Jack Black Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Thomas Jacob Black |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1969 |
| Age | 56 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, musician, comedian |
| Years Active | 1982-present |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Spouse | Married Tanya Haden (2006-present) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Net Worth | ~$60 million |
| Known For | School of Rock, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, Kung Fu Panda, Jumanji franchise |
Early Life & Background
Black grew up in a family of aerospace engineers and attended the Poseidon School for students in the arts before studying theater at UCLA. He joined Tim Robbins' Actors' Gang, performing in avant-garde productions that honed his energetic stage persona.
Career Journey
Acting Breakthrough
After early film cameos (Bob Roberts, Dead Man Walking), Black stood out in High Fidelity (2000), leading to starring roles in Shallow Hal and School of Rock, the latter earning him a Golden Globe nomination and inspiring a Broadway musical.
Music & Voice Acting
Black co-founded comedy rock duo Tenacious D with Kyle Gass, releasing Grammy-winning albums and hosting a cult HBO series. As a voice actor he plays Po in DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda franchise, voicing the fourth film released in 2024.
Current Work
Black starred in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its sequel, plus the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie as Bowser. His YouTube channel Jablinski Games highlights gaming, music, and family adventures. In 2026 he voices a villain in Netflix's animated feature Space Camp Chaos and tours arenas with Tenacious D's 30th-anniversary show.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | High Fidelity | Barry Judd | Breakout supporting role |
| 2003 | School of Rock | Dewey Finn | Golden Globe nomination |
| 2008 | Kung Fu Panda | Voice of Po | Start of franchise |
| 2011 | Bernie | Bernie Tiede | Richard Linklater dark comedy |
| 2017 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Professor Oberon | Global hit |
| 2023 | The Super Mario Bros. Movie | Voice of Bowser | Animated blockbuster |
| 2024 | Kung Fu Panda 4 | Voice of Po | Franchise return |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical or Comedy | School of Rock | Nominated |
| 2013 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Male Lead | Bernie | Nominated |
| 2015 | Grammy Awards | Best Metal Performance | Tenacious D's cover of The Last in Line | Won |
| 2024 | Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Voice | Super Mario Bros. Movie | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$60 million (2026)
Black's earnings include film salaries, Tenacious D album sales and tours, Jablinski Games sponsorships, and producing credits through Electric Dynamite. He invests in indie game studios and eco-friendly recording spaces in Los Angeles.
Personal Life
Black married musician and artist Tanya Haden in 2006. They live in Los Feliz, California, encouraging their sons' musical interests. Black is open about past struggles with anxiety and supports mental health programs for youth.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He supports United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 826LA tutoring centers, and climate initiatives such as Pathway to Paris. Tenacious D frequently hosts benefit concerts supporting reproductive rights and musical education.
Social Media Presence
- YouTube: Jablinski Games features gaming sessions, music jams, and charity live streams.
- Instagram/Twitter: @jackblack shares comedic skits, Tenacious D updates, and voiceover teasers.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Black appears in multiple video games, voicing characters in Brutal Legend, Psychonauts 2, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
- He learned to play the saxophone for School of Rock but ultimately stuck with guitar vocals.
- Black co-founded the production company Electric Dynamite, backing series like Ghost Ghirls and Deadly Class.
- He holds a green belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, training to maintain stage stamina.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Black and Tenacious D announced a 30th-anniversary world tour with a new concept album releasing summer 2026. He is producing Netflix's School of Rock animated reboot and guest-starring on HBO's The Last of Pictograms, a comedy anthology he also executive produces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jack Black?
Jack Black is an American actor, comedian, and musician known for School of Rock, the Kung Fu Panda franchise, and rock duo Tenacious D.
What is Jack Black most famous for?
He is most famous for his energetic comedic performances, voice work as Po, and his music career with Tenacious D.
Is Jack Black active on social media?
Yes. Black runs the Jablinski Games YouTube channel and posts regularly on Instagram and Twitter.