The world was in mourning when Michael Jackson passed away in June 2009, and among those deeply affected was his sister, Janet Jackson. At the time, Janet was filming “Why Did I Get Married Too,” the sequel to Tyler Perry’s successful movie, and her resilience during this incredibly difficult period is a testament to her strength and professionalism. Tyler Perry, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, recounted the emotional atmosphere on set and how Janet navigated her grief while embodying her character.
Perry, who shares a close bond with Janet, expressed his deep concern for her well-being when the news of Michael’s death broke. He described the palpable shift in energy on set during the filming of a large airport scene. “I [felt] the energy drain out of the room,” Perry recalled, emphasizing the collective shock and sorrow that rippled through the cast and crew upon learning of the tragedy. His immediate priority was Janet’s comfort and protection, recognizing the immense personal toll this news would take on her.
Despite the devastating news, Perry was struck by Janet’s fortitude. He described her as “very strong; very quiet, very solid, like a mother,” highlighting her composed demeanor even in the face of profound grief. According to Perry, Janet channeled her emotions into her work, finding a necessary outlet during this tumultuous time. “I think it was a perfect time for her because she needed some place to vent and release, and her character was going through so much,” Perry explained. This suggests that the demanding nature of filming and the emotional depth of her role in “Why Did I Get Married Too” inadvertently provided a form of therapeutic escape for Janet.
To shield her from the media frenzy and public attention surrounding Michael’s death, Janet reportedly created a private sanctuary for herself. Perry mentioned that she was “so insulated from it that it was really great; watching black-and-white movies and not really watching television, because it would make her so angry.” This deliberate isolation allowed her to process her grief away from the intrusive gaze of the media and maintain focus on her professional commitments.
Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, Perry made a significant alteration to the film’s script. He rewrote a funeral scene that was originally intended to mirror some of the emotions Janet might have been experiencing. “There was a funeral at the end of the movie where she had to talk about a person who had died, and it was so eerie because the things that she was saying were so close,” Perry revealed. Out of respect for Janet and to avoid causing her further emotional distress, he opted to revise the scene, demonstrating his deep consideration for her well-being beyond their professional relationship.
While “Why Did I Get Married Too” focused on the complexities of marriage and relationships, the behind-the-scenes story of its filming reveals Janet Jackson’s incredible strength and dedication. Her ability to navigate personal tragedy while delivering a compelling performance underscores her professionalism and resilience, further solidifying her status as an icon in the entertainment industry. Tyler Perry’s supportive approach and willingness to adapt the film’s script highlight the human element within Hollywood, showcasing compassion and respect amidst the demands of filmmaking.
