Paris Jackson says dad inspired her to act

Michael Jackson's daughter says she was inspired to be an actress after seeing her father in a film, The Associated Press reports.

"My dad was in the movie 'Moonwalker' and I knew he could sing really well, but I didn't know he could act," Paris Jackson, 13, told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, according to a transcript of the episode to air Thursday.

"I saw that and I said, 'Wow, I want to be just like him,' " she said.

The film, featuring Jackson's signature dance move and several music videos from his bestselling "Bad" album, was released in 1988.

Paris said her father encouraged her and did improvisation sessions to develop her skills. She has been cast alongside Larry King in a film based on a new children's book, "Lundon's Bridge and the Three Keys," which is in early stages of development.

Paris also talked about the lengths Jackson took to protect her identity.

She said he hid her and her two brothers from the media by having them wear masks or dressing in costumes when they went out in public.

She said she initially thought wearing the mask was stupid, but later came to realize that it was for her and her brothers' protection.

She said no one recognized her when she began attending school after her father's death in June 2009.

"I was like, 'Yes, I have a chance to be normal,' " she said.

Paris was a last-minute replacement on "Ellen" for Lindsay Lohan, who missed a flight from Hawaii and was unable to make the taping.