Michael B. Jordan Nearly Picked Basketball Over Acting, Reveals ‘All My Children’ Co-Star!

Michael B. Jordan, now a renowned actor, might have pursued a career in professional basketball if he had taken the advice of “All My Children” actress Jill Larson.

Jordan, known for his roles in “The Wire” and “All My Children” during his teenage years, was on the brink of choosing between acting and basketball. He joined the soap opera in 2003, and Larson, who portrayed Opal on the series, disclosed that he once sought her opinion regarding his career path at that time.

At a recent event at 92NY, Larson shared that the “Black Panther” actor, currently aged 37, asked her whether he should continue with the show or accept a college basketball scholarship. This was revealed by an attendee of the talk.

“Jill, acting on her maternal instincts, advised him to go for the scholarship. He chose to stay with acting, and that decision significantly shaped his future,” the attendee explained.

Star-Studded Panel Discussion

The discussion was led by Andy Cohen, a notable fan of “Watch What Happens Live!” and “All My Children.” He moderated a panel that included Larson, along with her former daytime colleagues Kelly Ripa, Eden Riegel, Jennifer Bassey, Francesca James, head writer Lorraine Broderick, casting director Judy Blye Wilson, and soap opera icon Susan Lucci.

Ripa, who met her husband Mark Consuelos on the set of the soap opera, expressed her deep gratitude to Wilson. She credits Wilson for many of the joys in her life, saying, “Without Judy, I wouldn’t have my husband, I wouldn’t have my children. You’re responsible for all the best things that have happened to us.”

Lucci reminisced about watching the couple’s screen tests and immediately noticing their undeniable chemistry before Consuelos had even officially joined the show.

“Everyone’s reaction was, ‘Get a room!’” she joked.

Following the panel, Lucci hosted Cohen and several other panelists for an early dinner, as per sources.

Although Jordan did not pursue basketball as a career, he later founded the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, a college basketball tournament.