Edward Moss (impersonator)

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 on TV and in films.[1][2] He used to be an employee at McDonald's in the early 1990s, which was where his co-workers kept telling him that he resembled pop singer Michael Jackson; so Moss entered a company talent contest and won, and then as time went by, he decided to be Jackson for a living.

Edward Moss
Born (1977-07-11) July 11, 1977
Los Angeles, California, United States
NationalityAmerican
Other namesEddie Moss
OccupationImpersonator, actor, dancer, comedian
Years active1994–present

Early life

Moss 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.

Career

Moss 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.

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.

In 1996, Moss met Michael Jackson while performing his impressionist act in Hollywood, California. Reportedly, Jackson told Moss, "You look really good." 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

Film
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
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
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
  1. "Jackson lookalike gets into character". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  2. "The moonwalk, and lots of makeup". International Herald Tribune. 2005-03-03. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  3. 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.
  4. "Jackson's double courts attention". bbc.co.uk. 2005-03-07. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  5. "E!'s faux court is spare". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
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