American actor, comedian and musician Jack Black was born on August 28, 1969 in Redondo Beach, California. As a child, Black appeared in an early Atari Pitfall commercial. He attended the Crossroads School, where he excelled in drama. He then dropped out of the University of California at Los Angeles during his sophomore year to pursue an acting career. While at UCLA, he became a member of Tim Robbins’ acting troupe, which led him to land a part in his film debut Bob Roberts in 1992.
Jack Black’s acting career began on television, where he was cast in several shows like The Golden Palace in 1992, Life Goes On and The X-Files. He was also in Northern Exposure, HBO’s Mr. Show, and in Picket Fences. Several of his minor roles include Augie in the 1993 Airborne, Rick in The Cable Guy, Billy Glen Norris in Mars Attacks! and Ian Lamont in 1997’s The Jackal. He also played Fiedler in 1998’s Enemy of the State, as well as Georgie in Jesus’ Son. He earned more exposure being cast as John Cusack’s co-worker in High Fidelity.
Jack Black was then cast in leading roles. He played alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in the romantic comedy Shallow Hal in 2001. This was followed by a role in Run Ronnie Run and Orange County. He is also known as Dewey Finn in 2003’s School of Rock. He appeared in television shows as well, including Will & Grace that same year. Jack Black gave the voice to the character Lenny in the animated Shark Tale, and also starred in the blockbuster King Kong in 2004. Two years after, he was given the lead role in two films, the Mexican friar Nacho in Nacho Libre and in the fictionalized account of his band, Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny. He starred alongside Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz in the romantic comedy The Holiday and was also cast in Margot at the Wedding in 2007. Black has hosted the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards on April 2006 as well as on March 2008. His voice can also be heard in an episode of The Simpsons and as Po the Panda in the 2008 animated blockbuster Kung Fu Panda.