'This Is It' Choreographer Overlooked Michael Jackson's Insomnia

By Amber James Posted Oct 23rd 2009 01:55PM

To the world, Michael Jackson was a musical genius. But behind closed doors, Jackson suffered from bouts of insomnia as he focused on conjuring enough energy to practice for his tour. Although Jackson's 3 a.m. phone calls to 'This Is It' choreographer Travis Payne may have been a warning sign, Payne told PopEater that he and director Kenny Ortega suffer from insomnia too, so they overlooked Jackson's symptoms. The seriousness of Jackson's health was made clear when the music icon died unexpectedly at age 50 from an acute intoxication of the anesthetic propofol, which allegedly helped him sleep.

"A lot of times, Michael would call at 3 or 4 in the morning, and we would just continue working. That was when we'd be able to get a lot of things done because the phones weren't ringing, and we didn't have a schedule... We wanted everything to be perfect. We would have our days off... but while we were working, we were immersed in the process and burning the midnight oil. It was normal," Payne said.

Payne knew Jackson was taking pain killers, but he thought it was due to the pain he still suffered from his hair catching on fire during the 1984 Pepsi commercial. "The only thing we were aware of was the insomnia," he said.

Behind the scenes, Payne saw Jackson as a friend and dedicated father. The two met in 1993 when Payne became a dancer for his tour. Payne became his choreography partner soon after and then landed the role of associate director and choreographer for the planned 'This Is It' tour. Their friendship grew and Payne soon considered the 'Thriller' star a mentor who kept him grounded.

"He never accepted credit for his talent and achievements. He was in touch with a higher power and was a very spiritual man who always talked about God," Payne recalled. Jackson didn't even like to keep his awards. "He didn't want to live in the past. He was always looking for the future," Payne said.

Jackson was also a true humanitarian, who pushed his colleagues and friends to change the world. "He wanted each person to do just one thing each day to help the planet and challenge the world to make a change. Because he was a father and had three children, he wanted to do everything he could to make sure there was a safe environment for his children to grow up in," Payne recalled.

He was honored in the 2000 edition of the Guinness Book Of World Records for breaking the world record for the "Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star". It states that Jackson supported 39 charity organizations either with monetary donations through sponsorships of their projects or by participating in their silent auction. Some of the organizations he supported were Heal The World Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Even after the media put Jackson through the wringer during the child molestation allegation case, his friends saw a much more private individual -- who was a "pure and spiritual" and "not looking for acceptance from anyone," Payne told PopEater. "He was so misunderstood. He never wanted to make anybody feel bad, so often times he would just take the brunt of it and not retaliate," Payne said.

During his tough times, Jackson had strength to persevere though all the media scrutiny. Payne remembered questioning Jackson during this tough time. "Aren't you mad about this?" Payne asked him. Jackson shrugged his shoulders and said, "No. They just need more love," Payne recalled. "That was his answer to everything," he said - noting Jackson didn't want to waste his time with "negative energy."

Jackson's legacy will live on as 'This Is It' begins its two week movie engagement on Oct. 28. (Purchase Tickets.) The movie will show footage of the singer rehearsing for his planned London concerts, which never happened because of his sudden death on June 25.

"The world has mourned. Now it's time to celebrate his legacy and music in hopes of affecting some positive change," Payne said.

Tags: kenny orte, KennyOrte, michael jackson, MichaelJackson, this is it, ThisIsIt, travis payne, TravisPayne

Comments

(35)

Monday 26 October

By win1

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I know-it's like, "Duh, ya think?"

Saturday 24 October

By lovelyleo1978

Payne knew Jackson was taking pain killers, but he thought it was due to the pain he still suffered from his hair catching on fire during the 1984 Pepsi commercial. "The only thing we were aware of was the insomnia," he said. The comment doesn't make any sense first he says he thought he was on pain killers then retracts his statement and says we were only aware of insomnia??? If he was on pain killers since 1984,then he would have to be on some really high dose of something by now. So is it a case of doctor's just giving a "pop star" what he wanted? Or a case of OD which the doctor's didn't care?

By ALEXA

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As I sit here in the middle of the night surfing the net, I can sympathize with anyone with insomnia.
RIP Michael Jackson

By Tell It Like It Is

"DEAR MICHAEL",

I will never forget you, I'll always love you, the world loves and MISSES you sorely. May God help and heal the Jackson family. May the world (and the FREAKING MEDIA), forgo treating HIS CHILDREN in the despicable manner King Michael was treated.

By LyMartin

Speaking Truth, Why Not Speak TRUTH before it's too late!!

Sunday 25 October

To LyMartin

Personally, the choreographer is speaking out in order to reflect, and shed a clearer light on the topic of what a wonderful man King Michael was, VERSUS the description the media has consistently given him. Those who knew him personally, his family, etc. are the only individuals who can attest truthfully as to King Michael's true character. What is truth is King Michael is CONSISTENTLY depicted by those who knew him as a winner in heart, spirit, and talent. Being treated for a sleep disorder is no crime. Why should superstars have to disclose their personal business to the world/fans? They deserve privacy, they are human beings with families they want to protect as anyone would. Truth in this instance, would not have changed the doctor's course. He ought to be held accountable for his actions.

By Mirjana Janzen

I love Michael. Always have, always will. He was everything and everything was him. Wish he could see how much we all love him and miss him.

By Diana

I have had problems sleeping for years now. It can make a person hear things, see things that are not there. It effects every thing one does. Most people dont know how it effects ones work, play, and everything else. I only wish there was someone, or something out there for Michael. He will always be remembered, he was for sure the best intertainer of all time. To all races, all walks of life. Michael was it !!!

Saturday 07 November

By Mark

His death completes him as an eternal legend. It's a sad & bitter truth, but it was meant to be.
In his present state, in our hearts, he is invincible.
He was God sent & now His Majesty takes him back for his own good. After all MJ is merely a human being like the rest of us..

By bugsy malone

You can rest assured that MJ was not guilty of any wrongdoing but rather a victim of greed and the press. Please read 'Redemption' by Geraldine Hughes and 'Conspiracy' by Aphrodite Jones.

He was a gift to us. Too brief a time he was given to open our hearts.
Why is it that people prefer 'feeding people to the lions' rather than seeing the good?

Wednesday 23 June

By Millyboo

He is the best...you tube video I love is Gone Too Soon on TV Guide Network for Michael Jackson Special

Tuesday 22 June

He loved Michael Jackson but prob couldn't do much with the King Of Pop

Friday 25 June

Michael Jackson is the King of Pop...lets not forget it...Sing all Gone Too Soon on TV Guide Net...9pm tonite

In total happiness that Michael Jackson is being honored for his greatness. ALAS!

Monday 12 July

By Diane

Michael had a very good spirit about him. That why he didn't worry what the press say about him.

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