Jack Wild was an English actor and singer who gained widespread acclaim as a child star during the late 1960s and 1970s. He is best remembered for his Oscar-nominated performance as Artful Dodger in Oliver! (1968), as well as Jimmy from H.R. Pufnstuf (1969-1970).
Jack Wild Early Life and Education
Wild was born 30 September 1952 in Royton, Lancashire to a working-class family. As a teenager he moved with his parents and older brother Arthur to Hounslow, Middlesex in 1960.
He was discovered while playing football with his brother in a park by theatrical agent June Collins, mother of rocker Phil Collins. As soon as June saw them together she took them both to Barbara Speake Stage School – an independent school in Acton in West London.
After dropping out of college, he took up acting in order to supplement his parents’ income and made his acting debut in a West End theatre production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! (1964). There, he played Charley Bates – one of Fagin’s gang.
Actor. In 1968, Wild was cast as Artful Dodger in Carol Reed’s film adaptation of Oliver!, to critical acclaim and several nominations – one being an Oscar nomination at only 16! BAFTA Award and Golden Globe nominations also came his way for this performance.
Wild was introduced to Sid and Marty Krofft at the premiere of Oliver!, where they offered him the lead role in H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), a psychedelic fantasy show with puppets and actors dressed elaborately, featuring Jimmy Wild (played by Wild himself). This show quickly became a favorite with children and adults alike and inspired a film version (Puffnstuf 1970) as well as segments in Banana Splits Adventure Hour from 1969-1970).
Wild also appeared in other films such as Melody (1971), a romantic comedy about two young lovers; Flight of the Doves (1971), an adventure film following two Irish orphans fleeing their abusive uncle; and The Pied Piper (1972), an adaptation of Hamelin.
Jack Wild also pursued a singing career and released three albums: the Jack Wild Album (1970), Everything’s Coming Up Roses (1971) with songs written by Lynsey de Paul; and Beautiful World (1972).
Wild’s career suffered in the mid 1970s as he battled alcoholism and drug dependency. Although he appeared on some TV programs such as The Ravelled Thread (1979-1980), Everyday Maths (1978-1979), and Our Mutual Friend (1976), Wild was never able to recapture his former popularity.
Wild was seen again in films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), where he played Much as one of Robin’s merry men; Alicja (1982), which is the Polish adaptation of Alice in Wonderland; and Basil (1998) where he appeared as a peddler.
Personal Life and Death
Wild was first married to Welsh actress and singer Gaynor Jones before they divorced five years later in 1985. Subsequently, Wild married Claire Harding (an ex-model and stylist from England) in 2005 who would remain by his side until his passing four years later.
Wild was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2000. Following surgery to remove part of his tongue and some vocal cords in 2004, as well as losing most of his teeth and having to wear dentures, part of the tongue had to be amputated as part of treatment for cancer.
Wild passed away at Tebworth, Bedfordshire, England at 53 and his ashes were scattered at Portobello Road in London where his favourite place to hang out.
FAQs: The Ultimate guide to your questions
Q: How did Jack Wild become famous?
A: Jack Wild was first made famous by his performance as Artful Dodger in Oliver! (1968). This led to him receiving an Oscar nomination at only 16 years of age.
Q: Can you describe Jack Wild’s first acting role?
A: Yes Jack Wild’s first acting role was as Charley Bates in the West End theatre production of Oliver! (1964).
Q: In what TV show did Jack Wild appear after Oliver!?
A: Jack Wild starred in H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), an animated fantasy TV series created by Sid and Marty Krofft.
Q: Which was Jack Wild’s final film?
A: Jack Wild’s last film was Moussaka & Chips (2005), an entertaining comedy about two Greek restaurant owners.
Q: How did Jack Wild die?
A: He passed away of oral cancer at 53 on 1 March 2006.
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