Jack Wild
Born September 30, 1952, in Royton, near Oldham, England, Jack Wild was discovered by talent agent June Collins, mother of rock star Phil Collins. His breakthrough came when he landed the role of Oliver in the London stage production of "Oliver!" When it came to casting the film, the role of the Artful Dodger went to Jack, a role that resulted in his getting an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Fresh from this success, Jack was offered the lead role in the American television series "H.R. Pufnstuf" (1969). This Sid Krofft and Marty Krofft production featured Wild as a boy marooned in an enchanted land with puppets and actors in elaborate costumes. The success of this program led to Wild reprising the role for the film version, Pufnstuf (1970). Other roles followed, including Melody (1971) and Flight of the Doves (1971). Around the same time, Wild released three albums ("The Jack Wild Album"; "Everything's Coming up Roses", featuring along with cover numbers a couple of new songs written by up-and-coming songwriter Lynsey De Paul; and "Beautiful World"). By 1972, however, he was already being demoted to the role of supporting actor for The Pied Piper (1972). He also appeared in "Our Mutual Friend" (1976). He returned to films in two small roles: the miller's son in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and a peddler in Basil (1998). Wild underwent surgery for oral cancer in July 2004, and had some vocal cords and part of his tongue removed. Unfortunately, the cancer proved untreatable and he died on 1 March 2006.
Known For
Credits
- 2005 ยทMoussaka & Chipsas Durgen Fleece
- 2000 ยทLock, Stock...as Bill
- 1998 ยทBasilas Peddler
- 1996 ยทE! True Hollywood Storyas
- 1991 ยทRobin Hood: Prince of Thievesas Much
- 1982 ยทAliceas Mock Turtle
- 1976 ยทKeep It Up Downstairsas Peregrine Cockshute
- 1976 ยทOur Mutual Friendas Charley Hexam
- 1973 ยทThe World of Sid & Marty Krofft at the Hollywood Bowlas Himself
- 1973 ยทThe 14as Reg
- 1973 ยทThe Big Screenas Self
- 1972 ยทThe Pied Piperas Gavin
- 1971 ยทThe Onedin Lineas Peter Thompson
- 1971 ยทFlight of the Dovesas Finn Dove
- 1971 ยทMelodyas Ornshaw
- 1970 ยทPufnstufas Jimmy
- 1970 ยทGet It Togetheras
- 1969 ยทH.R. Pufnstufas Jimmy
- 1968 ยทOliver!as The Artful Dodger
- 1966 ยทA Game, Like, Only a Gameas Peter
- 1966 ยทThe Invisible Space Bubbleas Gavin
- 1966 ยทThe Tent with Four Legsas Gavin
- 1966 ยทDanny the Dragonas
- 1966 ยทStranger from Dragonaraas Gavin
- 1966 ยทThe Runaway Bubbleas Gavin
- 1966 ยทDragon Trailas Gavin
- 1966 ยทDannicaforilithermidoras Gavin
- 1966 ยทPotter in Pursuitas Gavin
- 1966 ยทDanny Gets Jet-Propelledas Gavin
- 1966 ยทIn Search of Zoomiteas Gavin
- 1966 ยทDragon Huntas Gavin
- 1965 ยทCome Buttercup, Come Daisy, Come......?as Danny
- 1962 ยทZ-Carsas
- 1961 ยทThe Mike Douglas Showas Self
- 1952 ยทThe Liberace Showas