Jack Black Biography Thomas Jacob “Jack” Black born August 28, 1969 is an American actor, comedian, and musician known for his roles in family and comedy films, as well as his voice work in animated features. His accolades include a Children’s and Family Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and three Golden Globe Award nominations. Black’s career began with supporting roles in films such as Dead Man Walking (1995), The Cable Guy (1996), Mars Attacks! (1996), and Enemy of the State (1998). He gained widespread recognition for his breakout role in the musical film High Fidelity (2000), which led to larger roles in films like Shallow Hal (2001) and Orange County (2002). His status as a leading man was solidified with his starring role in School of Rock (2003). Black has since starred in films such as King Kong (2005), The Holiday (2006), Nacho Libre (2006), Tropic Thunder (2008), Bernie (2011).
Jack Black Biography
Thomas Jacob “Jack” Black was born on August 28, 1969, in Santa Monica, California, and raised in Hermosa Beach, California. He is the son of Judith Love Cohen and Thomas William Black, both of whom were satellite engineers. Of Russian Jewish and British-German descent, Black attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). While at UCLA, he joined Tim Robbins’ acting troupe, which helped launch his career. His film debut came in 1992 with Bob Roberts, where he had a background voice role. Though his first appearance was minor, Black’s career gained momentum through notable television roles, including The X-Files (1993). His breakout performance came in High Fidelity (2000), which propelled him into the spotlight. Additionally, his rock-comedy duo, Tenacious D, contributed to his growing cult following.
Jack Black Biography Details
| Born |
Thomas Jacob Black
August 28, 1969 (age 55)
Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Other names |
· JB
· Jables
· Jablinski
· Jackalous McBlackelby |
| Occupations |
· Actor
· comedian
· musician |
| Years active |
1982–present |
| Works |
Filmography |
| Spouse |
Tanya Haden
(m. 2006) |
| Partner |
Laura Kightlinger (1996–2005) |
| Children |
2 |
| Mother |
Judith Love Cohen |
| Relatives |
Neil Siegel (half-brother) |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Jack Black
Thomas Jacob “Jack” Black is an American actor, comedian, and musician. He is known for roles in family and comedy films, in addition to his voice work in animated films. His awards include a Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and nominations for three Golden Globe Awards.
- Born: 28 August 1969 (age 55 years), Santa Monica, California, United States
- Spouse: Tanya Haden (m. 2006)
- Music group: Tenacious D (Since 1994)
- Upcoming movie: A Minecraft Movie
- Children: Samuel Jason Black, Thomas David Black
- Height: 68 m
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Early Life
Jack Black was born in Santa Monica, California, on August 28, 1969, to satellite engineers Thomas William Black and Judith Love Cohen. He grew up in Hermosa Beach, California, where his mother worked on notable projects such as the Minuteman nuclear missile guidance system, the Apollo lunar module guidance system, and the Hubble Space Telescope science ground station. Black has three older half-siblings through his mother: scientist Neil Siegel, Howard Siegel, and Rachel Siegel. Raised Jewish, Black attended Hebrew school and had a bar mitzvah. His ancestry includes English, German, Irish, Polish, Russian, and Scottish heritage. Black’s parents divorced when he was 10, and he subsequently lived with his father in Culver City, though he frequently visited his mother.
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Personal Life
Black faced early struggles with cocaine at age 14 due to negative influences but later overcame the addiction. His brother, Howard, died of AIDS in 1991, while his other brother, Neil, pursued a career in engineering and music. Black was in a relationship with comedian Laura Kightlinger from 1996 to 2005 before marrying singer Tanya Haden in 2006. The two reconnected years after attending Crossroads School together. They have two sons, born in 2006 and 2008. While Black identifies as an atheist, he raises his children in the Jewish faith. Politically active, Black endorsed Barack Obama in 2012, criticized Donald Trump, and has been involved in voter education and environmental causes, particularly in the 2022 elections.
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How did Jack Black get Famous
At the age of 13, Jack Black landed his first TV commercial for the video game Pitfall!, but his rise to fame would take time. Throughout the 1990s, he made guest appearances on various primetime TV shows, including Life Goes On, Northern Exposure, Mr. Show, Picket Fences, The Golden Palace, and The X-Files. In 1992, Black made his film debut in Tim Robbins’ Bob Roberts, which led to small roles in several films, such as Airborne, Demolition Man, Waterworld, The Cable Guy, Mars Attacks!, Dead Man Walking, Enemy of the State, and a deleted scene in True Romance. However, it wasn’t until 2000 that Black became a household name. His scene-stealing role as the music-obsessed Barry Judd in High Fidelity gave him the opportunity to showcase his impressive singing talent.
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How much did Jack Black make for Jumanji
For his role in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Jack Black was reportedly paid $5 million for his supporting role. For the sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), it’s been reported that Black earned $3 million. However, it’s likely that Black’s team negotiated a back-end deal, allowing him to earn a percentage of the film’s profits on top of his upfront salary.
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Jack Black’s Net Worth
Jack Black has a net worth of $50 million, largely attributed to his successful career in comedy films. Over the years, he has also been active in the LA real estate market. His primary residence is located in Los Feliz, which he purchased in 2010 from guitarist Flea for $6 million. Previously, Black owned a Hollywood Hills home that he bought for $720,000 in 2001 and sold for $1.46 million in 2007. He also owns a Beverly Hills home, purchased in 2005 for $3 million.
