Michael B Jordan surprises woman who added his photo to family wall, claimed he was her grandson
TULSA, OKLAHOMA: Michael B Jordan recently turned a viral internet joke into a heartfelt family moment by surprising 89-year-old Mary Story of Tulsa with a FaceTime call after she jokingly claimed the actor was her grandson.
The sweet interaction came months after Story's framed photo of Jordan on her family wall captured widespread attention online. Beyond the touching exchange, the actor has often spoken about the importance of family, while continuing to share those values both on and off the red carpet as he prepares for his next major film.
Michael B Jordan embraces his viral 'granny' and her family
Just like any caring grandson, Jordan took the time to call his "granny" after Mary went viral for placing his framed photo among her family portraits and telling confused relatives that the actor was her grandson. During the FaceTime call, he thanked Mary for the affection she had shown him.
"Thank you so much for all the love you've been showing," he told her, adding, "You've got a beautiful family. Thanks for including me in the collage, in the family pictures." As they spoke, she showed him the wall where his magazine photo had been placed alongside pictures of her extended family, Civil Rights leaders and former President Barack Obama.
"I got a good little place right there," he remarked. Story's daughter also joined the call, greeting her famous "nephew" and thanking him for reaching out.
"I just want to say you are truly the man of the year here," Mary's daughter told him, who responded by praising the family's bond, saying, "No problem. I just love seeing three generations of beautiful Black women. This is great. Y'all are amazing. So much strength, especially from Tulsa. I've never been to Tulsa before."
Her granddaughter, Natalie Sims, who originally shared the viral video in May that amassed 1.7 million views, invited the actor to visit during a future family gathering. "You gotta come," Sims told Jordan, who teased that he "might just surprise y'all."
The FaceTime conversation followed another thoughtful gesture from the actor in June, when he sent Story David Yurman jewelry, including an amethyst bracelet and necklace matching her birthstone. "My god, I don't believe this," Mary said while opening the gift.
Michael B Jordan reflects on family and looks ahead to 'The Thomas Crown Affair'
Jordan has also frequently credited his parents, Michael A Jordan and Donna Jordan, for keeping him grounded throughout his career. He told PEOPLE, "The women in my family are proud of this one," before thanking his parents for the sacrifices they made for him, his brother Khalid and sister Jamila.
"I'm just grateful. Honestly, it's like they all have had such an impact on me and who I am and how I approach each day. Without that, a lot of things about me just wouldn't be the same. So it all comes back to that foundation. I'm really thankful for that," he said.
Donna was also the first person Jordan called after his 2025 film 'Sinners' received a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for him.
"The reason why I'm even in this industry and why I'm acting at all — why that was even an idea," he told The Hollywood Reporter in January 2026, adding, "To talk to the woman who started it all first meant the world."
Jordan is next set to star in and direct 'The Thomas Crown Affair,' a remake of the 1968 classic. The 2027 film follows billionaire Thomas Crown, who steals a treasured painting, appearing to be Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers, out of boredom before crossing paths with an insurance investigator played by Adria Arjona.
