Jack Black

Early Years

Thomas J. Black was born in Redondo Beach, California on August 28, 1969. His parents, Thomas Black and Judith Cohen, were both rocket scientists. Thomas and Judith divorced when Black was 10. As a child, Black reportedly learned that he could act while playing a game of “freeze.”

While in middle school, Black began to use drugs. In an attempt to remove him from the peer pressures of public school, his parents transferred him to Poseidon School, a private high school. He also attended Crossroads High School for the Arts and Sciences, which gave him his first taste of acting.

Black attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and got his start as a member of Tim Robbins’ acting ensemble. Although he dropped out during his sophomore year, Robbins gave Black his first film role in the 1992 film, Bob Roberts.

Film Roles

Jack, as part of Tenacious D, at The Pick of Destiny premiere

While Jack Black was in many small roles and TV shows, his performances were largely forgettable. He managed to land a steady stream of acting jobs, but didn’t get much recognition until 2000’s High Fidelity, starring John Cusack. In fact, Black, as wise-cracking record store employee Barry, stole every scene that he was in.

Following High Fidelity, Jack Black has had a number of higher profile roles in the following films:

• Saving Silverman (2001)
• Shallow Hal (2001)
• Ice Age (2002)
• Orange County (2002)
• School of Rock (2003)
• Envy (2004)
• Shark Tale (2004)
• King Kong (2005)
• Nacho Libre (2006)
• Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny (2006)
• The Holiday (2006)

Black, with wife Tanya Haden

Jack Black will next be seen in the following films: Them, Be Kind Rewind, Master of Space and Time, and Kung Fu Panda.

Music Career

While earning small roles in television and film, Jack Black was also building a cult following with his appearances on HBO’s sketch comedy show, Mr. Show with Bob and David. His band Tenacious D, consisting of himself and Kyle Gass, started to get exposure in short spots following Mr. Show. The comedy rock duo did live appearances and recorded a self-titled album in 2001. Their second album, The Pick of Destiny, coincided with the release of the film of the same name.

Jack Black has also appeared as a backup singer on several of his friends’ albums and appears in music videos for Beck, Dio, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age.

Personal Life

Although Jack Black had an eight-year relationship with comedian/actress Laura Kightlinger, he eventually married high school friend Tanya Haden on March 14, 2006. The couple reunited 15 years after their high school graduation at a friends’ birthday party and dated for less than a year. Jack and Tanya have one child together, Samuel, born on June 10, 2006.

Fun Jack Black Facts

• Black’s first acting experience was as a child in an Atari Pitfall! commercial.
• Black was the star of a management training film in 1987.
• He calls fellow actor Philip Seymour Hoffman his nemesis on the DVD audio commentary for The School of Rock. Apparently, the two actors often compete for the same roles.
• He hosted the 2002 MTV Movie Awards with Sarah Michelle Gellar.
• He hosted the 2006 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, as well as the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
• Black is considered a member of the “Frat Pack,” a group of actors that includes Owen and Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Steve Carell.
• Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins, and Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl all make appearances in the film Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny.