Pleasure Principle: Janet Jackson's 10 Best On-Screen Moments

May 16, 2013 - 9:28 pm by K. Clark

May 16 is a terrific day for Tauruses around the globe, as we celebrate the life and awesomeness of Janet Jackson. The talented singer and actress turns 47-years-old today, and has traded in her cleavage baring bustiers for more traditional attire. That doesn't mean we've forgotten about Ms. Jackson's greatness.

From Good Times to Fame, we've all grown with Janet on the small and big screen. Check out her 10 best on-screen moments.

The Christmas episode of Good Times found Janet as Penny, the orphaned child on the show, trying her best to get her adoptive mother a memorable gift. The precocious child charmed her way into and out of trouble in this episode that features appearances by Rudy Ray Moore as an intriguing Santa Claus. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

In an uncredited role, Janet helped her older brother, Michael, fill his female zombie quota in the music video. Young Damita played one of the ghoulish gyrators in the Vincent Price narrated, big budget blockbuster. Thus, she quietly entered the undead cameo Hall of Fame. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

As Delia Parks, Janet Jackson cemented herself as every teenager's dream love. Her "girl next door" appeal, mixed with quick wit and great comedic timing made her an object of affection for the young guy looking to get stranded on an island with her. Heck, even Ted Lange ("Your bartender!") looked like an O.G. when in front of the camera with Janet. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Looking back on this now, you can clearly see that Gene Anthony Ray lived a life that unfolded on TV, but that's a story for another day. The young, budding actors got a chance to play off one another in this scene from 1980's FAME. You can see how Janet blossomed into a confident player, able to give off energy that helped move the story forward. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Ask anyone over age 25 their favorite scene from Poetic Justice and this will rank high. John Singleton's ensemble cast represented a change in climate and culture amidst the turbulent 1990s, and with Tupac Shakur alongside Janet, the velocity only increased. As the summer approaches and those BBQs get to rocking, yell out a, "Hey! Cousin Pete!!" and see if a few people don't invite you over to crack a few laughs. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Appropriately titled, "Trumpets and Asses," a full grown Janet Jackson proves just how sexy of a grown woman she can be. The scene, which found the talented singer surrounded by tons of Eddie Murphys, showed just how much chutzpah she could muster when a family proves to go past a comfortable threshold. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Nothing like enjoying a little retail therapy with your friends, no? Pairing her talents with the indomitable Tyler Perry for Why Did I Get Married found Janet Jackson stretching her range to impress new audiences. With her counseling friends on their love life, their failings and their successes, Janet proved that she not only carried the torch for the next generation of multifaceted stars, she served as a reminder of what discipline and hard work can get you. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

It was the shattering glass that launched a thousand ships—all wondering what the heck was wrong with Damita Jo. Tyler Perry's relationship-fueled sequel saw Janet reprising her role of Patricia in Why Did I Get Married Too?, albeit in a different manner. Without giving too much away for those who haven't witnessed it yet, just press play on the clip below and be sure to stream the movie whenever you get a chance.

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too Trailer Official Movie HD. Watch more top selected videos about: Tasha Smith, Jill Scott

Much like Ntozake Shange's 1975 stage play—a landmark piece in literature—the film depicts the interconnected lives of nine women. Janet played Jo / Red, a woman who's routinely exploring her life and struggle as a woman of color. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Janet started her career as an actress, all the way back in 1976 on the CBS variety show The Jacksons. She appeared on the popular TV show with her siblings, Tito, Rebbie, Randy, Michael, Marlon, La Toya and Jackie. It was the role that pushed her into the American conscious and solidified her as an equally bankable star and talent. Her "Mae West" impersonation took her around the country, as Hollywood and the globe made her into a role model for undervalued youth at a time when the television industry appealed overwhelmingly to wealthier audiences. A highlight of her most hilarious moments can be found below: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]