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Jack Black

Jack Black has three films releasing in 2011. In May 2011, he returns as Po in Kung Fu Panda 2, the sequel to the Academy Award nominated animated box office smash. In 2011 we will also see the release of Fox 2000 Pictures' The Big Year, directed by David Frankel, in which Black stars opposite Steve Martin and Owen Wilson. In this comedy for grown-ups, the three comedy giants portray men from different walks of life, each facing unique personal challenges. The one thing they share is an uncommon passion for…bird watching. In the biggest competition of their biggest year, they undertake an unforgettable trek through North America. Black recently wrapped production as the title character in the dark comedy Bernie, directed by Richard Linklater, and also starring Matthew McConaughey, Rip Torn and Shirley MacLaine.

In 2009, Black voiced video game character Eddie Riggs (modeled after him) in the widely popular Brutal Legend. The game follows a roadie (Riggs) into a fantasy world of heavy metal. Black was nominated and won for Best Voice at the Spike Video Game Awards in 2009.

The year 2008 was very busy for Black, starting with lending his voice to the lead animated character of Po in Paramount Pictures' Kung Fu Panda. Opening in June, the film earned more than $626 million worldwide, making it DreamWorks Animation's most successful non-sequel film ever.

Black was back on top of the box office charts in August for the Paramount release of Tropic Thunder. Directed, written by and co-starring Ben Stiller, Black was joined by the star-studded cast of Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise, Danny McBride and Matthew McConaughey. The film was #1 at the box office for two straight weeks and has earned over $185 million worldwide.

Being #1 is nothing new for Black. In September 2003, he proved his box office draw with a #1 opening for Paramount Pictures, School of Rock, from producer Scott Rudin and writer Mike White. In the film, Black received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. The next year he reunited with White to release Nacho Libre, which marked the first production under Black & White Productions, formed in late 2004 by White and Black.

In December 2005, Black was seen in the highly anticipated cinematic blockbuster and Academy Award winning film, King Kong. Directed by Peter Jackson, the film opened at #1 and remained on top for three weeks in a row, and grossed over $540 million worldwide.

Black's other screen credits include the comedies Bob Roberts, High Fidelity, Saving Silverman, Shallow Hal, Orange County, Envy, Shark Tale, The Holiday, 2000's independent drama Jesus' Son and 2007's drama Margot at the Wedding."

Fans also know Black as the lead singer of the rock-folk comedy group Tenacious D, which he created with friend Kyle Gass. Their self-titled album was released in the fall of 2001 with Epic Records and was quickly certified at gold-selling status. The band had a variety series on HBO that aired in 1999. The duo completed their first feature Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny for New Line Cinema, which released in November 2006. Following Pick of Destiny, two documentaries were released in relation to the film. The first, directed and produced by Black, titled The Making of ‘The Pick of Destiny, reveals a behind the scenes look at the making of the film. The second, D Tour: A Tenacious Documentary, focused on the band's world tour in support of their film and soundtrack.

Black currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Tanya and two sons.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2011.
Read earlier biographies on this page.

Jack Black Facts

OccupationActor, Musician
BandTenacious D
BirthdayApril 7, 1969 (54)
SignAries
BirthplaceSanta Monica, California, USA
Height5' 6½" (1m69)  How tall is Jack Black compared to you?
Awards2004 MTV Movie Awards: Best Comedic Performance (for School of Rock)

Selected Filmography

Kung Fu Panda 3
Kung Fu Panda
Fast & Furious: The Ultimate Ride Collection
Drunk History Vol. 1
Waterworld
Kung Fu Panda 2
Ice Age
The Cable Guy
Shark Tale
Fast & Furious 7-Movie Collection
Continue » Find more details on the Jack Black Movies page