Janet Jackson Reveals Surprising Hollywood Connections: “We’re All Family”

Janet Jackson, already known for her legendary family ties, recently surprised fans by revealing even more star-studded connections in Hollywood. During an interview on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on August 13, the 58-year-old music icon casually shared that her family tree includes some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Host Scott Mills kicked off the conversation by asking Janet about a rumor he’d heard. “Now someone told me this earlier, are you related to Stevie Wonder?” Scott inquired. 

Janet’s response was as unexpected as it was exciting. “He’s our cousin,” she replied with a smile. “Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman.”

But Janet wasn’t done. She added another surprising name to the list, saying, “So is Samuel Jackson.”

The Rhythm Nation singer clarified that the 75-year-old actor is indeed part of her extended family, clarifying that he “would be my cousin too, I mean he’s not my brother.”

For those who might not be familiar, Janet comes from one of the most famous families in music history. She’s the youngest sister of Rebbie, 74, Jackie, 73, Tito, 70, Jermaine, 69, La Toya, 68, Marlon, 67, and Randy, 62, as well as the late Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. The Jackson family’s influence on the music industry is undeniable, and it appears their reach extends even further into Hollywood than most people realized.

Just last month, Janet reflected on her close relationship with her brother Michael and the special bond they shared. She recalled writing their 1995 hit song Scream together in Michael’s New York apartment. 

Speaking to the BBC, she said, “Mike and I wrote that song in New York, in his apartment. So [I relive] that whole journey, listening to him sing it [and remembering] what he was going through at that time. And just me being his little sister, always by his side, and being that support system. That’s always been my role.”

While fans may have known Janet as part of the illustrious Jackson family, her revelation about her ties to Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, and Samuel L. Jackson adds another layer to the legacy.