Michael Jackson would have turned 59 today, Aug. 29, and although he died in 2009, he left a mark on the entertainment industry that won’t soon be forgotten. From his famous moonwalking to his infamous baby dangling, Jackson kept the world guessing about his next move.
Relive the singer’s most shocking and fascinating moments in the gallery below.
During the Motown 25th anniversary special in 1983, Jackson stunned audiences by moonwalking across the stage during his “Billie Jean” performance. (NBC)
Jackson’s “Thriller” music video revolutionized the genre as a 14-minute mini film filled with special effects. It also cemented MTV’s place in pop culture. (MJJ Productions Inc.)
In a frightening moment while filming a 1984 Pepsi commercial, Jackson’s hair caught on fire and he was rushed to the hospital. He held up his hand wearing his iconic glove during the ordeal to signal to fans that he was all right. (Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images)
Bubbles was one of several unusual pets Jackson had at his Neverland ranch in California. He also had a pet boa named Muscles and tigers. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
While in Berlin to accept a 2002 lifetime achievement award, Jackson held his then-eight-month-old son Prince Michael II over a balcony, presumably for fans to get a glimpse of the baby. (Olaf Selchow/Stringer/Getty Images)
Jackson’s 2005 child molestation trial had fans cheering and weeping upon hearing the not-guilty verdict. (Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Fans mourned the loss of the King of Pop in 2009. Jackson was just 50 at the time and gearing up for a residency show in London. (Gerard Burkhart/AFP/Getty Images)
