Telling HIStory for the cameras

Michael Jackson impersonator Edward Moss. Picture courtesy Sky TV

Edward Moss has a pretty hard job these days. He just has to sit there for hours in full makeup and not do much at all. But, if we can believe the defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau jnr, one day Moss will get his time in the spotlight. Because no cameras are allowed in the Santa Maria courthouse, Moss plays Michael Jackson in the E! channel re-enactment of the trial and every day from 3pm until close to midnight he sits there at the desk and listens to the evidence.

Moss isn't new to being Jackson. He has played him in various roles on stage, in films and on television since 1996. He has also had bit parts in the films Scary Movie 3 and Don't Be Scared, appeared on Nip/Tuck, and done cabaret.

But weekdays he now puts on the wig, the jacket, the pancake makeup and glasses and just sits there. Although there was a good day recently; he got to go to work in pyjamas.

The other day, when Michael Jackson appeared in pyjama pants, did you dress like that? It didn't seem so from the little I saw.

Oh yes I was. I had the pyjamas, the white T-shirt and the blazer. They had some shots under the table and there I was in my pyjamas. It was very comfortable, I didn't have to wear the neck-tie.

It looks boring for you at the moment just sitting there. I guess you are hanging out to take the stand?

Well, this is what I signed on for, that's what court proceedings are. But no, I don't get to do too much right now.

Is it fun, or at least interesting, for you?

It's all work experience and I love getting the chance to work on that set, there are some amazing people in our cast. So it is fun being a part of something like this.

When you got the gig did you have sit down with lawyers who said that you couldn't make certain facial expressions or gestures, even while you were in the background?

We have our technical people who give us direction. It's like any other set, they reconstruct everything. We are literally reconstructing everything that happens.

I know this sounds dumb, but are you following this trial, all the E! channel interpretations and analysis that is going on?

My following of it involves just sitting there. Whatever happens in the morning I get at night. I feel like he gets the early eight hours and I get the late shift. I'm really having my day in court. But it's not a hobby, I'm not following any other parts of it. It's work and we have to do more takes, and so on, so it's just a production. I think I have one of the hardest jobs, having to convey realism without expressing anything, with no vocal. I have to be believable without saying anything.

Jackson's lawyer has already indicated he will put him on the stand. Do you have all his mannerisms and voice down already?

Oh yeah, I have him down. I did the audition and got the task, so obviously they thought I was up to it. I don't know how many people auditioned, I just did my thing and got the call back. And here I am working.

Is this a good break for you?

I don't know, it's work experience, the way I see it. It's different from a movie set or being on stage. It's a challenge.

Did your agent say that this might be the kiss of death and you would just be known from now on as that guy who played Michael Jackson on television which would not be what you might want?

We'll have to see. I hope it's a good thing. I'm tied to this for the next few months. But after this I want to branch out into other jobs and maybe go for auditions for more television shows, I think. This all goes on the resume.

Are you going to record an album?

I don't know. We'll have to wait and see what comes out of this.

It might sell more copies than a new one by Michael.

That's funny.

Last one then, and probably one you have been advised not to answer: do you have an opinion either way about the trial?

You're right, I can't get into that.

* * *

WHO: Edward Moss
BORN: July 11, 1977
TRIVIA: Was hired by Michael Jackson to stand in for him at a photo-shoot.
APPEARING: The re-enactment of the Michael Jackson trial, on E! at 1.30pm (replayed at 6.30pm and 11.30pm)