Once a constant presence by the side of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Bubbles, the famous chimpanzee, is back in the spotlight, sparking fresh buzz on social media.
At the height of his popularity, the award-winning singer formed an unexpected bond not with a fellow celebrity but with his adorable pet, showcasing one of music’s most unusual and unforgettable friendships.
Seventeen years after the “Billie Jean” hitmaker’s death, renewed attention surrounding Bubbles has resurfaced, bringing back nostalgic memories that surrounded the late music superstar.
In January, the latest trailer for Michael Jackson’s biopicMichael was released, with his nephew Jaafar Jackson starring as the 13-time Grammy winner.
The cast also includes Juliano Krue Valdi as the young MJ, Colman Domingo as the patriarch Joe Jackson, Boyz n the Hood star Nia Long as the music icon’s mother Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as the King of Pop’s attorney and manager John Branca and more.
However, amid the excitement surrounding the film, a familiar figure also makes an appearance.
Singer Michael Jackson enjoys a cup of tea with his pet Bubbles at Osaka City Mayoral Hall on September 18, 1987 in Osaka, Japan.Sankei Archive via Getty Images
The biopic highlights the singer’s bond with Bubbles, though the real chimpanzee does not physically appear; he is portrayed as a character in the story.
So where is he now?
According to Complex, Bubbles is 42 and currently lives in a Florida sanctuary called The Center for Great Apes.
The non-profit organization describes him as “one of the most well-known chimpanzees” in their sanctuary and among the “most beloved by staff” due to his “artistic, gentle, and shy” nature, as shared by his caregivers.
View this post on InstagramBefore becoming a constant companion of Michael Jackson, Bubbles was reportedly born in a Texas biomedical research facility.
He was later hand-raised by a Hollywood animal trainer before eventually finding his way into the care of the music legend.
It was in the early to mid-1980s when MJ adopted the chimpanzee, and he later lived at Neverland Ranch.
Apart from Bubbles’ celebrity lifestyle, he would also appear frequently with Jackson during public appearances, including his Bad World Tour in Japan back in 1987.
Celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi had also encountered Bubbles, as well as John Lennon’s son Sean Lennon, who visited the King of Pop’s house.
“It felt like I was in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory or something going up to that house,” he told NPR, adding, “There were Model-T Fords driving around and re-creations of old streets. It just felt very surreal and fun. And I think I met [Bubbles] in an arcade. At least I say that in the song. There was a big arcade with video games, and that's where a lot of the people my age liked to hang out. I remember running into Bubbles there. And I'd say we became friends because I wanted to hang out with him a lot. It was just surreal."
Currently, besides being in his 40s, Bubbles, a 185-pound adult male, is considered a “respected leader of his chimpanzee group,” as mentioned by The Center for Great Apes.
Moreover, he is also known for his playful gestures and would often tease visitors by splashing water or tossing bits of sand, just for fun.
Related: Michael Jackson’s Iconic Song Hits 1 Billion Streams After 38 Years
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