Michael Jackson’s son Prince wants to follow in father’s stardom, build career in show business

Prince Jackson wants to moonwalk in his father’s footsteps — and become a star.

The eldest son of the King of Pop gave a rare interview days before the five-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, telling the Daily News he hopes to build a career in show business — just as his dad wished.

“I would like to be a director one day. But to be a good director you have to know how an actor works and feels on set,” Prince, 17, said.

“I want to learn my craft and experience being in TV shows and possibly movies before I even consider going behind the camera.”

Last year, Prince worked as an on-air correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight” and made a guest appearance on “90210.”

“Being on that show was a very good learning experience for me and a lot of fun too,” he said.

The gigs are the first steps, Prince hopes, toward a long career.

“I don’t expect to just walk into jobs or roles because of who I am. I want to learn my craft and work at being an actor,” he said, adding that as a child his father encouraged him and his sister to act out scenes and write up movie ideas.

The youngsters would often film their projects, which have never been released publicly.

The teen — who splits $8 million a year with his siblings Paris, 16, and Blanket, 12, — said he relaxes at the gym, and is training in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and boxing.

The martial arts offer a shred of normalcy for Prince, but his father’s shadow is never far away.

The teen became emotional when reminded the anniversary of his dad’s fatal overdose of sedatives is Wednesday.

“We want to keep my dad’s legend alive. He was the best father that anybody could have. He raised us the right way and there was nothing anyone can do to make us forget about him,” he said.He paused for a moment, then added: “It’s tough. This will be the fifth anniversary of his death.”

Jackson loved London, and once told his children he couldn’t wait for them all to live there during the run of concerts at the O2 Arena that never happened.

“He was looking forward to showing us around,” Prince said.

But his newfound openness only went so far. Prince steered clear of discussing the recent struggles of his sister Paris, who has been in recovery since her suicide attempt last summer.

She attended a therapeutic boarding school in Utah after she swallowed 20 pills and slashed her arm, according to a 911 call.

“We are doing all right, thanks for asking,” Prince said.