Introduction
Mark Lester is a well-known British actor who has been in the entertainment industry for over five decades. He is best known for his role as Oliver Twist in the 1968 film adaptation of the musical “Oliver!” and for his close friendship with the late pop icon Michael Jackson. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Mark Lester, from his early days as a child actor to his current endeavors.
Early Life and Career
Mark Lester was born on July 11, 1958, in Oxfordshire, England. He was the son of actor and producer Michael Lester and actress Rita Keene. At the age of six, Mark made his acting debut in the film “The Counterfeit Constable” (1964). He then went on to play the lead role of Oliver Twist in the musical film “Oliver!” (1968), which earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for a Golden Globe Award.
Oliver! and Beyond
After the success of “Oliver!”, Mark Lester continued to act in films, including “Run Wild, Run Free” (1969), “Eyewitness” (1970), and “Black Beauty” (1971). He also appeared in several television series, such as “The Human Jungle” (1964) and “The Ghosts of Motley Hall” (1976).
However, as Mark grew older, he found it increasingly difficult to find acting roles that suited him. He eventually retired from acting in the mid-1990s and focused on his personal life and business ventures.
Friendship with Michael Jackson
Mark Lester and Michael Jackson first met in the 1970s when Jackson was on tour in the UK with his family’s band, The Jackson 5. They became close friends and remained so until Jackson’s death in 2009. Lester was even rumored to be the biological father of Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, although he has denied this claim.
After Jackson’s death, Lester spoke publicly about their friendship and his concerns about Jackson’s well-being. He also appeared in the controversial documentary “Leaving Neverland” (2019), in which he defended Jackson against allegations of sexual abuse.
Current Endeavors
Today, Mark Lester is still involved in the entertainment industry, although not as an actor. He has worked as a producer and director on various film and television projects, including the documentary “Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon” (2011). He also runs a successful osteopathy clinic in Cheltenham, England, and has written several books on the subject of osteopathy.
Mark Lester is a fascinating figure in the entertainment industry, with a career that has spanned over five decades. From his early days as a child actor to his close friendship with Michael Jackson and his current endeavors, he has led a life full of interesting experiences and accomplishments.
