Slim Khezri (born July 18, 1972) is an award-winning German artist; a multi-talented singer-songwriter, writer, producer, and actor (incl. stage performance, motion capture acting in animation, and voice work). He is best known as a former professional Michael Jackson Impersonator, and by his stage name SLIM K. Based in Los Angeles, California, USA. Born in Lübeck Hansestadt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, as the oldest of three children to a family of Mediterranean descent, Tunisia. Bon vivant, Artistic Polymath, Free Thinker, Political Junkie, Bibliophile, Humanist and Philanthropist. Educated in Germany, and Tunisia. Speaks 4 Languages: English, German, French, Arabic, and conversational Turkish. Artist at Sony Music Entertainment, Double Power (Sony Music Entertainment GmbH) and Founder/CEO at Doubajen Group Ltd., and Doubajen Records (Independent music, and film company.) Self-proclaimed Foodie, Wine Connoisseur and passionate World Traveler. Educationalist, loves Anthropology, Sociology, Arts and History. (Personal life) Khezri is married to international award-winning American pole artist, stage performer, and dancer Phoenix Kazree. They have one son together. For nearly 30 years in show-business, Khezri first gained popularity as the #1 Michael Jackson Impersonator by touring worldwide for more than 10 years around the globe. He then moved on to write, direct, produce, edit and star in numerous films, TV productions, music videos, and collaborated with countless music producers, DJ's, popular recording artists and many independent talents from around the world. He also worked successfully on many musical and arts related projects, incl. fashion shows and charity events around the world, and teamed up with some of the biggest names in the industry: Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake (NSYNC), Fall Out Boy, AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, KRS-One, Mark Owen (Take That), Sean Kingston, KSHMR, Lifehouse, Haddaway, Army of Lovers, Worlds Apart, No Angels, Lutricia McNeal, Leee John (Imagination), Panic! At The Disco, Captain Hollywood, Dephree, Cover Your Tracks, Lil Dicky, Chris Brown, The Reasn, Sarah Connor, Akon, Dr. Alban and many more. As an Actor, Khezri has worked over the years on films starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise, Ewan McGregor, Julia Roberts, Ben Affleck, John Turturro, Bradley Cooper, Jim Carey, Nicole Kidman, Tommy Lee Jones, Johnny Depp, John Lithgow, Nicolas Cage, Mickey Rourke, Josh Brolin, Bencio Del Toro, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Terrence Stamp, Harvey Keitel, James Franco, Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis, Scarlett Johansson, J.K. Simmons, and was directed by the likes of Ron Howard, Clint Eastwood, Ridley Scott, Danny Boyle, Jodie Foster, Andy Serkis, Roland Emmerich, Colin Trevorrow, Ben Stiller, Gore Verbinski, Jerry Zucker, Ava DuVernay, Seth MacFarlane, Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, Angela Basset, F. Gary Gray and many more. In Theater, and performing arts, Khezri worked on various productions in minor roles at the Los Angeles Opera, e.g. in 2007, Khezri worked with legendary tenor Plácido Domingo, who is also the acting general director, on classic productions such as Ludwig Van Beethoven's only opera "Fidelio", playing a prisoner in multiple scenes, produced by Alejandro Stadler, directed by Pier' Alli, conducted by James Conlon. In 2008, Khezri played a Sailor, and a Venetian Senator in two different acts, on opera's greatest tragedy, Giuseppe Verdi's "Otello", directed by John Cox, and also conducted by James Conlon. In 2018, Khezri played a featured Priest and servant to the High Brahmin on Ludwig Minkus "La Bayadère" with the prestigious American Ballet Theater, under the artistic directon of Kevin McKenzie, music conducted by Ormsby Wilkins, and starring Misty Copeland, Gillian Murphy, Christine Shevchenko, Jeffery Cirio and Roman Zhurbin. Costumes by Theoni V. Aldredge, of Academy Award fame, and the Scenery and Lighting Effects, by PierLuigi Samaritani and Toshiro Ogawa. For the show (La Bayadère) Khezri trained under the supervision of ballet mistress Nancy Raffa. 'Who's Bad! Khezri was once hailed as one of the best and most successful Michael Jackson imitators in the business, not only does he dance like Michael Jackson, but Khezri sings like him too, the closest to the real thing than any of his rivals around the world at the time. Khezri performed in over 500 concerts, in 70 countries from 1989 to 2000, appearing on numerous shows on television and radio throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, including the United States in the mid 1990s, debuting in Las Vegas, and later in Los Angeles. Khezri's huge and unique success got also Michael Jackson's attention, when Khezri gave a tribute performance to the King of Pop in Cologne, Germany in late summer 1992 at a special Charity event, which lead in coming face-to-face backstage with his idol for the first time during the 'Dangerous World tour era, and 5 years later, dreams came true when Khezri briefly worked with Jackson himself during the German leg of the History World tour in Summer 1997, as an assistant to Creative Consultant Bruno "Pop N Taco" Falcon. What made Khezri stand out above the rest of the MJ imitators, was his voice, the mimics, the facial expression and the electrifying precise dance moves, which also impressed Jackson's own father Joe Jackson. Khezri thought of himself in those days more of an actor rather than a 'singer', a true stage performer. (Trivia) Khezri made his stage debut, on October 14, 1989 as a Michael Jackson impersonator at a Turkish Community Event, performing a 30 minute set, in front of 580 people, in Lübeck Hansestadt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Khezri's first notable appearance in Television, was on Saturday, December 7, 1991, on the popular hit TV show "Die Rudi Carrell Show", where he appeared and competed as one of five guests, impersonating famous singers, and hosted by Dutch entertainer, and Germanys TV icon Rudi Carrell. Out of approximately 700 applicants per episode, Khezri was invited back to audition at the WDR Studios (West German Broadcasting in Cologne, Germany). After 3 attempts, Khezri got cast among the final 30 candidates, and the last 2 Michael Jackson contenders, which included Khezri himself. Rudi Carrell personally, which thought by many to have discovered Slim Khezri, considered him a 'diamond in the rough, and was a firm believer in Khezris hidden talents, and made personally the phone call to offer him the chance of a lifetime, and confirm him for the show. Pre-taped on Saint Nicholas Day, Friday, December 6, 1991, Khezri gave a stunning performance as Michael Jackson, singing LIVE the classic hit song "Billie Jean", captivating the audience with his dance moves and the iconic Moonwalk. The show was a huge hit, and it drew the largest audience to date, at nearly 20 million viewers throughout Europe and beyond. Khezri shot into prominence overnight, and became a household name instantly. The show included a similar concept to "Star Search" or "Pop Idol" in America and brought many other well-known German pop stars and actors to prominence, such as Alexis (as Whitney Houston) or Mark Keller (as Dean Martin). It also featured comedy sketches, and a 'Make-a-Wish' segment. On the big screen; less than 2 years after relocating, and settling in Los Angeles, California, Khezri made his film debut, as an extra, on November 10, 2000, playing a Demon in a minor role with Harvey Keitel, in Warner Bros. Pictures comedy "Little Nicky", starring Adam Sandler, Patricia Arquette and Harvey Keitel. Directed by Steven Brill. HIGHLIGHTS: (selected highlights) In October 15, 2007, Khezri launched the independent music, film and publishing company Doubajen Group Ltd. (including Doubajen Records). In October 2009, Khezri played a Zombie in the Web-series concept - "Code Z: The Series". Directed by 3T member Taj Jackson (son of Tito Jackson, nephew of Michael Jackson). In March 10, 2010, Khezri signed a License Agreement with Sony Music Entertainment [Double Power (Sony Music Entertainment GmbH)] in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In March 26, 2014, Khezri signed a License Agreement with Viacom Media Networks, New York, a worldwide distribution deal for his music and music videos on MTV, VH-1, and also to be featured on MTV artists Website & App. In August 8, 2014, Khezri and his family were invited to visit the White House, during the Obama administration in Washington DC. In June 22, 2015, American DJ, and EDM record producer KSHMR released his new single "Jammu", Khezri co-stars in the music video, playing a major role as the Radical Militant Leader, directed by Tyler Yee. The song reached number #1 within hours after it's release on the Progressive House Top 100 Charts, on Beatport. In December 2016, Khezri was named "Tunisian of the Month", by The Tunisian American Center, based in New York, NY In January 2017, Khezri joined the THIS IS HUNGER Initiative campaign by MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. A promotional ad program, and an incredibly powerful project, a first-of-its-kind exhibition. THIS IS HUNGER is a multi-media installation integrated into in an expanding 53' trailer to raise awareness about the pervasiveness of hunger and food insecurity across America, and around the world. In April 2017, Khezri worked with 'Top 360', a video and Virtual Reality production company based in Seattle, filming a beach cleanup video as part of Dell's 2017 social responsibility initiatives: "Dell's Ocean Plastic recycling program". Produced by James Andrews Directed by Erik Scheel. Filmed in Malibu, California. In July 2017, Khezri recorded some vocals/ spoken words for various apps and programs for I.am+ company, owned by Will.i.am of the popular music band Black Eyed Peas. i.am+ is a Hollywood-based company founded by innovator and musician Will.i.am in 2013 with the mission of creating wearable products that combine fashion and technology. In 2016, i.am+ acquired Israeli machine learning company Sensiya. In March 15, 2018, American comedy rapper Lil Dicky, released his new single "Freaky Friday", featuring guest vocals by singer Chris Brown. Khezri was asked to do 'a cameo in the music video, which expanded into 4 cameos to be exact. The music video parodies the 2003 film Freaky Friday, and features also cameos from Jimmy Tatro, Ed Sheeran, DJ Khaled and Kendall Jenner. The song topped the charts in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 (Reached Number 1 spot on 'Hot R&B Billboard'). The song has also reached the 'Top 10 in Australia, Canada, Ireland and 'Top 20 in Canada, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Netherlands. As of May 16, 2018, the video had over 230 Million views, and 2.6 Million 'Likes on YouTube. Throughout 2018, Slim Khezri worked on multiple film projects, playing different roles on, and off camera, e.g. in Avengers: Infinity War, Solo: A Star Wars Story, City of Lies, Bumblebee, Mowgli, Ocean's 8 and many more. THEATER/ PERFORMING ARTS CREDITS: (selected highlights) Ich Glotz TV (Theater-AG, Stage-play, 1989), Germany/ Ludwig Van Beethoven's Fidelio (Opera, 2007), USA/ Giuseppe Verdi's Otello (Opera, 2008), USA/ Horror Made Here (Warner Bros. Studios, 2017), USA/ Ludwig Minkus "La Bayadère" (American Ballet Theater, 2018), USA/ Horror Made Here: Festival of Frights (Warner Bros. Studios, 2018), USA TELEVISION CREDITS: (selected highlights) Die Rudi Carrell Show (1991), Germany/ The Gong Show (1992), Germany/ Arabella (1997), Germany/ Klacket (1998), Tunisia/ Unlocking Ancient Secrets of the Bible (2006), USA/ Entourage (2007), USA/ Goro's Bar (2007), Japan/ Gene Simmons: Family Jewels (2008), USA/ Nip/Tuck (2008), USA/ Mystery ER (2008), USA/ Kids Unlimited (2008), USA/ 1000 Ways to Die (2010), USA/ Whitney (2015), USA/ Mystery Diners (2015), USA/ Dangerous Games (2015), Armenia/ My Crazy Ex (2016), USA/ Superhuman (2016), USA/ The 10th Date (2017), USA/ Just Add Magic - Episode #2.21 (2017), USA/ Murder Made Me Famous (2017), USA/ Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (2017), USA/ Escape at Dannemora (2018), USA/ Navy Seals: America's Secret Warriors (2018) FILM CREDITS: (selected highlights) Save the Last Dance (2001),/ Rat Race (2001),/ When The Nines Roll Over (2005),/ Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007),/ The Sexaholic (2007),/ In God I Trust (2007),/ Article 301 (2008),/ Confused Illusion (2007),/ The Haunted House of Chronic (2009),/ Yes Man (2008),/ Angels & Demons (2009),/ Sin City II: A Dame to Kill For (2014),/ American Sniper (2014),/ Jurassic World (2015),/ The Martian (2015),/ The Secret in Their Eyes (2015),/ Dark Gospels (2015),/ Steve Jobs (2015),/ 4Got10 (2015),/ Money Monster (2016),/ The Moment (2016),/ Hail, Caesar! (2016),/ Jason Bourne (2016),/ The Accountant (2016),/ Inferno (2016),/ Battle of the Sexes (2017),/ Suburbicon (2017),/ American Made (2017),/ Vengeance: A Love Story (2017),/ Angst (2017)/ The Masterpiece (2017)/ Two Brothers (2017)/ The Circle (2017)/ Rogue Warfare (2017)/ Ocean's Eight (2018)/ Avengers: Infinity War (2018)/ Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)/ City of Lies (2018)/ Bumblebee (2018)/ Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)/ Mowgli (2019) DISCOGRAPHY: Burn The Disco (EP, and Single), Doubajen Records 2008/ Campari Sunset House Club (Compilation), Sony Music 2010/ Open Up Your Heart (Single), Doubajen Records 2010/ You Love It (Single), Doubajen Records 2012/ Burn The Disco (VIP Underground Mix), Doubajen Records 2014/ October (Single), Doubajen Records 2014 - IMDb Mini Biography By: © 2018 Doubajen Group Ltd. [us]
