Janet Jackson filmography

Jackson performing on tour

American recording artist Janet Jackson has appeared in various films and television shows. She began her career as a child star in the sitcoms Good Times, CHiPs, Diff'rent Strokes, and Fame. Jackson then starred in her debut film Poetic Justice (1993), directed by John Singleton. She portrayed Justice, who copes with her mother's suicide and boyfriend's murder through writing poetry. It opened at number one at the box office and has been considered iconic within popular culture. Throughout the decade, Jackson was initially cast in leading roles in several films, including Jerry Maguire (1996), The Matrix (1999), Scream 3 (2000), and X-Men (2000), but was unable to proceed with filming due to scheduling conflicts while touring. Additionally, she was considered for the role of Lena Horne, but was asked to step down, following the Super Bowl controversy. She was also set to star in Valley of the Dolls, Newlyweds, and Tennessee, but could not commit to those acting roles due to focusing on her music career.

Jackson's first three films have opened at number one, with her following two opening within the top three. She also has a minimum of three films to debut at number one on the DVD and Blu-ray charts, selling one to two million copies within their first week. Her film performances have garnered numerous accolades, which include MTV Movie Awards and Image Awards. Her film compositions have also received recognition, including Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for "Best Original Song from a Motion Picture." Critics have considered Jackson among the few child stars to successfully transition into a credible actress. She is also thought to have one of the most notorious film careers by a musician. Throughout her career, she has also filmed advertisements for Pepsi, Jaguar, Japan Airlines, KDDI, and The Trevor Project, among others.

Jackson began her career as a child star, performing a series of successful television roles before starring in feature films.[1] Jackson stated, "I love acting—it was my first love. I had my first job at seven. I got a recording contract when I was 14, so I thought I was going to be an actress."[2] Joan Morgan ultimately declared Jackson "a veteran thespian who also happened to sell more than 100 million records."[3] DeMarco Williams placed Jackson among the few child stars who successfully transitioned into adult actors, along with Jodie Foster, Ron Howard, and Drew Barrymore.[4] Ria Nevada observed her acting work to track Jackson’s evolution, "from the “girl next door” to sex-goddess, to the strong, powerful woman she is today."[5] Of her standard acting rates, Phillip McCarthy declared her a "$3-million per-picture screen queen."[6] Jackson has had three consecutive films open at number one, beginning with her debut role in Poetic Justice, and two additional films enter the top three.[7] She also had a minimum of three consecutive films debut at number one on the DVD and Blu-ray charts, selling over one to two million copies within their first week.[8][9][10]

Jackson made her film debut in Poetic Justice, directed by John Singleton. Jackson's character, Justice, finds romance after her mother's suicide and boyfriend's murder, writing poetry to cope with her pain.[11] Her love interest, Lucky, is played by Tupac Shakur, considered an "unlikely but effective pairing."[12] Although advised to do a musical, Jackson accepted the role to further unveil an edgier and rebellious image, in contrast to her formerly innocent persona.[13] It removed her from her comfort zone, opting for a "harder exterior and a rougher neck."[14] It opened at number one, with its cult significance considered to have "dominated the 90s."[11] Diane E. Picard commended its plot, which "captures the sense of desperation felt by a young woman struggling with strong emotions and nowhere to turn."[15] It was also declared "a surprising movie about coming of age in a time of violence and hatred."[15] Several critics considered it a "classic" and iconic, in addition to one of the most notorious film debuts by a musician.[14]

Jackson played Professor Denise Gaines in The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, opposite Eddie Murphy. Brian Grazer stated, "she's a superstar musician who acts. Getting Janet is a huge coup for us because she doesn't have to do movies, but she wants to do this one."[16] Murphy commented, "I've known for years that she's a good actress. [...] She's a superstar and a really talented woman... It was like 'Wow, I'm with a superstar on the set.'"[17] It opened at number one and grossed $175 million worldwide, also being the biggest opening week of Murphy's career.[16][18] Jackson received praise among critics for her portrayal. Melissa Marschheuser of The Sentinel stated "she plays the role perfectly", while Variety commended her "improbable persuasiveness."[19][20]

Jackson played Dr. Patricia Agnew in her third film, Why Did I Get Married?.[8] Patrick Huguenin described her role as "a picture-perfect (but emotionally scarred) romance psychologist who corrals her now-married college friends into an annual retreat."[21] Variety considered Jackson's presence to ensure its success.[22] It opened at number one, grossing nearly $60 million worldwide.[23] She also starred in Why Did I Get Married Too?, reprising her role as a "demurely clothed, deeply sentient, highly respected psychologist."[9][24] It opened at number two, grossing over $60 million.[25] A third sequel, Why Did I Get Married Again?, would have Jackson play the love interest of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.[26] Jackson then co-starred in the drama For Colored Girls, an adaption of the stage play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. She portrayed Joanna, an abrasive fashion editor.[27] It debuted at number three, with an intake of nearly $40 million.[28]

In 2011, Jackson entered a production deal with Lionsgate, in collaboration with her company JDJ Entertainment.[29] Michael Paseornek stated, "She is a powerful on-screen presence, with a vast audience, and we believe she will be an equally powerful presence behind the scenes."[29] Jackson desires to pursue films with "a lot of energy," saying, "I love action films, I love Sci-Fi."[30]

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Director(s) Budget Box office Ref
USD$ Worldwide
1993 Poetic Justice Justice LaRue John Singleton $14 million $27.5 million [31]
2000 Nutty Professor II: The Klumps Professor Denise Gaines Peter Segal $65 million $175 million [18][32]
2007 Why Did I Get Married? Dr. Patricia Agnew Tyler Perry $15 million $55.9 million [33][34]
2010 Why Did I Get Married Too? $20 million $60.7 million [35][36]
For Colored Girls Joanna "Jo" Bradmore / Red $19 million $37.7 million [37]

Television

Year Title Role Creator(s) Episodes Ref
1975 Cher Herself George Schlatter 1 episode (Season 1, episode 6) [38]
1976–77 The Jacksons 12 episodes
1977–79 Good Times Penny Gordon Woods Eric Monte & Mike Evans 48 episodes [39]
1979 A New Kind of Family Jojo Ashton Bob Illes & James R. Stein 3 episodes [40]
1980–84 Diff'rent Strokes Charlene DuPrey Jeff Harris & Bernie Kukoff 10 episodes [41]
1984–85 Fame Cleo Hewitt Christopher Gore 7 episodes [42]
1985 The Love Boat Delia Parks Jeraldine Saunders "Too Many Isaacs" (Season 8, episodes 19 & 20) [43]
1989 Rhythm Nation 1814 Herself Janet Jackson & Dominic Sena Televised musical short film based on the album of the same name [44]
2004 Saturday Night Live Beth McCarthy-Miller Host and musical guest; seven sketches (Season 29, episode 17) [45]
Will & Grace David Kohan & Max Mutchnick "Back Up, Dancer" (Season 7, episode 2) [46]
2022 Janet Jackson Janet Jackson & Randy Jackson 4 episodes

Commercials and advertisements

Year Sponsor Notes Ref
1984–85 National / Panasonic [47]
1990 Japan Airlines [48][49]
1993 Virgin Records [50][51]
1993–94 KDDI TU-KA [52][53]
1998 MTV
  • Promotional "Dance with Janet" contest for winner to appear on Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour
  • Features Jackson as various dancers perform her choreography to exclusive mash-up
 [54][55]
HBO [56]
1998–99 Pepsi
  • Promotional ad for global Pepsi campaign
  • Features promotional single "Ask for More"
  • Directed by Peter Smillie in Sydney, Australia
  • Alternate versions include Jackson with Ricky Martin (South America) and Aaron Kwok (Asia)
  • Spanish version of "Ask for More" recorded with Ricky Martin
 [57][58]
2001 MTV Icon: Janet Jackson
  • Three promotional ads for Jackson's inaugural MTV Icon tribute
  • Features conservative families in shock over Jackson's music and videos
  • Directed by Melissa Silverman, edited by Nathan Byrne
 [59][60]
Jaguar X-Type [61]
2002 HBO [62]
2004 CBS [63]
BET
  • Series of ten ads for February's "History: Pass It On" campaign
  • Won silver Telly Award in Education category
 [64][65]
[66]
2008 MTV [67][68]
LOGO [69]
Nivea Cosmetics [70][71]
2010 The Trevor Project [72]
2012 Nutrisystem [73][74]
[75]
amfAR
  • Public service announcement for World AIDS Day
  • Jackson honored at amfAR's New York Gala and co-chaired amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS XX in France the following year
 [76][77]
[78]
2013 UNICEF
  • Public service announcement for humanitarian assistance for world hunger relief
 [79]

References

  1. ^ "Actress/Singer Janet Jackson". Oprah.com. King, Gayle. 2007. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  2. ^ "Janet Jackson Takes Control". Greeven Cuomo, Cristina. Gotham. 2010. Archived from the original on August 22, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  3. ^ "Janet Jackson & Adam Rodriguez in Before Sunset". Morgan, Joan. Essence. August 2010. p. 108.
  4. ^ "Tatyana Ali: Distant Relative". HipHopDX. Williams, DeMarco. February 19, 2010. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  5. ^ "Janet Jackson Vancouver concert review". Guttersnipe Magazine. Nevada, Ria. August 26, 2011. Archived from the original on November 21, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  6. ^ "No nipple talk for Janet". Brisbane Times. McCarthy, Phillip. February 24, 2008. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  7. ^ "AUDIO: JANET JACKSON TO RELEASE 'FEEDBACK' - DEBUT SINGLE AT ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP, IMPACTS JANUARY 7th". PRNewswire. December 13, 2007. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Tyler Perry's Successful 'Marriage' With Lionsgate Continues as TYLER PERRY'S WHY DID I GET MARRIED? Captures the Number One Spot on North American DVD Charts With Two Million Units Sold". PRNewswire. February 21, 2008. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  9. ^ a b "LIONSGATE®'s Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? Claims the Number One Spot on the DVD and Blu-ray Charts With Over One Million Units Sold in North America". PRNewswire. September 9, 2010. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  10. ^ "LIONSGATE'S® FOR COLORED GIRLS CLAIMS THE NUMBER ONE SPOT ON THE DVD SELL THROUGH CHARTS WITH NEARLY ONE MILLION UNITS SOLD IN NORTH AMERICA". PRNewswire. February 17, 2011. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  11. ^ a b "Flashback Friday: The Top 10 Hip Hop Love Movies Of All Time". The Source. February 14, 2014. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  12. ^ "Boyz will be boys". Metro Times. Donadoni, Serena. June 27, 2001. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  13. ^ "The Joy of Sex". Rolling Stone. September 16, 1993.
  14. ^ a b "8 Surprisingly Great Acting Performances by Musicians". Hollywood.com. Cintron, Christian. March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  15. ^ a b "'Poetic Justice' has Janet appeal". The Daily Collegian. Picard, Diane E. July 30, 1993. Archived from the original on April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  16. ^ a b "Miss Janet - International Janet Jackson Fanclub". Janet Official Fan Club. Archived from the original on May 15, 2006. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  17. ^ "Eddie Murphy Is The Klump Family In 'Nutty Professor II' Co-Starring Janet Jackson". Jet. July 31, 2000.
  18. ^ a b "Janet-Jackson.com Bio". Janet-Jackson.com. 2001. Archived from the original on April 21, 2003. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  19. ^ "The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps". Orlando Sentinel. Marschheuser, Melissa. August 4, 2000. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  20. ^ "Review: 'The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps'". Variety. Leydon, Joe. July 27, 2000. Archived from the original on August 28, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  21. ^ "'Why Did I Get Married?' has couple trouble". NY Daily News. Huguenin, Patrick. October 12, 2007. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  22. ^ "Review: 'Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?'". Variety. Scheib, Ronnie. October 12, 2007. Archived from the original on December 26, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  23. ^ "Why Did I Get Married? (2007) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on April 30, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  24. ^ "'Married' is involving, if not blissful". Boston.com. Morris, Wesley. October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  25. ^ "Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  26. ^ "Dwayne Johnson back to action in 'Faster'". The Morning Call. Longsdorf, Amy. September 8, 2010. Archived from the original on December 2, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  27. ^ "STAGE TO SCREENS: "For Colored Girls" Reaches the Silver Screen". Playbill.com. Haun, Harry. November 5, 2010. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  28. ^ "For Colored Girls (2010) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  29. ^ a b "LIONSGATE® ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION AGREEMENT WITH JANET JACKSON'S JDJ ENTERTAINMENT". PRNewswire. March 16, 2011. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  30. ^ "That Grape Juice Interviews Janet Jackson". ThatGrapeJuice.net. May 14, 2012. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  31. ^ "Poetic Justice (1993) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  32. ^ "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  33. ^ "Why Did I Get Married? (2007) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  34. ^ "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? (2007) - Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  35. ^ "Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  36. ^ "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010) - Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on September 29, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  37. ^ "For Colored Girls (2010) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  38. ^ "Cher: Show 6". Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  39. ^ "Millicent 'Penny' Gordon (Character)". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  40. ^ "A New Kind of Family (TV Series 1979–1980) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  41. ^ "Diff'rent Strokes (TV Series 1978–1986) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  42. ^ "Cleo Hewitt (Character)". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  43. ^ "The Love Boat (TV Series 1977–1987) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  44. ^ "Rhythm Nation 1814 (1990) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  45. ^ ""Saturday Night Live" Janet Jackson (TV Episode 2004) - IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  46. ^ "Memorable Will & Grace guest stars: Janet Jackson". Entertainment Weekly. March 30, 2006. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  47. ^ "Jackson Number Ones". Halstead, Craig. 2003.
  48. ^ "Look Japan". Indiana University. 1990. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  49. ^ "CEI - Productions". CEIHollywood.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  50. ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Jennifer Lopez". PopCrush.com. Maher, Cristin. July 24, 2011. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  51. ^ ""That's the Way Love Goes" Promotional Ad". Jackson, Janet. Archived from the original on June 23, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  52. ^ "Japanese Cell Phone Commercials". KDDI. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  53. ^ "Japanese Cell Phone Commercials". KDDI. Archived from the original on June 23, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  54. ^ "Tina Landon Online". TinaLandonOnline.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2004. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  55. ^ "Dance with Janet Ad". MTV. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  56. ^ "Picture Vision Production 'Janet: The Velvet Rope' Beats the Competition". PRNewswire. October 22, 1998. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  57. ^ "JANET JACKSON IN COMMERCIAL DEBUT FOR PEPSI". Janet Official Fan Club. 1998. Archived from the original on May 15, 2006. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  58. ^ "JANET JACKSON IN COMMERCIAL DEBUT FOR PEPSI". Janet Official Fan Club. 1998. Archived from the original on May 2, 2006. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  59. ^ "MTV Icon "Janet Jackson"". Vimeo. January 2001. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  60. ^ "Melissa Silverman". MelissaSilverman.com. 2001. Archived from the original on June 23, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  61. ^ "Jaguar's X-Type And Janet Jackson Go On Tour". Idobi Radio. Flasco, Lance. July 11, 2001. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  62. ^ "Live in Hawaii HBO Ad". HBO. 2001. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  63. ^ "BMI - Repertoire Search". BMI. Archived from the original on November 21, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  64. ^ "BET Shines Bright With Black History Month Programming". PRNewswire. January 9, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  65. ^ "Janet Jackson Featured in 10-Part Vignette Series on BET Network for Black History Month". PRNewswire. February 5, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  66. ^ "The D-Word". D-Word.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  67. ^ "sheree shu : producer". Shereeshu.com. 2008. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  68. ^ "Janet Jackson Spoofs Super Sweet Sixteen and Brooke from Real World". Logo TV. February 28, 2008. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  69. ^ "LOGO Airs Celebrity PSA Response to Lawrence King Murder". LOGO. March 10, 2008. Archived from the original on March 31, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  70. ^ "WATCH THE NATURAL TONE TELEVISION COMMERCIAL". Nivea. August 3, 2008. Archived from the original on February 19, 2009. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  71. ^ "Jet Eye". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. September 1, 2008. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  72. ^ "Janet Jackson PSA for The Trevor Project - It Gets Better". JanetJackson.com. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  73. ^ "ICONIC SUPERSTAR JANET JACKSON UNVEILED AS THE NEW FACE OF NUTRISYSTEM". Vimeo. Colella, Tom. 2012. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  74. ^ "Nutrisystem - Janet Jackson "Success" Commercial". Vimeo. Colella, Tom. 2012. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  75. ^ "NUTRISYSTEM JANET JACKSON". Vimeo. Best, Erika. 2012. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  76. ^ "JANET JACKSON amfAR PSA for World AIDS Day". JanetJackson.com. December 1, 2012. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  77. ^ "Janet to be honored at amfAR's New York Gala". JanetJackson.com. January 15, 2013. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  78. ^ "JANET Co-chairs amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS XX". JanetJackson.com. January 15, 2013. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  79. ^ "Janet Jackson Lifts Her Voice to Help Kids in West and Central Africa". JanetJackson.com. June 3, 2013. Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2014.