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Jack Black

(1969 - )

Thomas Jacob "Jack" Black is a Jewish American actor, comedian, and musician. He makes up one half of the comedy and satirical rock duo Tenacious D. The group has two albums and a full-length film. His acting career is extensive and he is best known for his comedic roles.

Black was born on August 28, 1969 in Santa Monica, California, the son of two satellite engineers, Judith (née Cohen), who worked on the Hubble Space Telescope, and Thomas William Black. Black's mother is Jewish and his father converted to Judaism. Black's parents divorced when he was 10 and he moved to Culver City with his father, though he frequently visited his mother’s home. For high school, Black transferred from the public school system to the Poseidon School. He also attended the Crossroads School, where he excelled in drama. Black later attended UCLA but dropped out during his sophomore year to pursue a career in the entertainment business, at which point his father discontinued his financial support.

Black's acting career began with prime time TV. He later took on small film roles but had his breakout appearance in 2000 in High Fidelity as a wild employee in John Cusack's record store. His career soon led to leading roles in films such as Shallow Hal, Orange County, School of Rock, Envy, King Kong, Nacho Libre, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, Be Kind Rewind, Kung Fu Panda, Tropic Thunder, The Holiday, and Year One.

Black is a member of the Frat Pack, a group of comedians who have appeared together in several Hollywood films, and he has been nominated for a Golden Globe award. He has also won an MTV Movie Award and a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award.

Black married Tanya Haden on March 14, 2006. They have two sons, Samuel Jason and Thomas David.


Sources: Internet Movie Database, Wikipedia