Where Are They Now? The Iconic Cast Of Michael Jackson's 'Remember The Time' Video
Released in 1992, Michael Jackson's "Remember The Time" was more than just a music video; it was a cinematic "short film" that set a new benchmark for celebrity cameos and production value. Directed by the late John Singleton, this nine-minute epic transported viewers to an opulent Ancient Egyptian court, a lavish backdrop for the King of Pop's smooth New Jack Swing track. The video’s star-studded cast—a legendary comedian, a supermodel, and an NBA icon—cemented its place in pop culture history, and as of late 2025, their careers and legacies continue to evolve dramatically.
The sheer star power assembled for this project remains unmatched, making fans curious about what the Pharaoh, the Queen, and the rest of the court are doing today. From blockbuster film deals to billion-dollar business ventures, the cast of this iconic production is still dominating their respective fields decades later. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at the stars of "Remember The Time."
The Immortal Cast: A Complete Biography Profile
The video's central trio of celebrity actors brought an unprecedented level of star power to the project, elevating it from a simple music video to a cultural event. Their roles—Pharaoh, Queen, and Courtier—are some of the most memorable non-singing appearances in music video history. Here is a brief look at the main cast's background.
- Michael Jackson (The Wizard/Artist)
- Full Name: Michael Joseph Jackson
- Date of Birth: August 29, 1958
- Place of Birth: Gary, Indiana, U.S.
- Role in Video: The mysterious, hooded wizard who attempts to woo the Queen.
- Eddie Murphy (The Pharaoh)
- Full Name: Edward Regan Murphy
- Date of Birth: April 3, 1961
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Role in Video: The powerful, but easily annoyed, Egyptian Pharaoh.
- Iman (The Queen)
- Full Name: Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid)
- Date of Birth: July 25, 1955
- Place of Birth: Mogadishu, Somalia
- Role in Video: The beautiful, bored, and majestic Egyptian Queen.
- Magic Johnson (The Courtier)
- Full Name: Earvin Johnson Jr.
- Date of Birth: August 14, 1959
- Place of Birth: Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
- Role in Video: A member of the Pharaoh's court who alerts him to the commotion.
The Current Status of the Living Legends (2024-2025)
While the video is over three decades old, its main stars are currently enjoying some of the most active and lucrative phases of their careers, with new projects and business ventures making headlines in 2024 and 2025.
Eddie Murphy: The Comedy King's Blockbuster Comeback
Eddie Murphy, who played the commanding Pharaoh, has experienced a massive resurgence in his film career. After a period of fewer on-screen appearances, the comedian is back with a slate of high-profile projects that confirm his status as a Hollywood heavy-hitter.
In 2024, Murphy is set to release the long-awaited fourth installment of his iconic franchise, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which will stream globally on Netflix. The film has been one of the most anticipated action-comedies of the year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Murphy is scheduled to star in the action-comedy film The Pickup for Prime Video. Furthermore, he is slated to return as the voice of Donkey in Shrek 5, scheduled for release in late 2026, and is even developing a spin-off movie centered on the fan-favorite character. This flurry of activity proves that the Pharaoh is still very much in charge of his kingdom.
Iman: Supermodel, Entrepreneur, and Global Activist
Iman, the Queen who was captivated by Michael Jackson's performance, has transitioned from a world-renowned supermodel to a powerful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her legacy in the fashion industry remains monumental, particularly for challenging the lack of diversity in the early 90s.
Today, Iman is the founder and CEO of Iman Cosmetics, a successful beauty brand specifically formulated for women of color, which has been a groundbreaking venture since its launch. Her work extends far beyond the beauty industry; she is a dedicated global activist, often working with organizations like CARE and Keep a Child Alive.
Despite the passing of her husband, music legend David Bowie, in 2016, Iman maintains a public profile that balances her business interests with her commitment to humanitarian work, frequently appearing in fashion retrospectives and using her platform to advocate for social change.
Magic Johnson: The Billion-Dollar Business Mogul
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., who appeared in the court scene, has had the most dramatic career shift of the group. The NBA Hall of Famer has leveraged his fame and business acumen into a massive, diversified financial empire known as Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE).
As of 2024 and 2025, Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be in the billions, with the majority of his fortune coming from shrewd business investments rather than his basketball career. His portfolio includes controlling interests in EquiTrust, a multi-billion dollar financial services company, and SodexoMAGIC, a food service and facilities management company.
Magic Johnson Enterprises focuses on urban economic development, providing access to high-quality goods and services in underserved communities. His ventures span various sectors, including real estate, entertainment (through his former chain of Magic Johnson Theatres), and sports team ownership, making him one of the most successful athlete-turned-businessmen in history.
The Enduring Legacy of the 'Short Film' and Its Late Stars
The "Remember The Time" music video, often referred to by Michael Jackson as a "short film," has maintained its cultural relevance through technological upgrades and the lasting impact of its creators. The video was a landmark for its high production values, the Ancient Egypt setting, and its groundbreaking broadcast across Fox, BET, and MTV simultaneously in 1992.
John Singleton's Directorial Vision
The video was helmed by acclaimed director John Singleton, known for his Oscar-nominated film Boyz n the Hood. Singleton passed away in 2019, but his work on "Remember The Time" is celebrated as a key moment in his diverse career, demonstrating his ability to handle lavish, large-scale productions. His direction gave the music video a cinematic scope that few others have matched.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister's Memorable Role
The late actor and professional wrestler Tommy "Tiny" Lister, famous for his role as Deebo in the movie Friday, also had a key role in the video as one of the intimidating guards who chases Michael Jackson out of the palace. Lister passed away in December 2020. Fans fondly remember his imposing presence in the video, which added a layer of dramatic tension to the chase sequence.
The 4K Restoration
In recent years, Michael Jackson's estate has worked to preserve his visual legacy, including upscaling the original video to stunning 4K resolution. This restoration allows a new generation of fans to appreciate the intricate details of the Ancient Egypt setting, the elaborate costumes, and the advanced special effects, ensuring that the "Remember The Time" short film remains a visually relevant masterpiece.
The cast of "Remember The Time" represents a unique intersection of comedy, fashion, sports, and music royalty. Decades later, whether through new film releases, billion-dollar boardrooms, or a lasting artistic legacy, the stars of this unforgettable Michael Jackson video continue to define pop culture in the 21st century.
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