Introduction
Donny Osmond Remembers Deep Friendship with Michael Jackson and Their Uncanny Family Parallels
In the new MTV Entertainment Studios documentary Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boy Bands, Donny Osmond reflects on his journey with the Osmond family and shares personal insights into his unique friendship with Michael Jackson. As Donny revisits the remarkable success of the Osmonds during the 1970s alongside his brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay, he underscores the powerful influence of their father, George Osmond—a former Army surgeon who instilled a strong work ethic and discipline in his children. “I never wanted to disappoint my father,” Donny admits, recalling how rehearsals never stopped even at the height of their fame.
Beyond his own family experience, Donny draws fascinating parallels between the Osmonds and the Jackson 5—two iconic families that dominated the charts during the same era. “The comparisons are just uncanny,” he says. Both families had nine children, both Donny and Michael were the seventh child, and their mothers even shared the same birthday. These remarkable coincidences laid the foundation for a deep bond between the two stars.
Their conversations often revolved around the shared pressures of performing with siblings and growing up in the spotlight. Donny recalls Michael telling him, “You’re the only person on this planet who knows what my childhood is like.” That mutual understanding made their friendship profoundly meaningful in an industry that could be isolating.
The documentary not only revisits the Osmonds and Jackson 5, but also explores the broader legacy of boy bands—including BTS, NSYNC, and others—making Larger Than Life a heartfelt tribute to generations of young artists shaped by family, fame, and friendship. The documentary is now streaming on Paramount+.