Why did Michael B. Jordan call an 89-year-old woman his ‘Granny’? The viral family photo story that won hearts
Michael B. Jordan. CREDIT: Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images for Disney
Michael B. Jordan has once again shown why fans admire him beyond the big screen after surprising an 89-year-old Oklahoma grandmother whose playful family joke captured millions online. The Oscar-winning actor personally reached out to Mary Story, an elderly woman from Tulsa who went viral after framing his magazine photo and placing it alongside pictures of her real grandchildren, proudly telling relatives that Jordan was part of the family.
What started as a humorous TikTok video quickly evolved into a heartwarming celebrity moment that has touched social media users around the world. Jordan not only FaceTimed the grandmother but also sent her personalized jewelry, turning an internet joke into a genuine act of kindness.
How Mary Story’s family photo wall went viral
Mary Story, 89, amused her family after clipping a photograph of Michael B. Jordan from a magazine, framing it, and displaying it among cherished family portraits inside her home.
Her granddaughter, Natalie Sims, recorded the unusual addition and posted it on TikTok, where the clip rapidly gained traction, attracting approximately 1.7 million views.
@iamnatalielauren Why does my granny have a framed photo of Michael B Jordan on our family wall??? Where did she get it from? 🤷🏾♀️#michaelbjordan #granny #blacktiktok #photos #blackfamily ♬ original sound – Natalie Lauren
The video’s popularity eventually reached Jordan himself while he was overseas promoting his latest projects.
According to Sims, the actor’s team contacted the family just days after the video exploded online, assuring them that Jordan had seen the clip and wanted to respond personally once his promotional commitments ended.
Michael B. Jordan surprises his new ‘granny’ with FaceTime
Keeping his promise, the Sinners actor surprised Story with a FaceTime call that immediately delighted the family.
“Thank you so much for all the love you’ve been showing,” Jordan told Story during the conversation.
“You’ve got a beautiful family. Thanks for including me in the collage, in the family pictures.”
During the call, Story proudly held up her phone to show the actor exactly where his framed photograph now hangs on the family wall.
Jordan smiled after seeing his place among portraits of Story’s relatives, civil rights leaders, and former President Barack Obama.
“I got a good little place right there,” he joked.
The touching interaction quickly spread across social media, with many praising the actor for taking time to acknowledge an elderly fan in such a personal way.
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Actor also sent thoughtful jewelry before the call
Jordan’s kindness extended beyond the FaceTime conversation.
Before speaking with Story, he arranged for a special package to be delivered to her home containing David Yurman jewelry, including an amethyst bracelet and necklace featuring her birthstone.
Story appeared emotional as she opened the gift, expressing disbelief at the thoughtful surprise.
The family later revealed another coincidence that made the gesture even sweeter—Jordan and Story both celebrate birthdays in February, just six days apart.
Natalie Sims thanked the actor publicly, writing that his generosity and compassion would never be forgotten.
“You are family now,” she said.
Three generations celebrate Michael B. Jordan’s gesture
The FaceTime call became a memorable family moment as Story’s daughter also joined the conversation to thank Jordan personally.
She described him as the family’s “man of the year” while expressing gratitude for making her mother’s day.
Jordan responded warmly, praising the women in the family.
“I just love seeing three generations of beautiful Black women,” he said.
“This is great. Y’all are amazing. So much strength, especially from Tulsa.”
Although Jordan admitted he had never visited Tulsa before, he hinted that could eventually change.
When invited to attend a future family gathering, the actor smiled and replied, “I might just surprise y’all.”
Social media praises Michael B. Jordan’s heartfelt response
The story has generated widespread praise online, with many users describing Jordan’s response as authentic, humble, and genuinely compassionate.
Rather than simply acknowledging the viral video online, the actor chose to create a lasting memory by speaking directly with Story and sending a meaningful gift.
Fans across TikTok, Instagram, and X have applauded the gesture, saying it reflects the type of personal connection celebrities can build with supporters through simple acts of kindness.
The wholesome encounter has become one of the internet’s most uplifting celebrity stories of the week, reminding audiences that viral moments can sometimes lead to real-life connections.
FAQ
Why is Michael B. Jordan trending today?
Michael B. Jordan is trending after surprising 89-year-old Mary Story with a FaceTime call and personalized jewelry following a viral TikTok in which she displayed his photo on her family wall and jokingly called him her grandson.
Who is Mary Story?
Mary Story is an 89-year-old woman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who became an internet sensation after framing a magazine photo of Michael B. Jordan and placing it alongside pictures of her real grandchildren.
Why did Mary Story put Michael B. Jordan’s picture on her family wall?
She jokingly claimed the actor was one of her grandsons after finding a magazine photo of him. Her family shared the humorous moment on TikTok, where it quickly went viral.
Did Michael B. Jordan respond to the viral TikTok?
Yes. After seeing the video, Jordan’s team contacted the family. He later FaceTimed Mary Story and thanked her for including him in her family photo display.
What gift did Michael B. Jordan send Mary Story?
Before the FaceTime call, Jordan sent Story an amethyst bracelet and necklace from David Yurman featuring her birthstone as a thoughtful thank-you gift.
What did Michael B. Jordan say during the FaceTime call?
Jordan thanked Story for the love she had shown him, complimented her family, and expressed admiration for seeing three generations of strong Black women together.
Where does Mary Story live?
Mary Story lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Did Michael B. Jordan promise to visit Tulsa?
While he has never visited Tulsa, Jordan joked during the FaceTime call that he “might just surprise” the family by visiting one day.
How did the Michael B. Jordan family photo story become viral?
Mary Story’s granddaughter, Natalie Sims, posted a TikTok showing Jordan’s framed magazine photo displayed among family portraits. The video attracted around 1.7 million views and eventually caught the actor’s attention.
What has been the public reaction?
Fans have widely praised Jordan’s thoughtful response, calling it one of the most wholesome celebrity moments of the year and applauding his willingness to personally connect with a supporter.