Edward Moss (born July 11, 1977), occasionally known as Eddie Moss, is an American actor, dancer, comedian, and Michael Jackson impersonator who has portrayed Jackson in TV and in films.[1][2]
Edward Moss | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 11, 1977 Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Other names | Eddie Moss |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1994–2009 |
Moss used to be an employee of McDonald's in the early 1990s, which was where his co-workers kept telling him that he resembled pop singer Michael Jackson. Moss entered a company talent contest and won; over time Moss decided to focus on doing Jackson exclusively for a living.
Early life
editMoss was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, on July 11, 1977. While an employee at McDonald's in the early 1990s, his co-workers took notice of his resemblance to pop singer Michael Jackson.[3] In 1994, Moss entered an employee talent contest impersonating the singer and won the competition. It was at this time that he decided to become a Jackson impersonator professionally.[citation needed]
Career
editMoss has stated it only takes him 30–45 minutes to transform himself into Michael Jackson.[1] His impersonation skills have led to work in countries outside of North America including the Philippines, Bahrain, New Zealand, and Japan. In July 2009, Moss went on a world tour with his Tribute to Michael Jackson show.[2][4] For four years, Moss performed as Jackson at Horizons Casino Hotel in Lake Tahoe. He performed as a Michael Jackson impersonator at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire for many years.[citation needed]
Moss is also the only known Jackson impersonator to have had no plastic surgery to augment his appearance to more resemble the singer. When hired to perform at a venue in Asia, Moss' manager had to have staff act as bodyguards for him as the audience attending had reached mob levels.[citation needed]
In 1996, Moss met Michael Jackson while performing his impressionist act in Hollywood, California. Reportedly, Jackson told Moss, "You look really good."[citation needed] Moss has impersonated Jackson in a number of movies, including the third and fourth Scary Movie films and Date Movie.[3] Moss also appeared as Michael Jackson on E! Entertainment, Sky News, and Sky 1's reenactment of the Michael Jackson Trial.[2][4][5]
A number of Jackson's fans reportedly criticized Moss and his performances as making fun of the singer. Moss denies suggestions that he exploits and portrays Jackson in a negative manner.[3]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Scary Movie 3 | MJ Alien | |
| 2005 | 101 Even Bigger Celebrity Oops | Michael Jackson | TV documentary |
| 2006 | Date Movie | Michael Jackson Impersonator | |
| 2006 | Scary Movie 4 | MJ Alien | |
| 2006 | Don't Be Scared | Michael Jackson | |
| 2009 | Bamboo Shark | Michael Jackson Impersonator |
Television
edit| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | The Steve Harvey Show | Michael Jackson Impersonator | Episode: "I Believe I Can Lie" |
| 2001 | Nikki | Michael Jackson Impersonator | Episode: "I'll Kick Your Ass" |
| 2002 | MADtv | Michael Jackson Impersonator | Season 8 Episode 9 |
| 2003 | Nip/Tuck | Mr. Diamond | Episode: "Nanette Badcock" |
| 2005 | The Michael Jackson Trial | Michael Jackson | Lead Role: 18 episodes |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Pop 'N Rock For Reel Award | Best Michael Jackson Impersonator | Impersonating Michael Jackson | Won |
| 2005 | Best Video Performance Award | Won |
References
edit- ^ a b "Jackson lookalike gets into character". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
- ^ a b c "The moonwalk, and lots of makeup". International Herald Tribune. 2005-03-03. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
- ^ a b c Baker, Bob (2005-03-03). "King of Pop impersonator star of E! trial re-enactment". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 2009-07-09. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
- ^ a b "Jackson's double courts attention". bbc.co.uk. 2005-03-07. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
- ^ "E!'s faux court is spare". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on 2020-02-12. Retrieved 2008-09-10.