Jack Black
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Jack Black | |
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Black in November 2006 |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Thomas Jacob Black |
Also known as | Jables, JB |
Born | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
August 28, 1969
Genres | Heavy metal, comedy rock, hard rock, acoustic rock |
Occupations | Musician, songwriter, actor, comedian |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar, percussion, keyboard |
Years active | 1991–present |
Labels | Epic, Sony BMG |
Associated acts | Tenacious D, Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, Probot, Foo Fighters, Meat Loaf |
Website | www.tenaciousd.com |
Thomas Jacob "Jack" Black (born August 28, 1969) is an American comedian, actor and musician. He makes up one half of the comedy and satirical rock duo Tenacious D. The group has two albums and full-length films. His acting career is extensive, starring primarily as bumbling, cocky, but internally self-conscious outsiders in comedy films. He was a member of the Frat Pack, a group of comedians who have appeared together in several Hollywood films, and has been nominated for a Golden Globe award. He has also won an MTV Movie Award, and a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award.
Early life
Black was born 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. On The Tonight Show, he said his surname may have come from the occupational name Blacksmith. Black's parents divorced when he was 10; Black moved to Culver City with his father and frequently visited his mother’s home. As a child, Black appeared in a commercial for the Activision game Pitfall! in 1982, which was later shown during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and again on The Tonight Show with Conan O' Brien. When Black entered high school, his parents suggested that he should transfer to the Poseidon School, a private secondary school engineered specifically for students struggling in the traditional school system. Black eagerly accepted the proposition, as he didn't like public 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. Fellow UCLA veteran Tim Robbins later cast Black in Bob Roberts. He also had recurring roles on the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show.
Acting career
Black's Acting Career began with prime time TV. He played roles on several shows such as: The Golden Palace (Taxi Driver), Life Goes On (skinhead), Northern Exposure (Kevin Wilkins, prom king), HBO's Mr. Show, and Picket Fences (Curtis Williams). In a season 3 episode of The X-Files, titled "D.P.O.", Black played Bart 'Zero' Liquori, friend to Darren, a teen who could cause lightning strikes, played by Giovanni Ribisi. Black appeared in an un-aired pilot episode for a show directed by Ben Stiller called Heat Vision and Jack where he played an ex-astronaut pursued by actor Ron Silver. He was accompanied by his friend who had merged with a motorcycle, voiced by Owen Wilson.
Black later took on small roles in Airborne, Demolition Man, Waterworld, The Fan, The NeverEnding Story III, The Cable Guy, Bob Roberts, Mars Attacks!, The Jackal, Bye Bye Love, Jesus' Son, Dead Man Walking, Enemy of the State, and I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. In 2000, Black appeared in High Fidelity as a wild employee in John Cusack's record store, a role which Black himself considers his breakout.
His career soon led to leading roles in films such as Shallow Hal, Orange County, Saving Silverman, 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, Year One and Gulliver's Travels.
He guest-starred on The Office along with Cloris Leachman and Jessica Alba in a movie within the show. He also guest-starred in iCarly, in the episode iStart a Fan War.
Jack Black has appeared numerous times on the "untelevised TV network" short film festival Channel101, starring in the shows Computerman, Timebelt, and Laserfart. He also provided an introduction for the un-aired sketch comedy, Awesometown, donning a Colonial-era military uniform. In the introduction, he claims to be George Washington (and takes credit for the accomplishments of other American Presidents such as Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln), and gives viewers a general idea as to what they should expect from the show. Black has also guest starred in the Adult Swim show Tom Goes to the Mayor as a bear trap store owner.
Black hosted the 2006 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards on April 1, 2006 and hosted it again on March 29, 2008. He also appeared on the MTV video music awards on August 31, 2006. He is a member of the Frat Pack, a group of comedy actors who frequently work together, which also includes Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Steve Carell. Jack Black has made five appearances on Saturday Night Live: three times as a host, once as a musical guest (with Kyle Gass as Tenacious D), and another appearance with Tenacious D, not as a host or musical guest. He produced and appeared on VH1's internet video show Acceptable.TV.
Black has voice acted for The Simpsons episode " Husbands and Knives", which aired 18 November 2007, voicing the friendly owner of the rival comic book store, Milo. Black appeared in a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire celebrity edition along with Denis Leary, Jimmy Kimmel and others and walked away with US$125,000 in October 2001. On December 14, Jack Black hosted the 2008 Spike Video Game Awards. He voiced the main character, roadie Eddie Riggs, in the rock-themed action-adventure video game, Brütal Legend. At the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards, he was awarded Best Voice for the voice of Eddie Riggs in Brütal Legend. In April 2009, Black also appeared in an episode of the children's show "Yo Gabba Gabba!" on Nick Jr. singing songs such as "It's Not Fun to Get Lost", "Friends" and "Goodbye Song".
Music career
Black, also known as JB or Jables, is the lead singer for the rock comedy band Tenacious D. Along with Kyle Gass, they have released two albums, a self-titled debut, and the follow up, The Pick of Destiny, from which one of their songs "The Metal" was used in the music video games " Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" and " Brutal Legend". "Rock Your Socks" from the album "Tenacious D" was played in the music videogame " Rock Band Unplugged", and "Master Exploder" from "The Pick Of Destiny" went on to be used in music video games " Guitar Hero Van Halen" and " Rock Band 2", along with their song "Tribute" from "Tenacious D". "Master Exploder" and "The Metal" featured in the film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. The film, directed by Tenacious D veteran Liam Lynch, features recurring characters such as Lee the superfan and Sasquatch. Tim Robbins cameos as does Dave Grohl as Satan. Ben Stiller also makes an appearance as a worker at Guitar Centre, and also another appearance in the music video for " Tribute".
Tenacious D helped the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to raise awareness and funds in San Diego on June 16, 2007. Tenacious D can be seen performing in the Pauly Shore film Bio-Dome where the duo are performing their song "The Five Needs" at a "Save the Environment" party. Black was also a guest star on an episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show entitled "Ellen the Musical", alongside Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and teenage singer-actress Olivia Olson. On the show, besides singing, he discussed his then-upcoming film Nacho Libre with the host.
Black has also appeared on Dave Grohl's Probot album, providing vocals for the hidden song "I Am The Warlock", and Lynch's Fake Songs album, providing vocals for the song "Rock and Roll Whore". Black performed a cover of Marvin Gaye's " Let's Get It On" in the last sequence of High Fidelity. He lent his musical abilities to the Queens of the Stone Age song "Burn the Witch" with rhythmic stomps and claps, some performed with his eyes closed. He also provided vocals for The Lonely Island's track "Sax Man" from the album Incredibad.
Black has also recorded a duet on Meat Loaf's new CD Hang Cool Teddy Bear. The song is called Like a Rose. Meat Loaf has also played Black's father in the Pick of Destiny movie. Hang Cool Teddy Bear also features Hugh Laurie, Kara Dioguardi, Brian May, Steve Vai & Patti Russo, produced by Rob Cavallo.
Black has appeared in music videos of Beck " Sexx Laws"; Foo Fighters " Learn To Fly", " Low", and " The One"; The Eagles of Death Metal's " I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News)"; Sum 41's " Things I Want"; Dio's " Push"; and Weezer's " Photograph."
In October 2010, Tenacious D appeared at Blizzcon, a convention hosted by the game designers, Blizzard Entertainment.
Comedic style
Black's comedic style combines many key elements from both sides of the traditional double act. Black typically begins a skit in which he presents an earnest introduction to a premise or subject that quickly reveals itself to be flawed or fundamentally ludicrous. Black then switches completely to a far-extreme caricature of human emotion.
His would-be straight-man Gass often functions to trigger these outbursts. Tenacious D’s subject matter illustrates this technique. In " Tribute," Tenacious D tells a story in which they claim to have performed "The Greatest Song in the World" for a "Shiny Demon" who would otherwise "EAT THEIR SOULS." In " Inward Singing," Black does not merely discover a new vocal technique, he discovers what he refers to as "the most powerful tool in singing technology since yodeling." Black's skits also use the catchphrase "more cushion for the pushin'," a self-mocking reference to his own girth.
Personal life
In January 2006, Black became engaged to Tanya Haden. She is the daughter of the jazz double bassist Charlie Haden, and sister of violinist and singer Petra Haden. Haden herself is an accomplished cellist. Both attended Crossroads school and met again 15 years after graduating, at a friend's birthday party. Black proposed marriage around Christmas 2005. They married on March 14, 2006, in Big Sur, California. Their son, Samuel Jason "Sammy" Black, was born on June 10, 2006, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. On May 23, 2008, Black and his wife had their second son, Thomas David Black.
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1992 | Bob Roberts | Roger Davis | |
1993 | Airborne | Augie | |
1993 | Demolition Man | Wasteland Scrap | |
1994 | The NeverEnding Story III | Slip, Leader of the Nasties | |
1995 | Bye Bye Love | DJ at Party | |
1995 | Dead Man Walking | Craig Poncelet | |
1995 | Waterworld | Pilot | |
1996 | Bio-Dome | Tenacious D | |
1996 | The Cable Guy | Rick | |
1996 | The Fan | Broadcast Technician | |
1996 | Mars Attacks! | Billy Glenn Norris | |
1997 | Bongwater | Devlin | |
1997 | Crossworlds | Steve | |
1997 | The Jackal | Ian Lamont | |
1998 | Enemy of the State | Fiedler | |
1998 | I Still Know What You Did Last Summer | Titus Telesco | |
1998 | Johnny Skidmarks | Jerry | |
1999 | Cradle Will Rock | Sid | |
1999 | Jesus' Son | Georgie | |
1999 | The Love Letter | Fisherman | uncredited |
2000 | High Fidelity | Barry | Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actor - Comedy/Romance Nominated — American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Nominated — Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Music Moment Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Male Performance Nominated — Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actor |
2001 | Frank's Book | Performance Hipster | Short Film |
2001 | Saving Silverman | J.D. McNugent | |
2001 | Shallow Hal | Hal Larson | Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Film- Choice Actor, Comedy |
2002 | Ice Age | Zeke | Voice only |
2002 | Orange County | Lance Brumder | |
2002 | Run Ronnie Run | Lead Chimney Sweep | DVD Exclusive Award for Best Original Song in a DVD Premiere |
2003 | Melvin Goes to Dinner | Mental Patient | uncredited Phoenix Film Festival Award for Best Ensemble Acting Nominated — DVD Exclusive Award for Best Supporting Actor in a DVD Premiere |
2003 | School of Rock | Dewey Finn | MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor- Comedy Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Liar |
2004 | Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy | Motorcyclist | uncredited (cameo) |
2004 | Envy | Nick Vanderpark | Nominated — People's Choice Award for Favorite Funny Male Star |
2004 | Laser Fart | The Elegant Hunter | Video |
2004 | Shark Tale | Lenny | Voice only |
2005 | King Kong | Carl Denham | Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Movies - Choice Sleazebag |
2005 | Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie | Carl Denham | voice Video game Spike Video Game Award - Best Leading Male Performance |
2006 | Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties | Orson, Booker and Wolf | |
2006 | The Holiday | Miles | |
2006 | Nacho Libre | Nacho | Nominated — Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Male Movie Star Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Fight Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Movies - Choice Actor: Comedy Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Movies - Choice Chemistry Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Movie - Choice Rumble |
2006 | Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny | Jack "Jables" Black (JB) | |
2007 | Margot at the Wedding | Malcolm | Nominated — Gotham Award for Best Ensemble Cast |
2007 | Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story | Paul McCartney | Uncredited |
2008 | Be Kind Rewind | Jerry Gerber | |
2008 | Kung Fu Panda | Po | Voice only Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie Nominated — Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Animated Character in a Motion Picture |
2008 | The Secrets of the Furious Five | Voice Short film |
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2008 | Prop 8: The Musical | Jesus Christ | Viral video short |
2008 | Tropic Thunder | Jeff "Fats" Portnoy | Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Cast |
2008 | Tropic Thunder: Rain of Madness | Jeff "Fats" Portnoy | Video |
2009 | Brütal Legend | Eddie Riggs | Voice Video game Spike Video Game Award - Best Voice |
2009 | Year One | Zed | |
2010 | Gulliver's Travels | Gulliver | |
2010 | Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage | Himself | |
2011 | Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil | Det. Bulldog R. Puppie | Voice only |
2011 | The Big Year | ||
2011 | The Muppets | Cameo Appearance/ along side Jason Segal | |
2011 | Kung Fu Panda 2 | Po | Voice only "post-production" |
2011 | Parker Redding's Big Movie | Sawyer Redding | In development |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1991 | Our Shining Moments | Teenage Boy | TV Movie |
1993 | The Golden Palace | Taxi Driver | episode "Seems Like Old Times: Part 2" |
1993 | Life Goes On | Skinhead | episode "Incident on Main" |
1993 | Marked for Murder | Car Thief | television film |
1993 | Northern Exposure | Kevin Wilkins | episode "A River Doesn't Run Through It" |
1994 | Blind Justice | Private | television film |
1994 | The Innocent | Marty Prago | television film |
1995 | All-American Girl | Tommy | episode "A Night at the Oprah" |
1995 | Pride & Joy | Man | episode "Brenda's Secret" |
1995 | The Single Guy | Randy | episode "Sister" |
1995 | Touched By An Angel | Monte | episode "Angels on the Air" |
1995 | The X-Files | Bart 'Zero' Liqouri | episode "D.P.O." |
1995–1996 | Mr. Show with Bob and David | Various | 4 episodes |
1995–1996 | Picket Fences | Curtis Williams | 2 episodes |
1997–2000 | Tenacious D | JB | 6 |
1999 | Heat Vision and Jack | Jack | television pilot |
2001 | Space Ghost Coast to Coast | Himself | episode "Sweet for Brak" |
2002 | 2002 MTV Movie Awards | Host | |
2002 | The Andy Dick Show | J.D. | episode "Flipped" |
2002 | Clone High | Pusher/Larry Hardcore | episode "Raisin The Stakes" |
2002 | Crank Yankers | Tenacious D | episode "#1.3" |
2002 | Jack Black: Spider-Man | Spider-Man | MTV Movie Awards segment |
2002 | Lord of the Piercing | Jack the Elf | MTV Movie Awards segment Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition easter egg |
2002 | MADtv | Tenacious D | episode "#7.22" |
2002 | Panic Room with Will Ferrell | Himself | MTV Movie Awards segment |
2003 | Player$ | Tenacious D | episode "Tenacious D a la Mode" |
2003 | Will & Grace | Dr. Isaac Hershberg | episode "Nice in White Satin" |
2003–2004 | Computerman | Computerman | 6 episodes |
2003–2004 | Time Belt | Computerman | 2 episodes |
2004 | Cracking Up | Brian | episode "Scared Straight" |
2004 | Tom Goes to the Mayor | Trapper JB | episode "Bear Traps" |
2005 | Awesometown | George Washington | television film |
2007 | The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show | Jables | episode "Break-Up" |
2007 | The Simpsons | Milo | episode " Husbands and Knives" |
2008 | Sesame Street | Himself | episode "The Golden Triangle Of Destiny" |
2009 | The Office | Sam | episode " Stress Relief" |
2009 | Yo Gabba Gabba | Himself | episode " New Friends" |
2010 | Community | Buddy | episode "Investigative Journalism" |
2010 | iCarly | Aspartamay | episode iStart a Fanwar |
2010 | Metalocalypse | Rehab Doctor | episode "Rehabklok" |
2010 | Take Two with Phineas and Ferb | Himself | episode "Jack Black" |