Michael Jackson's Strange Circle

Then: Michael Jackson and "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin shared a friendship for years while Culkin was a break-out child star in the 1990s. The friendship came under question when charges of molestation came up against the singer, but in 2005, Culkin denied ever being molested or abused by his friend. Now: He has not commented on the news of the singer's passing.

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Then: Elizabeth Taylor shared a decades long friendship with Jackson, famously giving him the nickname "The King of Pop." Now: The legendary actress released a statement following his death saying she didn't think "anyone knew how much we loved each other" and that my "life feels so empty." But aside from a statement, Taylor has remained surprisingly quiet and out of the limelight regarding her close friend's death.

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Then: "Rush Hour" actor Chris Tucker shared a long-time friendship with Jackson, who he often referred to as one of his idols. Tucker did a guest appearance in Jackson's 2002 video "You Rock My World," and often did a comedic interpretation of Jackson's voice and dance moves. Now: He has not commented on Jackson's death.

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Then: Brooke Shields and Michael Jackson dated briefly at the height of his fame in the 1980s and remained friends until his death. Now: Shields told People magazine that her heart was "overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world."

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Then: "Goodfellas" actor Joe Pesci shared a friendship with Jackson for years, often calling the singer to catch up and share stories about their children. Now: Pesci told FOX News that Jackson was a great father and an amazing talent whose success was well deserved, saying he will miss his friend.

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Then: Jackson and "Webster" star Emmanuel Lewis shared a strange relationship that fueled many rumors for years after they were inseperable in the 1980s. Jackson was often photographed holding the star as if he were a child, even though he was a teenager, raising eyebrows from fans and the press. Now: Lewis told Celebuzz that he was "sincerely devastated" at the news of Jackson's death and that he was grieving the "very personal and very emotional" news privately.

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Then: Jackson and producer Quincy Jones formed a valuable friendship and professional relationship when they collaborated to make the singer's most successful albums "Off the Wall" and "Thriller." Now: Jones said a part of his soul left with Michael's passing and praising the icon for his "professional and dedicated" manner.

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Then: For a time, it seemed that singer Chris Brown could have been slated to take over for Michael Jackson as the standout triple threat singer, dancer and actor of his generation. Brown often emulated Jackson and even performed a tribute to him at a 2008 MTV Awards show. Brown told MTV that he and Jackson were often in contact, and that Jackson had called him for his birthday and discussed a duet. Now: Following an assault on girlfriend Rihanna, Brown fell out of favor with fans and has not commented publicly on Jackson's passing. He was reportedly kept out of the BET tribute to Jackson by fellow hip-hop star Jay-Z.

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Then: Jackson was married to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie for two years in the 1990s. Now: While reports claimed that the marriage was a sham, Presley has maintained that it was completely legitimate and said she was "so very sad and confused with every emotion possible" at the news of his death, calling it a "massive loss on so many levels."

Reuters

Then: Bodybuilder and "Incredible Hulk" star Lou Ferrigno had been friends for years and he was even training the star to get in shape for his upcoming tour. Now: Ferrigno said Jackson seemed to be in good shape, appearing to be "fine, alert,[in] no pain at all." At the news of his death, he said he was "devastated" and "shocked" and still in disbelief.

AP