JACK IN THE BOX

Amazing pictures uncover weird star’s macabre sense of humour

GRUESOME GAG: Jacko, then 21, plays dead in a coffin surrounded by models of notorious killers in Madame Tussaud's

By Matthew Drake, 05/07/2009

THIS is the chilling dress rehearsal carried out nearly 30 years before the main event.

On Tuesday, legions of fans will pay their respects at a memorial service and Michael Jackson's body will be buried in a solid bronze casket.

SEE ASTONISHING JACKO 'HAPPY FAMILY' PICS

But today the News of the World publishes an astonishing series of bizarre photos - including one macabre shot of him playing dead in a COFFIN at London's famous Madame Tussaud's waxwork museum.

Michael Jackson in Charlie Chaplin photos

A RIGHT CHARLIE: Jacko as his hero Chaplin

Other pictures that have never been seen before show the King Of Pop dressed as his hero CHARLIE CHAPLIN on a visit to Britain when he was 21.

One shot has Jacko in typical coy Chaplin pose with black bowler hat and cane. In another he is cowering in a corner between two brick walls.

As our main image shows, in Tussaud's Chamber Of Horrors he slipped into an empty wooden coffin.

To his right are the waxwork models of evil sisters Margaret Higgins and Catherine Flanagan, who were responsible for killing up to 17 people to cash in their life insurance policies in the 1800s. On his left is a mannequin of Catherine Webster, who was hanged in Wandsworth jail in 1879 for murdering her boss.

The pictures were taken by British photographer Tony Prime when the Jackson 5 visited the UK in 1979.

A pal of the photographer said: "Jackson was fascinated by anything weird. He absolutely loved it. When he saw the coffins he just leapt over the barrier and got in the empty one."

ON THE WALLS: As Chaplin on streets of Stockwell

Prime was the only snapper with the Jacksons on a day they were doing interviews at London's Capital Radio station. It was there that a shy Jacko asked Tony if he was a Londoner because he wanted someone who could tell him where to buy the military-style jackets that were to become his trademark stage outfit.

Thrilled

Tony told him that there was a shop across the street from the radio station and took him there.

The singer then insisted his new friend come with him on a tour of London and both jumped into the white Rolls-Royce the Jacksons were travelling in. Jacko told Tony he was obsessed with Charlie Chaplin and asked him to show him where the comedian was born.

The snapper's pal added: "Jackson was fascinated by the life of Chaplin and wanted to know all he could about where the comic grew up.

SILENT PARTNER: Jacko with Charlie Chaplin model

"Tony told him he would take him for a drive around and point out various places related to Chaplin. Then all of a sudden Jackson said he wanted to get dressed up as Chaplin so they took him out and bought him the clothes and a cane."

Then, dressed as his comic hero, Jacko posed on the streets of Stockwell in south London where the silent screen legend was born in 1889.

He was so thrilled with the pictures he asked Tony if he could have a set. The pal added: "It was just one of those magical one-off moments.

"They shared a few fun hours together and the pictures show that, but Tony never heard from him again.

He has always been happy though knowing that his pictures were in Jackson's private album."

PHOTOS: See Michael Jackson's intimate family photos

Your comments

This article has 39 comments

Michael Jackson, and I can't say like many stars (because he was unique and will be so for a very very long time), Michael did not have a normal life.
Not at all.
How could he have a normal life anyway?
As he said in the program "living with MJ" that aired in 2005 I believe, he was getting royalties checks of $200,000 every month in the mail at age 8 and spent his whole childhood on stage or in studios recording and, from what Michael says, he often had it rough with his dad if his performances were not good enough. He spent his life in fame and surrounded not by regular friends but by other stars who adored him.Which of us can talk today,share his or her experience about becoming a star at age 5,being a billionaire at age 40, going on solo tours for sometimes more than 50 shows in a row around the world,not being able to go out just like a normal person,anywhere, without being followed by dozens,even hundreds of fans?
No, Michael Jackson did not have a normal life and maybe that can explain some of the weird behaviors that he displayed at times. Unless one has experienced what Michael has experienced ,it is impossible to get inside Michael's head and feel what he felt through out his life and 45-year career. Yes, 45 years of non-stop state of the art performing.
Michael, wherever you are now, don't listen to the ones,the simpletons and morons who once applauded you, danced on your tunes, bought your vinyls and cds and then....turned their back on you during and after the 2003 witch- hunt.
We love you and thank you for all the good times and unbelieveble music.You are one of a kind.
R.I.P Michael.

By Patrick. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:09 PM.

I dont see anyone talking about his wonderful humanitarian work for a change?????

I also dont see anything wrong with playing a dead person or dressing up as an idol, he was just having fun, whats the big deal?

I love you Michael, God is great, He will see to it that justice is served, that I strongly believe in.

By su237. Posted September 23 2009 at 5:17 AM.

I don't know why everyone thinks it was soo weird that he played dead in a coffin, If i saw the empty coffin i would do it too, and dressing up as your idol isn't strange at all, we've all done it before. Just because he was famous everything he did some how seems soo weird. WHATEVER! I LOVE AND MISS YOU SOO MUCH MICHAEL ! R.I.P

By MJJlover . Posted September 19 2009 at 8:03 PM.

Don't be so bloody ridiculous.
Leave the man, he left beautiful music to
this world

By dee. Posted September 13 2009 at 2:44 AM.

The more the money-grubbers try to put Michael down, the more I'm convinced of his innocence. I've watched 50 or more videos of him talking and being with people, and his music videos and I love him more and more. I wasn't even interested in him before his death. Just keep beating on him in greed and jealousy, it makes him more beautiful and more worthy of my devotion as a fan. I hope his new music sales money will go to his 3 kids who he loved so much. I think their care should be in the hands of Katherine and Janet. When they are 18 they can request to visit their mom Debbie.

By Zella. Posted August 17 2009 at 9:02 AM.

I think that s.o. is sowrong because if you look at the video of him neversly laughing, you would se that his ear was the only thing that was black but then eventually turned white!

By Leah-Nicole Bryan

By Leah-Nicole Bryan. Posted August 11 2009 at 5:31 PM.

Michael, you've always been simply most beautiful.....

By Karen. Posted August 8 2009 at 1:18 AM.

whats so "weird" about having an interest in charlie chaplin? maybe if more of us took a greater interest and tried to immulate such legends then we would be more successful and less inclined to get jealous of someone like Michael and less time to make up stupid stories about him :|

By Rachael. Posted August 2 2009 at 6:34 PM.

He was a sweet & innocent soul, the music that man created can never be replicated by another, it was just unfortunate that he didn't have people telling him how wonderful he was when he was alive, with all that he had to deal with. He was always so gracious, spoke with sencerity. If it is anyone who should be judged it is those who probed him, and never let him be. Michael, be at peace eternally, thank you for every song, they are forever imprinted in our hearts.

By mauri. Posted July 27 2009 at 2:52 PM.

I love u Michael and I am still crying for u.I am shocked and hurt so much.I am still waiting for u.I am getting no idea what to do so that u come back I am ready to die on your behalf but u just come back MJ please come back.I love u Michaeland will always do.You will live in my heart till I am and till this universe is ...................

By Abha Kashyap. Posted July 22 2009 at 12:25 PM.

Whatever people say, i loved MJ and still love and respect him in death

By Godson. Posted July 21 2009 at 3:43 PM.

michael you was and will allways be the king of pop
xxx

By carla . Posted July 19 2009 at 7:42 PM.

R.I.P King of pop x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

By Taya. Posted July 17 2009 at 8:58 PM.

RIP Michael, a kind soul with a genuine good heart that was ruined by the evil and corrupt people that sadly exist in this world. Thanks for the great music and performances and the charity work you did. That is how we will remember you as a kind talented man x

By Aymi. Posted July 16 2009 at 4:58 AM.

Not only did black people love Michael Jackson he was loved by people of all races. I feel sorry for those who continue to try and destroy his Angelic persona that was given to him by God himself. Maybe there is something missing in your life that is why you chose to degrade Michael to make yourself feel worthy. No one is perfect but Jesus himself. Take a look in the mirror and be careful of the stones you throw. And remember he who judges shall be judged also. Michael was a blessing to all of us, even those who won't admit it. But Jesus was ridiculed, beaten, lied on, betrayed and then nailed to the cross. And he did nothing to anyone but show love. And that is all Michael did as well. But Jesus warned his children He said these words, "Because they hated me they will also hate you. But love them any way." So with that being said I pray God has mercy upon your soul. As for Michael he is in a better place. And all the lies people continue speak upon him has no affect upon his soul. You to have the travel that same path and I hope you are ready when that time comes.

By Erika Compton. Posted July 15 2009 at 6:44 AM.

Michael Joseph Jackson gave his love & talent to many. Those who saw that in him AMEN! Those who didnt you dont know what you missed. Did more for children than any govenor or president.Im 49 & Im not an ignorant like many that say he wanted to be white, hey he was sick.He was addicted well hey he was in pain, people critisize without knowing what he was going threw. His life wasnt easy & Im sure that if there is a heaven he is sitting next to God. Even after his death he has brang people together of different races to hold there hands together & pray for a better world.
Love you always for you will always be in my heart!!!

By Elizabeth Seda. Posted July 15 2009 at 1:02 AM.

cool! can I put them in my blog of facebook?

By MARGARETE VON JEZIERSKI. Posted July 14 2009 at 9:50 PM.

rip mj !!! firtly can i point out the "coffin" photo was a public attraction there were hundreds of people every day havin there pic took in that very same spot,

secondly he was a black man and very proud of it he never !! tried to be white it wasnt his choice

By chris. Posted July 13 2009 at 11:19 AM.

Dear Micheal, you are the best in the whole wide world your spiret will never leave us an your music will go on for ever amd ever you rocked my world when you were alive and you still do and .R.I.P. i will never forget you .x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

By elizabeth. Posted July 12 2009 at 3:50 PM.

Strange MJ seems to have a lot of friends and family who deeply care about him. Where were they before he died.

By Reindert. Posted July 8 2009 at 5:45 PM.

Dear dear Michael, Your wish was to make this a better world will never happen!! but your wish to have a friend was granted many years ago and i hope you are looking down to see just how many friends you have. As i was once told when my friend was taken from me at a very young age "GOD ONLY TAKES THE YOUNG FOR HIS ANGELS, TO LOVE AND PROTECT US". He now has you as an angel and you are finally protected and safe. I hope you can now find the peace you sincerely deserve and you will be in our hearts forever. R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson xx

By hayley. Posted July 7 2009 at 1:40 PM.

I understand MJ he was the most loving gental soul in the world that loved every thing and everybody and exspecialy children because they are innecent and pure and tell the truth not like grown ups that lie. His at rest now where grown ups can't hurt him now rest in peace MJ love you

By Annette. Posted July 7 2009 at 3:51 AM.

i miss u my soo much .. no matter what people say about u i love u and i never stop n will never stop u look so cute there.woww i cannot belive u die u will always be in my heart .i respect u micheal R.I.P

By joan shane philip. Posted July 7 2009 at 3:24 AM.

and? what's the problem about his photos? he was just playing.. gosh.. that's ridiculous

By AL. Posted July 7 2009 at 1:22 AM.

You will always be the best.
RIP

By Jpgra. Posted July 6 2009 at 9:02 PM.

He was a human being so, he is dead.

By abdi. Posted July 6 2009 at 7:27 PM.

I miss you Micheal!!!
I realy do! But why did you do that?
You know you have 100000000 fans!
And everybody love you! <33333
You have never do someting rong!
Have you?

R.I.P. Micheal, my friend!!!!<3333333

Kiss: Anny<3

By Anne-Sofie. Posted July 6 2009 at 8:06 PM.

Rest in peace, dear Michael. We love you and respect you.
We apreciate so many beautiful things you did.
God bless you.

By Nádia. Posted July 6 2009 at 12:26 PM.

He is unmatched, never existed as a pop icon Michael. He is unique! Impossible to die!

By MFaria. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:59 PM.

IT WAS PROVED HE DIDNT DO NOTHING....HE WAS LIVING HIS CHILDHOOD THAT HE DIDNT GET WHEN HE WAS YOUNGER.I THINK ITS HIS MONEY THEY ALL WANTED BECAUSE HE WAS FAMOUS AND WAS DIFFERENT THATS ALL THEY JUST WANTED HIS MONEY EVERYBODY HAS THERE OWN OPINION ON MICHAEL BUT HES DONE NOTHING WRONG ......LET THE MAN REST IN PEACE..........HE STILL IS THE KING OF POP LOVE YOU MICHAEL XXXXXX AT LEAST YOUR OUT OF PAIN NOW AND HOPE YOUR HAPPY

By Tracey. Posted July 5 2009 at 8:56 PM.

init he is king of pop no one will ever change what we think of him he is a legdend and we love him soo much rip mj love u xxxx

By carey. Posted July 5 2009 at 6:09 PM.

Are you suggesting that he moved a waxwork figure out of the space to get in and depict his own demise, or as is more likely, he did what Tussauds left the space for and took a touristy photo-opportunity. Micheal was never ashamed of being a black man he was born black and died black, it will still say black on his death certificate as it did on his birth certificate. He didn't bleach his skin he wore heavy make up to cover a condition that was out of his control. His hair was burnt everyone knows that, what we-the -public do not know for sure is the extent of the damage done. He may have worn wigs, so why shouldn't he choose the texture to suit his current style. If you never liked him in life at least give him dignity in death.

By Pam. Posted July 5 2009 at 5:49 PM.

why does people think all of that about MJ??? those are just pictures, just that!!!! is that a crime...??? common!!! let him be!!! my god....MJ is already in heaven and that is the truth and hes also in our mind and heart. press let MJ rest in peace....He is the king of pop and always be our Jacko!!! we love you Michael Jackson....

By Danilo. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:57 PM.

michael looks soo cute there ... x x rip mj

By lauren . Posted July 5 2009 at 4:49 PM.

i think its shockin how people can persecute a person just because he was different and just to get a story..i have 1st hand of how someone who goes thru trauma at a young age can revert back to a child like manner later on..my step daughter was abused by her real mother and at the age of 8 she acts, talks and thinks like a 4 year old and she is gettin help..micheal is someone who at the age of 5 had an intense fame to deal with..didnt understand why he couldnt play like younger kids, was beaten into fame by his father and lost his whole childhood to this..and just because in his mind when he got older he wanted to recapture that he is branded a pheodophile..its disgustin all the good things he did for sick kids and other countries..i think he was a very vunrable man who was lost inside and just wanted to have back what he never able to live..why is it wrong..he was a truely great artist and deserves more respct than these stupid stories..but as usual whatever sells eh..!!!!

By s.o. Posted July 5 2009 at 4:06 PM.

How and why blacks can embrace Michael Jackson is a mystery. He so clearly wanted to be white. His talent was and is overshadowed by his peculiarity. His fans can only be portrayed as brainwashed.

By Larry. Posted July 5 2009 at 2:58 PM.

What a waste of talent

By Harold. Posted July 5 2009 at 3:00 PM.

Listen you can say, show, prove whay you want concernig Michael Jackson WE LOVE HIM.
He won the fight...
He won. No matter what can be say...we have always loved him and we still...
My eternal respect and love Mr Michael Joseph Jackson.

By Laura. Posted July 5 2009 at 12:18 PM.

Propaganda - you can take a picture and put any type of spin on it you like.

By chris kent. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:57 AM.

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