In a recent interview, Mark Lester (49) talked about his longtime friendship with Michael Jackson.

Lester once was the most famous English child actor and was cast in the musical film Oliver! (1968) where he played the lead in the multiple Academy Award-winning adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel.

But the days of fame and fortune are long gone. Today, the only reminder of his former life is his enduring friendship with singer Michael Jackson. He even offered to stick up for Michael at his trial after his pal was charged with alleged child abuse.

“Michael is one of my best friends. I talked to him just a couple of days ago. I’ve stayed at Neverland countless times. We met more than 30 years ago when he was on tour here with the Jackson Five. His agent rang me up and said: ‘Michael’s favourite film is Oliver! He’d love to meet you.’ “We went for a coffee and we’ve been pals ever since. I’m just so proud of him He’s managed to turn his life around after all the claims and he’s just trying to get by.

“We have so much in common. We were both thrust into the spotlight at a very early age. If you haven’t experienced that, it’s impossible to fully understand.”

Click Here to read the article in the Sunday Paper.

Source: MJFC / Sunday Mirror