John Jack (Actor)

John Jack (born 10th of may 1980) is a Scottish actor, singer and author. He is best known for his roles in BBC's Still Game and the Netflix top ten movie, the Princess Switch: Switched Again, alongside Vanessa Hudgens. He is also widely known for his stage work, particularly with the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, as well as his West End appearances, most notably in The Phantom of the Opera.
Jack is also the author of the book, ‘Letters to my former self’, and inspirational collection of essays which explore the broad themes of life from the point of view of an older self to a younger. Jack's career has spanned two decades and has seen him perform widely in the film, TV and theatre sectors, as well as being a successful voiceover artist.
==Early Life and Education==
Jack was born on the 10th of May 1980, in Bellshill, in Scotland and grew up in the town of Airdrie. His father was a retired pastor and his mother a Christian writer. John’s first performances were with his local church where, after joining the choir, he discovered a talent for singing. This talent was soon acknowledged by the rector of Caldervale High School, where Jack was a pupil, Alexander McLeod, who allocated funds from the school finances to allow him to access private singing lessons with renowned teacher, Peter Wilson. Following this, Jack considered studying classical singing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland however, he later decided instead to enrol in a drama course at what is now New College Lanarkshire. At the end of his studies there and shortly before his graduation, Jack was awarded the Ian Bannen Memorial Award, following his final year showcase.
==Theatre Career==
Theatre in Glasgow before embarking on a national tour. Two appearances at Edinburgh's Lyceum Theatre would follow in 2005 with Oliver in ‘As you like it’, followed by ‘A Christmas Carol’ some months later. In 2006, Jack would originate the role of Joey in the jazz musical ‘Nighthawks’, to general critical acclaim.
In 2007, Jack relocated to London and, by 2009, he had embarked on his West End debut as the male lead, Tony Tee, in ‘Shout! the musical’, at the Arts Theatre. This was followed in 2010 by a spell with the West End company of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, as Don Attilio and Msr. Lefevre, as well as laterally playing the role of Andre the opera manager. Jack would go on to participate in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ 25th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall, in 2011. Following this, Jack accepted the role of George Bailey in a stage adaptation of ‘It's a wonderful life’, at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, followed by his participation in a series of new musicals at the other Palace Theatre, in London.
In 2018, Jack teamed up with John Bett and Gordon Cree to portray both Michael Flanders and himself in the musical revue, ‘Tipping the hat’ at The Traverse theatre in Edinburgh. Jack would also go on to create the role of Man Ray, in the musical ‘Kiki’, in 2022, alongside recording artist and singer, Christine Bovill, at Oran Mor, in Glasgow.
Jack is also a veteran pantomime star, with early roles in ‘Aladdin’ at the Glasgow Kings Theatre, in 2003, and Perth Rep in 2004. He would go on to create an impressive catalogue of villains, with Captain Hook, in ‘Peter Pan’, at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen, 2016. King Rat, in Dick Whittington, His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen, in 2017, as well as Fleshcreep in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, New Wimbledon Theatre, in 2018.
==TV Work==
Jack’s television work has been varied, with roles in ‘Still Game’, BBC, 2005, as Leo Miller. Oscar Farell in ‘River City’, BBC, 2009. Alex MacDonald in ‘Doctors’, BBC, 2012. Richard Williams in ‘Silent Witness’, BBC, 2012. He also appears as himself in the Channel 4 reality series, ‘The big interiors battle’, in 2023.
==Film Work==
Jacks film work has included independent films, ‘Can't see the trees for the forest’, in 2000, ‘The Bastards’, in 2001, and ‘Fallen Angels’, in 2002. He also appeared in the cinematic release of ‘The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Concert’, in 2011. In 2020, Jack appeared in ‘The Princess Switch: Switched Again’, for Netflix and, in 2021, he appeared in the documentary film, ‘The Great Game’, as Hely Hutchinson Almond.
==Personal Life==
John lives in Glasgow. He is a dog lover and is the owner of a Border Collie called Brodie.
Category:1980 births
Category:People from Bellshill
Category:Scottish actors
Category:Singers
Category:Author