Kat Graham Describes ‘Surreal’ Moment Getting Cast in Michael Jackson Biopic: ‘I Never Imagined Myself Like Diana Ross’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kat Graham.Photo:John Nacion/Variety via Getty

John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Kat Grahamstill finds it “surreal” to be playingDiana Rossin the upcomingMichael Jacksonbiopic.

PEOPLE spoke to theHeatwaveactress, 35, at the 2024 TIME100 Next event at Pier59 Studios in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 9, about stepping into the role of the Supremes singer, 80.

“Hair’s a little bigger,” Graham jokes of the transformation. Switching tones, she tells PEOPLE that finding out she was cast “was very, very surreal.”

Kat Graham, October 2024.Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Getty

According to Graham, it was a full circle moment because around the time she got the news, she’d also been working with her “good friend”Kendrick Sampson, who was cast asQuincy JonesinMichael.

“I’ve been close with Quincy for a long time. I think almost 20 years now, so to see him playing someone who’s like a father figure to me, there were a lot of surreal moments for me that were kind of happening in real-time,” she says of Sampson, 36, playing the legendary music producer, 91.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

However, when it comes to portraying the “Endless Love” singer on the big screen, that’s something theLove in the Villaactress admits she didn’t see coming.

Kat Graham; Diana Ross.Monica Schipper/Getty; Harry Langdon/Getty

Monica Schipper/Getty; Harry Langdon/Getty

“I had never imagined myself as — who imagines themselves as Diana Ross?” Graham tells PEOPLE. “Maybe in the shower, or in your car. I didn’t think that I would get it. I don’t think like that. I just have a good time and I try to come from a good place.”

Graham adds that she’s “excited” for fans to see the biopic, which she promises has “a lot of good music.”

“Especially for Diana, she was somebody who in the 1950s, 1960s, was part of a revolutionary time in music that I think impacted what happened in the Civil Rights movement, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence, and it’s such an honor to play her,” Graham adds of the Grammy nominated songstress.

“All of this feels like an honor.”

Michael Jackson’s Nephew Jaafar Jackson in First Look Photo from Biopic.Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate

Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate

Jackson’s real-life nephewJaafar Jacksonwill play the late King of Pop in the biopic.Colman Domingostars as family patriarchJoe Jackson, withNia Longas matriarch Katherine Jackson.

Graham says being included gave her “a bit of imposter syndrome.”

TheVampire Diariesstar also reflected on the recent 15th anniversary of the supernatural series.

“You think at one point that it’ll die out and then you look at shows likeFriendsor some of these iconic shows, and you’re like, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be cool to be part of something like that that has some kind of legacy.’ And it means a lot that so many young girls watch it,” she tells PEOPLE.

“I will always love and support the fans of it. You guys are the best.”

Michaelis in theaters April 18, 2025.

source: people.com