( CNN ) -- Michael Jackson 's bizarre private life and change in appearance ended up eclipsing his musical achievements , according to the world 's media . A Los Angeles fire official told CNN that paramedics arrived at Michael Jackson 's home after a 911 call . Jackson 's death from cardiac arrest Thursday has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans , and his life has been given a more measured summing up by news media . Britain 's Guardian newspaper said `` his bizarre life-style and personal notoriety eclipsed his talent and his numerous achievements . '' The Guardian said his fame , from the age of 11 , `` had such a damaging effect that his life was permanently affected . '' Watch why Jackson is `` as big as it gets '' » . `` A combination of dysfunctional family and invasive fame ate away at the essentially private singer , whose initially minor eccentricities escalated into grotesque changes to his appearance and lifestyle . `` If ever there was an illustration of the adage that celebrity destroys what it touches , Jackson was it , '' the Guardian said . Daily Mail agreed , saying Jackson `` courted controversy and acclaim in equal measure . '' Watch Jesse Jackson share memories » . `` It was the tales of oxygen chambers , chimp chums , shopping sprees and physical transformation that have brought intrigue and amusement and earned the singer the nickname Wacko Jacko . '' The Mail said star 's behavior drew increasing alarm following a `` documentary in which he pronounced sharing a bedroom with a child to be 'charming ' and an incident in Germany in which he dangled his baby son Prince Michael II over a balcony . '' The country 's Times newspaper said only a `` handful of performers -- ( Elvis ) Presley , ( Frank ) Sinatra , the Beatles -- could outrank Michael Jackson as the most successful popular music entertainer of all time . '' However , `` as he approached middle-age , it was Jackson 's abiding interest in children which was his undoing . '' iReport.com : Your Michael Jackson tributes . Australia 's Sydney Morning Herald newspaper also compared Jackson to Presley . `` Just as Presley was the iconic voice and presence of the 1950s so Jackson enjoyed a similar status during 1980s and 1990s . And just as Presley , driven by the strange demons that seem to haunt the super-famous , died before his time so Jackson has died , aged 50 , in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest . '' France 's Liberation newspaper described Jackson as the `` total artist , '' but said his physical transformation and way of life brought controversy . Le Monde said Jackson was one of the most famous singers of the 20th century but his image was tarnished by his private life . Kingston : Jackson `` a legend '' » . Germany 's Bild tabloid agreed , saying Jackson 's private antics had seem him `` dethroned '' as the King of Pop . China 's People 's Daily newspaper said Jackson had `` set the world dancing to exuberant rhythms for decades . '' `` Jackson 's dramatic stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world . Sharpton : Jackson `` was a trailblazer '' » . `` His one-gloved eccentric style also earned him plenty of critics and another nickname , `` Wacko Jacko . '' Thailand 's Bangkok Post newspaper said : `` While Jackson ruled the charts and dazzled audiences with electric dance moves like the backwards `` moonwalk '' in the 1980s , his once-stellar career was overshadowed by his colorful public behavior , his startling physical transformation and multiple allegations of child abuse . ''
Jackson pronounced dead at 2:26 AM PT on Tuesday after cardiac arrest . Early fame had very damaging affect on Jackson 's life , says newspaper . Jackson compared to Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra .