Most Famous Jacksons in the World
The surname Jackson shows up across nearly every corner of global entertainment, from boundary-pushing pop and R&B to blockbuster filmmaking, prestige acting, country music, reality TV, and chart-topping hip-hop. Many of these figures have shaped entire genres, set box-office and sales records, and won the industry’s most recognized awards while building careers that span decades.
Below is a roundup of widely known Jacksons whose work you’ve heard, watched, or seen celebrated around the world. Each entry highlights concrete achievements—major roles, albums, awards, and milestones—so you can connect the name to the projects and performances that made it famous.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson (1958–2009) sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide and earned 13 Grammy Awards, with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist. His short films, including ‘Thriller’, ‘Bad’, and ‘Black or White’, set new standards for music-video storytelling and production value. He founded the Heal the World Foundation and headlined record-setting tours that reached audiences on every continent.
As a child performer with the Jackson 5, he scored multiple No. 1 singles before launching a solo career that produced era-defining albums such as ‘Off the Wall’, ‘Thriller’, and ‘Bad’. Posthumously, ‘Michael Jackson’s This Is It’ documented the planned London residency that followed his final rehearsals.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is a multi-platinum recording artist with five Grammy Awards and a long run of No. 1 singles across global charts. Her albums ‘Control’, ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’, and ‘Janet.’ are credited with shaping contemporary pop and R&B production and choreography. She has headlined sold-out tours worldwide and mounted residencies that drew international audiences.
Before her solo recording breakthrough, she acted on network television in ‘Good Times’, ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, and ‘Fame’, and later starred in the feature film ‘Poetic Justice’. Her music videos and concept performances have influenced generations of artists, and her catalog continues to be remastered and reissued for new audiences.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in hundreds of film and television projects and is among the highest-grossing actors globally. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and is widely recognized for roles as Mace Windu in ‘Star Wars’ and Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including ‘The Avengers’ and subsequent titles. His voice work includes Lucius Best/Frozone in ‘The Incredibles’.
On television, Jackson’s credits range from limited series and guest appearances to streaming projects tied to major film franchises. He has also performed on stage and narrated documentaries, expanding a screen career that spans genres from drama and action to animation.
Peter Jackson
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson earned multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director, for ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’. He directed the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and later ‘The Hobbit’ film series, overseeing large-scale productions that advanced motion-capture and visual-effects techniques. His feature ‘King Kong’ continued that technical emphasis while reimagining a classic story.
Jackson has also delivered acclaimed documentary work, including ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’, which restored World War I footage, and ‘The Beatles: Get Back’, a multi-part television documentary that opened the vault on historic sessions. His production companies have supported effects work and filmmaking infrastructure used by studios worldwide.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
Curtis Jackson, known professionally as 50 Cent, is a rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. His debut album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin” achieved multi-platinum sales, yielding multiple hit singles and global tours. He later expanded into television, developing and executive-producing the crime-drama franchise ‘Power’ and subsequent spinoffs.
On screen, Jackson has appeared in films including ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin” and has taken recurring roles across television dramas. His business ventures have spanned brand partnerships, beverage investments, and production companies, while his label and artist development efforts introduced new acts to mainstream audiences.
Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Sr.)
O’Shea Jackson Sr., known as Ice Cube, first came to prominence with N.W.A and then as a solo artist with platinum albums and international tours. He transitioned to film with starring roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’, co-writing and starring in ‘Friday’, and headlining comedies and action titles such as ‘Barbershop’, ‘Are We There Yet?’, and ’21 Jump Street’.
Through his company Cube Vision, he has produced film and television projects, including the series ‘Are We There Yet?’. His work as a screenwriter and producer helped launch enduring franchises, and he continues to balance recording, touring, and on-screen performances with behind-the-camera leadership.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrayed his father in ‘Straight Outta Compton’, earning widespread recognition for a lead role that anchored the ensemble. He has since appeared in ‘Ingrid Goes West’, ‘Den of Thieves’, and ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’, demonstrating range across dark comedy, heist thriller, and blockbuster action.
On television, Jackson Jr. joined the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ limited series and has taken roles in additional streaming projects. Beyond acting, he has collaborated on music and contributed to soundtracks, building a résumé that spans film, TV, and music adjacent work.
Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972) was a pioneering gospel singer whose recordings, including ‘Move On Up a Little Higher’, sold in the millions and brought gospel music to mainstream audiences. She performed at the March on Washington before Martin Luther King Jr.’s address and sang at major civic and religious events across the United States and abroad.
Her television appearances included ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ and other variety programs that introduced gospel performance to national audiences. Jackson’s catalog remains in print through reissues and anthologies, and her influence is documented in biographies, museum exhibits, and academic studies of American music.
Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson is a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee known for traditional country songwriting and multi-platinum albums. Signature hits such as ‘Chattahoochee’ and ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)’ led to awards from the CMA and ACM, and he has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for years.
His tours have filled arenas and festivals across North America and abroad, while collaborations and tribute performances connected him with artists across generations. Jackson’s catalog spans studio albums, holiday releases, and gospel projects, many of which have earned gold or platinum certifications.
La Toya Jackson
La Toya Jackson launched a solo recording career with albums that charted internationally and singles that reached dance and R&B charts. She appeared on reality and competition television, including ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ and ‘Armed & Famous’, extending her presence beyond music.
Her own series, ‘Life with La Toya’, offered a behind-the-scenes view of projects and family life, while earlier television work included appearances on ‘The Jacksons’ variety program. In publishing, she has released books detailing her experiences in the entertainment industry.
Jermaine Jackson
Jermaine Jackson performed as co-lead singer and bassist for the Jackson 5, contributing to early Motown hits and international tours. His solo career produced charting singles such as ‘Do What You Do’ and collaborations including ‘When the Rain Begins to Fall’ with Pia Zadora.
On television, Jermaine appeared in ‘The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty’ and participated in music specials and award shows connected to his family’s legacy. He has performed concerts worldwide, released memoirs, and continued to appear at tribute events celebrating the Motown and Jackson catalogs.
Tito Jackson
Tito Jackson played guitar for the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, performing on tours and albums that introduced the group to global audiences. After group activity slowed, he pursued solo projects in blues and R&B, releasing albums and performing at festivals and clubs internationally.
Tito’s family connections extended to ‘The Jacksons: Next Generation’, a television docuseries featuring his sons’ group 3T. He has also participated in reunion performances and music specials that showcase the extended Jackson family’s contributions to pop and soul.
Randy Jackson
Randy Jackson is a musician and record executive who served as a longtime judge on ‘American Idol’. Before television, he worked as a session and touring bassist with artists across rock, pop, and R&B, including a stint with Journey, and held A&R and executive roles at major labels.
Beyond ‘American Idol’, he produced and hosted ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ and appeared on various music and talent programs. His credits include artist development, soundtrack supervision, and music-industry consulting, reflecting a career that spans performance and executive leadership.
Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson is a model, singer, and actress who has appeared in campaigns for major fashion houses and on runways at international fashion weeks. She released solo music, including the album ‘Wilted’, and has performed live with a backing band.
On screen, Paris has taken roles in the feature film ‘Gringo’ and made television appearances in series such as ‘American Horror Stories’ and ‘Scream’. She has also participated in documentaries and specials related to music and philanthropy, and she engages in advocacy on topics including mental health.
Share your picks—who else with the last name Jackson belongs here? Tell us in the comments.