Former child star Mark Lester claims he's the biological father of Michael Jackson's daughter Paris, who shows a striking resemblance to one of his children.

Lester is a longtime friend of Jackson, and says the King of Pop once asked him to donate sperm. He told the British tabloid "News of the World" that he agreed and gave a sample to a London clinic.

In a video interview posted on the tabloid's website, Lester said he came forward with his claim because he has "concerns about the welfare and upbringing of the children."

"It's a contact issue," he said. "I dearly want to remain in contact with those kids and I feel now this is the only way I can ensure that."

He said Paris has the same high cheekbones, fair skin and blue eyes as his 15-year-old daughter Harriet.

The 51-year-old former actor is famous for playing the lead role of "Oliver!" in the 1968 movie version.

He first met Jackson 27 years ago when the singer's manager set up a meeting. Lester lives in Cheltenham, about 160 kilometres west of London.

Lester said he donated his sperm when Jackson was married to Debbie Rowe.

"She's the birth mother of the children so I naturally assumed the sperm donation would obviously have gone into Debbie and Debbie would have borne the children," he said.

Jackson died on June 25 at age 50.

His mother Katherine, 79, has been named the permanent guardian of his children.

With files from The Associated Press