Michael Jackson's Kids Tell Oprah Winfrey: 'He Was Just a Normal Dad'
Nov. 8, 2010 — -- As an album of Michael Jackson's previously-unheard music nears its release, his family is ready for a release of its own.
In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey airing on "Oprah" today, Jackson's children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, opened up about their pop icon father for the first time since his death.
Surrounded by their cousins at the Jackson family's California compound, Havenhurst, Prince, 13, and Paris, 12, talked about growing up with Michael.
"I kind of felt like no one understood what a good father he was. He was the best cook ever," Paris told Winfrey. "He was just a normal dad."
"He made the best French toast in the world," she added. "He just made the best breakfasts in the world."
Prince and Paris described Michael as "strict" but said he often treated them to sweets like Snickers candy bars and Coca-Cola.
"He tried to raise us without us knowing who he was, but that didn't really go so well," Paris said, smiling.
The two shared their favorite memories of Michael.
"We were in Bahrain, and we used to wake up early and walk on the beach," Prince said.
"One time we were on the roof of the Luxor in Las Vegas, just saw all the city lights," Paris said. "We were eating Snickers, we had some soda."
"Sometimes he would take me to a museum, because we both loved art," Paris added. "We'd play tag outside. He got us Kenya [their dog] four years ago."
Blanket, 8, barely spoke during the interview, answering "yes" when Winfrey asked if he was still home-schooled. Blanket added that while Prince "could get away with anything," when it came to being disciplined by Michael, he could not.
They also talked about their hobbies and ambitions.
"I'd like to be an actress when I'm older," Paris told Winfrey. "I sometimes do improv. I used to do it with my dad."
Prince said his favorite pastimes were "video games and sports." He said he wants to "produce movies and direct" when he grows up.
Winfrey wrapped up her interview with a poignant question -- "What do you miss the most?"
"Everything," Paris replied.
