Michael Jackson's Private Chef Recalls Life with the King of Pop

Mani Niall, Michael Jackson's first private chef, recounts his experiences in a new interview tied to the biopic 'Michael,' which opened April 24 and grossed $97 million in North America and $217 million globally. Niall, then a 22-year-old cook at Hollywood's Golden Temple vegetarian restaurant, began serving Jackson in 1981 after being recommended by manager Gurmukh Khalsa. Jackson personally called Niall to request dishes like enchiladas and Asian tofu mushroom salad. Niall later cooked for Jackson at his Sherman Oaks condo and Encino compound, and joined the Victory Tour in June 1984 as his private chef. He recalls outings to Disneyland, drives around Harlem with security guard Bill Bray, and encounters with celebrities like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sophia Loren, and Marlon Brando. Chef Akasha Richmond, who also cooked for Jackson, attended the biopic premiere at the Dolby Theatre on April 20. Niall's culinary career later included Mäni's Bakery (1990-1998) and Sweet Bar Bakery (2012-2018).