JOLIET – The late David Bowie made a music video in 1999 where he reflected on his life and stared back at his younger self – who was played by a former Joliet resident.

Owen Beasley, who now lives in Wilmington with his family and works as a Will County Public Defender investigator, once worked as a model who was chosen to play Bowie’s younger self in the music video for his song “Thursday’s Child.”

“It was a career changer for myself and I was really thankful for him,” Beasley said.

Bowie died Jan. 10 at the age of 69 from liver cancer. The legendary musician was known for hit songs such as "Space Oddity," "Fame" and "Let's Dance," as well as his alter ego Ziggy Stardust.

Bowie also starred in several films such as “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” “Labyrinth” and “The Prestige.”

In 1999, Beasley said he was living in New York and there was a casting call for a music video for Bowie’s song “Thursday’s Child,” from his album “Hours …” Bowie was looking for someone who looked similar to him in his 20s.

Beasley said he was probably 19 at the time and when he auditioned, he won the role.

“[Bowie] was almost floored. … He was very pleased with the work done by his casting agency,” Beasley said.

Beasley said he remembered Bowie telling him the resemblance to his younger self was eerie.

Beasley needed a few adjustments to look more like Bowie. He said he needed to wear eye contacts that made his pupils look permanently dilated.

Bowie told Beasley when he was in grade school, he suffered a punch in the eye by a best friend over a girl.

Beasley said he also needed to wear a mask.

Shooting for the video took place over four days in New York City, Beasley said. The experience was great, but he wasn’t too familiar with Bowie at the time.

“On the first day, he was really pleasant to work with and really professional. I was a little embarrassed because I didn’t know his material very well,” he said.

Beasley said there was talk of Bowie using him in future music videos. According to an MTV.com interview, Bowie said he wanted Beasley for more of his videos, "If only so he won't have to show up to the shoots himself."

Beasley stopped modeling in 2003 and, after his father died, he decided to return home and work where his father worked at the Will County Public Defender’s Office. He said he loves what he does now.

His memory of Bowie was someone who was a “great guy and musician.” His death is certainly a loss, he said.

“Even though he was very famous, he didn’t want to come off that way. He loved music and he was doing it for people. I really got a high respect for him after meeting with him,” Beasley said.