Jack Black Biography

Jack Black was born in Santa Monica, California. Both his parents were satellite engineers. His father is Thomas William Black, and his mother is Judith Cohen. Unfortunately, for Jack, his parents got divorced when he was just 10 years old. He chose to stay with his father and moved with him to Culver City. Jack really struggled in school and hated the conventional education system. His parents suggested that he study at Poseidon School, which was a private school for children struggling in public schools. He jumped at the opportunity and ended up studying at the Crossroads School, where he developed a liking for drama and excelled at it. By now, Jack had also appeared in a few commercials and wanted to make a career in acting.

Jack quit UCLA to pursue a career in acting. His parents did not approve of this, and his father even stopped giving him any kind of financial support. Lucky for Jack, he found work quickly on many prime time TV shows. He found work on shows like Northern Exposure and Mr. Show. He shot a pilot for Ben Stiller called Heat Vision and Jack. The show did not get picked up, but he became friends with Ben and Owen Wilson who was also part of the show. Jack soon made his big screen debut in Bob Roberts in a small part. And then soon began the phase in his life where he played small supporting roles in many movies. Jack acted in movies like The Cable Guy (1996), Mars Attacks! (1996), The Jackal (1997), Dead Man Walking and I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998). All of the movies did well commercially, but they did nothing for Jack’s career.

It seemed that Jack might become one of those actors who end up playing supporting roles all their lives. He needed a role that would really help him showcase his real talents. And it happened. Jack landed the supporting role in High Fidelity starring John Cusack. Jack played Barry, John’s eccentric music store employee. The movie was a unique comedy and allowed Jack a lot scope acting wise. High Fidelity hit the marquee and the audience loved Jack. So good was his portrayal that many of his future characters were all loosely based on this one character.

Now the flood gates had opened. Lead roles were pouring in for Jack and those too in big movies. And that too in films opposite more established stars, one of which was Shallow Hal (2001) opposite Gywneth Paltrow. In Shallow Hal, Jack plays Hal Larson, a superficial guy who only notices physical beauty. His life is turned around when he is psyched by a motivational guru into only seeing the inner beauty of women. The film was a hit and his Jack’s career as a solo actor took off. Next for him was The School of Rock (2003). He played a washed up musician who tricks his way into forming a band of fifth graders. This movie too was a hit and the audience loved his rock and roll turn.

Jack has always been a fan of the Rock genre, and even has a band called Tenacious D. The other member of the band is Kyle Glass, and the first album they released was the self-titled album Tenacious D (2001). The single from the album the “Pick of Destiny” became a huge hit, and became the central theme of the movie Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006). The second album released by the band was also named Pick of Destiny (2006).

Jack’s career has skyrocketed since his band, and he sits in a position where he can choose the work he would like to do. He prefers do to comedy roles, but has tried his hand at serious roles too with success. He took a negative turn in Peter Jackson’s epic King Kong. The movie was huge hit and became Jack’s biggest career hit, earning $550 million at the box-office. But he couldn’t stay away from comedy for too long and did Nacho Libre (2006). It was a kid’s movie and did well in the domestic market. He also lent his voice for the blockbuster animation flick Kung Fu Panda. He voiced the lovable Po who gets chosen as the dragon warrior and saves the town from the wrath Tai Lung. The film was a casting coup of sorts as it had many other stars like Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and Seth Rogan voicing important characters. It just goes to show how far Jack had come along. The movie was a blockbuster and a sequel was soon announced.

Jack was last seen in two movies; Tropic Thunder with Frat Pack buddy Ben Stiller and in Year One (2009) with Michael Cera. Tropic Thunder was a commercial success and was also nominated in Best Picture category at the Oscar Awards. He is currently awaiting the release of Gulliver’s Travels where he plays the lead role of Gulliver.