Jack Black
Actor Jack Black appeared in dozens of bit parts in film and television throughout the 1990s before becoming one of "The Frat Pack," a group of actors who regularly appear in high-grossing comedy films together. Other members of the frat pack include Owen and Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn.1. Black is also an avid musician and one half of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D.
Fast Facts
- Born: August 28, 1969
- Birthplace: Southern California
- Real Name: Thomas J. Black, Jr.
- Wife: Tanya Haden
- Son: Samuel Wyatt Black
- Nicknames: JB, Jables
- Attended: UCLA
- Lead singer of the band Tenacious D
Comedy
Black's breakout comedic role was as the foul-mouthed music snob Barry in the 2000 film High Fidelity, also starring John Cusack. Audiences were familiarized with Black' high-energy comedy through lead roles in such films as Saving Silverman, Orange County, Shallow Hal and School of Rock, the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Soon after, he starred in Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny, a feature-length story of the history of his band, Tenacious D.
Tenacious D
Along with Kyle Gass, Black sings and plays guitar in the rock band Tenacious D, whose songs are laden with profanity and tongue-in-cheek references to sex and drugs. Before hitting the big screen, Tenacious D starred in a surreal TV series on HBO and released their debut album in 2001. Their second release was the soundtrack to their 2006 film.
Beyond Comedy
Although most of Black's roles have been in comedies, he has also appeared several more dramatic films, including Peter Jackson's 2005 remake of King Kong and the 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday.
