I wanted to write down my memory of him. I haven't wanted to cry until now. The emptiness is real...he touched millions of people with his life.
He was a real person and such a sweet spirit. What a legend...one that won't be replaced. R.I.P
P.S. Here's a link to Michael's last performance at the staples Center in LA on Wednesday night as he prepared for his London Tour.
Exclusive video : This Is It Tour - Rehearsals & Auditions (Michael Jackson & his dancers) Wouldn't it be nice to see this tour of dancers go forward with his music and the whole show intact? People would still pay to see it.
Read this LA Times story on Michael Jackson's early years that may have had a big inpact on why he felt the need to change his features so he could be loved by people.
WOW What a story! Thanks for sharing Liz!!!
Regardless what people think about Michael Jackson he's an icon and it's very cool that you had one on one time with him. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Lizette,
What an AWESOME experience! Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure to meet "The King of Pop". His passing took a lot of people by surprise, I'm still in shock! However; I know he will live forever through all of his fans and those that loved him so much.
My memories of MJ is only that of being a teenager and plastering the bedroom walls I shared with my sister with his posters, and calendars. I had the jacket, glove, and studded wristband of course (as I'm sure many of us did). My mom thought I was TOO obsessed and I came home one day from school, opened my room door, and was horrified! My mom had taken down every poster and calendar I had of MJ. I think I cried for weeks.
Crazy thing is, my mom called me last night and said I'm sorry that your boyfriend died. I guess even she realized how unnecessarily creul she was about my so-called obsession back then.
I've been enjoying all of the songs that the radio stations are playing in his memory. When they stop I will definately pull out my MJ cds.
Take Care,
Adell
What a GREAT account! THANK YOU for sharing that.
I'm from LA too and it's quite common to run into celebrities . . . but THAT one a little less so for sure. It sounds like you both enjoyed the encounter equally! :)
A sad loss . . . of a pop culture icon . . .
Great story and such a great look at the human side of a star. Thanks!
Lizette - This is a very cool story! I was sad to hear of his death - I think he was one of the biggest icons of our generation.
Duane - My pleasure! I thought about it yesterday but couldn't write it till today.
Michelle- I feel that the time I had working in that store was truly magical. Hard to believe I lived that life then.
Hi Adell! So good to hear from you! I think I will be playing his music more now. Funny how you truly appreciate someone after they are gone. Sad really.
Candice - Yes, it is so true about living there. It wasn't a big deal to see a star. I never did ask for autographs. I always thought that they were the same as me but just had a different job. I met stars that I wouldn't have dreamed of meeting. Some of the other ones that have passed on that I really enjoyed conversations with were Gregory Peck and Elizabeth Montgomery(She even twitched her nose for me!)
Russell - It's good to share the human side of stardom. THey have a hard time just doing normal things we take for granted.
Jason - Thanks! It was good to remember him back then.
Lizette - What a great story and what a great memory to have. I never had a chance to meet someone that was that famous.
What a neat story to share. Thanks!
Now this one should be a feature (I will flag) .....you actually MET him...and will forever remember those moments.
Robert - It was just a moment in time...a part history now before things got so crazy for him.
Jim - Thanks! It was a very interesting day for sure.
Sally - Funny, at the time it just was another day in the life of living in LA. Now I look back and see how lucky I was when I was younger.
Another chapter for that book: "The Sharper Image" saga. MJ was unique and gifted by God, no question. Few obtain "superstar" status. He led the elite.
Amazing Liz. I've been sad too and I never met him. I feel bad for his children who he obviously loved dearly.
Lizette, what a great story of a very interesting encounter with the King of Pop!
What a great story and a wonderful personal memory you have. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
A beautiful memory Lizette. Thank you for sharing.
Lizette--What a great memory! Most of us have only the memory of MJ on a screen or at a concert. You had an opportunity to meet him as a real person...Thanks for sharing with us.
Lizette -
Often times, when we unexpectedly encounter a big celebrity, we tend to lose our composure a bit. You kept your cool!
Great story - thanks a lot for sharing!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Lizette, a very interesting story and an opportunity of a life time. I'm sure you will cherish this memory forever. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lizette,
I also was shocked at the news of MJ passing. Through the years the media has made such a bad impression of him, although I personally never bought into it. In fact, it made me sad, and helped me realize that the more one makes of stardom fame or financial freedom in this country the more vulnerable one is to the legal system. I always thought he seemed a harmless over grown child too, although I never met him personally, it is the impression I have. The rumors and the media over the past 15 years, in my opinion was nothing more than the legal system allowing harm to the innocent. I'm sure I saw it for what it was. Michael Jackson afforded the opportunity for greed to be greedier, and the rich to gain more wealth at his expense. May he now be in peace.
Connie - You are right! That may be another book I need to write. I me so many people back then and every day was quite an experience. I never dreamed I would be looking back at it in this way. Those were the good old days.
Missy - I'm sad too about his kids and the new music we will never hear from him. The world forgot about him for awhile and he was so excited to be back.
Brian - Thanks! It was an amazing time of my life. Real estate is amazing too! LOL
Lizette...
What an amazing story. I have heard from several stories that Michael was very nice and polite and appreciative ... now you have reinforced that!
I would have loved to have seen that moonwalk!
Yvette & Dennis- Thank you. I do cherish the memory now.
Bob & Sue - I was honored to have a moment with him.
Teri- If had never moved from Kentucky to LA I would not have been able to live a dream I had. Even now as I look back, it's amazing that I moved heaven and earth to move there in 1992 on the second day of the Rodney King riot! It was WILD! The whole city and airport was in lockdown.
Dean- I might have if I didn't see stars every day in the store. It was a store where they all wanted to shop.
Michael - It's the first time I have ever written about my time in the store. Now such a fond memory.
What a fantastic experience and memory ...to assist Michael Jackson in a Sharper Image store! You're probably one of the few who had a glimpse of the "real" person. Do you think he did the MoonWalk to the limo 'on purpose' - so you guys could see it??
Patty Keller, AnotherME
Very cool story and a great memory for you. What a tragedy it is that he is gone.
Gina - I wish he could have lived a more normal life but he might not have wanted it normal. Even at bad moments in his life he could entertain his fans. He really had so many people that tried to take advantage of his kindness. I felt sad for him then and more so now.
Richard- It was so unexpected to see him moonwalk out front on the sidewalk of the store. We all clapped and cheered him on. Even the term,"moon walk" for a dance move will always be connected to Michael. He was so much more than just a singer.
Thanks for sharing your unique story with us this morning. You never know who you will meet in retail.
Patty - Now that you mention it he may have done that on purpose. He did like an audience. He showed us the real Michael Jackson first... then the entertainer he really was. Sweet!
Rob - I agree. He came along at a time when there could be real superstars. Imagine what his legend will be. Look how long Elvis has stayed alive after death.
Harry - That's really true. Real estate can be that way sometimes too. They do have to buy homes. I'll sell them one in Kentucky if they want one.
Lizette,
Gosh, what a great story. I especially like how you gave all of the little "details" about him. Your post confirms my thoughts on the person that he really was....
Thanks for sharing!
Sweet story and touching tribute. Well worth the feature. Thanks, Lizette, for sharing it with us!
Great story, apparently the man liked to buy a lot of stuff. :)
That was a good story.......since you are a broker are you rich yet. Hopefully you can prove that wizard wrong with at least one thing.
Bill C (ConnectRealty.com #2114 earn 5% of every referred agents deals)
MJ like Elvis were two of the Nations elite entertainers and sadly both of these gifted entertainers died way too young and through similar circumstances.. Thanks for sharing your story. Congrats on the feature...
What a great story and an incredible experience for you. I think it illustrates his childlike manner - and his spending habits!!
Lizette, Thank you for your very descriptive account of your encounter with Michael. What a sweet story!
Sheila- I was a magical moment before life got out of control for him. I wih it could have been what he dreamed of. He just wanted people to love him.
Thanks Sarah - I'm honored it's a feature!
Mark- His shopping sprees were legendary like he was. Like we go to the mall to shop and raise our spirits. He did too.
Bill - I'm working on the "rich" part. Just started my own brokerage this year so I can work on that. Guess I'll never be famous! LOL
Michael - They both checked out way too early. Maybe we wouldn't wanted to see them old. Now we remember them when they were still at the top of their game.
Meagan - I think there will be many stories about his spending sprees.
Shirley - I'm glad I finally sat down to write about it.
Terrific story Lizette! Michael Jackson definitely seemed to be a child at heart! It is very strange to think he no longer with us. I hope his children will be able to live a happy, normal life now that he is gone.
This is truly a treasured and special memory Lizette, he was one of the geatest entertainers to ever walk this earth. I never got to meet him personally, but was always impressed with his performances and talent. This was a great story, thanks for sharing it with us.
RIP Michael, I'm still in shock he's gone.
Thanks for writing this Lizette. I also appreciated the link - there is a lot of sadness concerning Michael Jackson. He was gifted and exploited. I hope his suffering is over.
What an interesting story. Thanks for sharing it and giving us a window of insight into who he was Lizette.
After reading about his final night, it puts a smile on my face to know that he at least died in a happy and optimistic stage of his life.
Terrie - Yes, I wonder what will happen to his children. They had to endure strange childhoods too. I'm sure he tried to shelter them as much as he could.
Brad - I'm still in shock too. Hard to imagine we will never know how he might have turned his life around.
Dawn - I knew that more stories might come out now that he is gone about what he really thought about his childhood. We all remember small things that never go away and stay in our minds and fears even as we age. Entertaining was the only time he felt loved.
Lola - Thanks! It was an honor to write my small story about his life.
Marie - I was so glad to read this article too. It hurts to know he might have been able to pull it off and be a success again. He was so close. It sounded like he was not so doped up to do a full rehersal. It doesn't take a lot to stop a heart...even a bad combo will do it. Look at what happened to Heath Ledger!
Fascinating to me how your personal story trumps all the talking heads and gratuitous comments spewing from TV. The personal stories hardly ever find a forum. Glad you shared it on AR!
That is great that you experienced his personal side! On a good note, I read this morning that he does have songs that he would not allow released until after his death. He did this for his children as a type of insurance policy that would help support them. Hope it comes to pass for them.
Thanks for the post.
Lizette - thanks for sharing this story - that is awesome you had this interaction with him. Michael was an icon, and was incredibly talented.
Bud - Thanks for the nice comment. I couldn't even think of how I was going to write it the first day of his death. It was hard even when I had time to put my thoughts down in my blog post. It didn't really seem final till then. It made me more sad to write it, but happy I could share something positive about him.
Craig - That's fantastic news! You have to think that all those years when there was no big #1 record that he was still busy building his legacy writing and recording music for later. Like write it down before you forgot your thoughts. I hope the kids aren't hounded like Michael was. It would be a shame.
Sharon - He truly was the King of Pop. That will never be disputed.
Lizette, how cool a brush with fame with Michael and I see you picked up on that child genius part of him. It seems like part of him never grew up. Thanks for sharing that.
Lizette,
Thanks so much for this post.
There was someone who posted a blog yesterday about Michael that was very nasty and shameful, so I'm glad to see this post.
I think having met him in person just validates what I figured about him - just a nice man who never had a childhood and was basically a big kid who wanted to give to everybody and help make the world a better place.
So now Michael is gone, and yet people like Bin Laden, the Darfur terrorists and the sick Iranian president are still here to give us pain and suffering.
Doesn't seem right, does it?
Thanks for sharing your story! I remember when I was a kid he was such a big deal to my life. I always will love his music. I used to have a glove and I used to know all the dance to Thriller...it's a sad thing that he died so young.
Lizette,
I enjoyed reading about your encounter and I think it's so good that you shared this story. It helps me to realize that he was a real person, not just some fantasy star icon, but someone with genuine emotions, feelings, and kindness. All too often we forget that even famous people are real people at the core with all the emotions, insecurities, wants, and needs that we all have. I needed to be reminded that regardless of the mistakes he may have made, he was a man with strengths as well as weeknesses. Thanks for sharing your story today!
I can't imagine what being Michael Jackson would be like, but holding onto reality would not be easy, as we saw from his life. The next time we wish we were famous, we should look at his life as a cautionary tale. I would think for him being normal would be to act like a typical shopper with you and you gave him a gift. I have met people who are somewhat famous but it isn't the same of having people worship you more than they worship God.
Lizette, Thank you for sharing your experience. It was quite a shock to hear he had died. He stayed at the Hotel I worked at back in the late '80s. He didn't come to the restaurant or bar, so I did not get to have an encounter with him. I think it would have been fascinating to spend an hour with him.
Gary - I can look back on his memory and smile. I hope the same will be for me too.
Ralph - It makes you wonder why there has to be evil in the world. Sad that goodness can't triumph over it.
Amy - I can remember where I was when I first saw Thriller on MTV and it was my first time to experience both. What a moment!
Jan - You are right...even famous people are the same inside and out...they just have different jobs than we do. they all came from the same place.
Joe - It was nice I could share something normal with him that we take for granted.
Jen - You came close! Still you can remember how exciting it could be just to know there was a possibility.
Lizette: Nice story and thank you for sharing it. What a special encounter and memory. He was definitely a major part of the planet's soundtrack for decades.
Thankyou for sharing this story. I've always had the feeling that he was a kind, gentle soul that somehow just got off track witth the media and fame and family issues. It's good to hear every day stories without the flash and dash....just sweet.
He will be missed and I am keeping his kids in my thoughts and prayers. Sad.
Boy that must have been neat to meet him. I think he just never grew up totally
WOW! Lizette! This was sure feature worthy. My Michael Jackson tribute was featured but in no way even compared any where near your great story and memory. Thank you for sharing the soft and warm side of Michael. I don't listen to gossip or what media says so I don't even know nor want to know their spin on Michael. Michael was born in the same year I was, 1958. As a young girl of 12; the Jackson 5 were our ages of my girlfriends and they were a part of our lives. There were no computers, cell phones, Ipods, dvds, cds. We listened to the Radio and watched Soul Train and American Bandstand. Jackson 5 posters were all over our rooms and we sat around figuring out ways to marry Michael:) That was my childhood imaginary sweetheart. The days were much different then than they are now. He was so talented, a gift from God to the world. Thank you for sharing! You would have been the envy of all of us young girls! Of course, you are much younger than we were:)
Oh and Lizette- With your amazing talent for art, you can be and should be rich and famous:) You just need a good PR person.
I really like the LA Times story because the guy observed him for so many years, MJ really, really was a tragic figure. I read another story about him yesterday about how polite and soft spoken he was, when a young woman played the piano for him and his kids.
His shopping, plastic surgery and other eccentricities ... the media will have a hay day rehashing and analyzing his life for awhile. It was great that you shared your personal experience with him here with us.
Lizette-I just loved your personal account of your "brush" with fame. What a treasured memory this must be. I too have always like Micheal Jackson and I am still so shocked and find it hard to believe that it is real. I looked at all of your links and the video of the dancers and how in awe they were to be picked for the tour brought me to tears. Such a tragedy and so young to be gone. How wonderful for you that you got to spend an hour with him. How many people outside his inner circle can say that?
Thanks for the story. It both humanizes and shows the kid in him. Very bittersweet.
Thanks for the story. It both humanizes and shows the kid in him. Very bittersweet.
That is a cool story. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us how MJ was a sweet person and not just troubled.
Wow, that must have been a memorable occasion. I think he was truly one of a kind. I loved his style, music and showmanship. There will never be another like him
Thanks for the story.
Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh.
Lizette, this is truly a great story, and one you will always remember. I loved Michael's dancing and singing...yes he will be missed. Thanks so much for sharing...I can just see him moonwalking...,
Great story Lizette. Here in Memphis we have lots of stories like that about Elvis. My father in law went to school with him and I love to hear his stories about Elvis playing football with the neighborhood guys. Makes us remember they were only human even though their legacy was much larger than life.
Interesting story...I guess you never know who you'll get to meet in CA.
Lizette...
I'm pretty sure this makes you famous by association :)
TLW...ROAR!
Looks like my Michael Jackson post has become a runaway train and I can't keep up with the comments. Thanks so much everyone. Keep those good thoughts coming. We will honor him with our good wishes for his children and legacy!
I'm not really a star gazer . . . we have a few supernovas in our family, I guess that's why. And the sad thing about meeting Michael Jackson and having those memories is that by the time he got back into his limo, he probably forgot all about his outing, shopping spree and meeting you. My personal HERO would be Mother Teresa who gave up everything to work with the truly poor, sick and humble of the earth in Calcutta, India.
Nice post. It is interesting to hear stories of this nature...what we did before real estate. Thanks for the positive post.
Lizette, What a facinating story. You handled it like a professional, I'm not at all sure I would have remained so calm! I would have asked him to sign everything in site and pay it off the rest of my life. What an incredible and treasured memory you have!
Lizette - I am still in a state of shock and finding it so hard to believe that Michael is gone. I watched the journey of the Jackson 5 to stardom and Michael's rise to fame when he went solo. You had a unique opporuntity to see him in a light few others did away from the limelight, the media and the paparazzi. Thank for your sharing this wonderful story.
I would love to see the tour go on too as I think it would be a great tribute to Michael and the wonderful music he has now left us with.
Despite all that is said about him, nobody can deny that he was a thoughtful and mild mannered celebrity.
Sweet story.
What an awesome story ! I loved Micheal Jackson. In my early years back in the 80's I roller skated in competitions. One of my first competitions was to ABC and I did another to BAD. Wow, seems like forever ago. His music still plays on in my head and heart. It's so sureal to know he is gone. A life taken way to soon. I never had a conversation with Micheal other than in my heart with my skates ! Not that it compares but I was held by Johnny Cash in Hendersonville TN at Kmart when I was about 3 years old ! I use to hide in the racks of cloths. Well that particular day I hid very well and with frantic parents, grandparents and store clerks it was Johnny Cash who found me ! LOL. He thought it was funny...however my parents did not.
Now that would have been a fun day at work. Of course it would be hard to do that now with any superstar due to the paparazzi.
In regards to the press...they are one of the most despicable, sneaky professions in the world. I recommend having a video backup every time you ever talk with them as they can twist a comment quiker than the pretzel maker at the mall.
You can see many stars who have had their lives damaged or destroyed by the press...including Michael Jackson's.
That is a wonderful story, great memories. I also watch the clips you had linked to. You could see in the auditions how big, no huge deal it is was everybody to be able to perform with him. ~Rita
That is an amazing story...one you can carry with you for years to come, just as you have done now! He was an unbelievable artist, to say the least. I'm sorry he went through the troubles that he did, and I think he lacked someone close to him that could not only understand him, but help him be who he wanted to be, without getting in trouble.
A 'brush' with a famous person is always something to cherish. I have autographed pictures with Peter Fonda. A Nolan Ryan autograph I got when he stay at the hotel I worked at in Houston...escorting Diana Ross from her limo to the elevator in another hotel.
All memories we will cherish.
Thanks for sharing your very special one with all of us!
Lizette, thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Always great to hear the human side of the stars. I have worked as costumer for many years, and I have a hole different take from their "real lives" and not the tabloids!!! Michael was an unbelievable artist and will be missed terribly.
Lizette, your story certainly shows the childlike human side of him. Maybe because he was never really able to be a child as a child...he just never grew up? Who knows? He was a huge icon in our music world and honestly I hope he died happy. What a short life! Thank you for telling us this story.
Deb
Hi Lizette~ I think it is really cool that you got to meet him. He was definitely so talented to say the least. Too bad he wasn't ever happy with himself and felt like he always had to be improving his looks. He was adorable as a child, he just couldn't see it....Being content with ourselves and where we are at the moment is a hard lesson for some to learn...
Great story. I think it is sad that my kids will remember him for the crazy stuff since they were not around during the times when he was making great music!
Amazing story...So great that you had the opportunity to meet him...I feel for his children...I truly believed he loved being a great father and I feel for his children...the loss has to be horrific to them.,
As I watch the tributes and the stories of others that really knew him, I realize how lucky I was to see him before things got out of hand in his life. His children had to be such a joy for him to redo the childhood he didn't experience through their eyes.
I think if it weren't for the money problems, he wouldn't have been stressed(500 million????). To know you have to perform perfectly in 50 shows when you are frail to begin with might have been too much. Maybe this was the best way for him to leave...he just slipped away while we looked away for a moment. Finally free from all the pressure and pain. Like a shooting star! He has to be feeling the love now from people he touched with his music all over the world.
Great story! Thanks for sharing. I'm glad that people are remembering the good things about Michael and not just bashing him.
I may not have agreed with some of the "crazy" things Michael was in the news for; BUT I will always remember his MUSIC and STAGE PERFORMANCES. I have always been a fan of "most" of his music and had him on my bucket list of things to do should he tour again. I guess I can cross that one off, even though it will never be accomplished.
That brings me to the realization that I need to start working on my current bucket list of things to do instead of putting it off.... you just never know!!
Lizette: What a wonderful story. It brought a tear to my eye.
Wonderful story, thanks for sharing.
HI Lizette,
What a story!! You must have been excited after he left! It is sad to see how his life spiraled out of control. So much talent lost...
Trace, it is such a sad loss indeed. Unexpected deaths are always a shock and when the person has touched so many people with a artistic gift it reverberates even more...
Last night I was watching the Dateline interview with Jermaine Jackson and he spoke about Michael shopping at The Sharper Image. It was really interesting to see Neverland inside. Love the old oak tree where Michael used to spend time writing.
Lizette, Michael was a fantastic person and an even greater performer. He was a big kid at heart