Posted on 03/02/2006 3:25:44 AM PST by lunarbicep
LONDON -- Jack Wild, the actor appeared who in the movie musical "Oliver!" as the irrepressible Artful Dodger, has died, his agent said Thursday. He was 53.
Wild died Wednesday after a battle with mouth cancer, agent Alex Jay said.
As a child actor, Wild appeared in a London stage production of "Oliver!", Lionel Bart's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist." He was cast in the film as cheeky pickpocket the Artful Dodger, earning an Academy Award nomination at the age of 16.
He was known to a generation of children as the hero of "HR Pufnstuf," a U.S. television series about a boy stranded on a fantastical island with a talking flute, a friendly dragon and eerie, chatty trees. A feature film, "Pufnstuf," appeared in 1970.
Wild's adult acting career was fitful and he struggled with alcoholism. He had a role as one of the Merry Men in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" in 1991.
Wild was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000, and surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy had left him unable to speak.
HR Pufnstuff and the Gigglesnort Hotel used to creep me out to no end.
For those of you who are fans of Jay Ward animation ('Rocky & Bullwinkle', 'Dudley Do-Right', 'George Of The Jungle', 'Super Chicken') you'll find this link interesting:
http://www.vortex.com/av.html#JayWard1
"Professor Neon presents The JAY WARD Animation Special
A must for fans of the original early 1960's "Rocky and Bullwinkle" or other classic Jay Ward Productions! Recorded live at UCLA on February 5, 1982, this material, previously unheard since the event itself, features the creative talents behind these and other classic animation programs performing a live script reading, and answering an array of questions about their shows, animation, television, censorship, and many other topics. Featuring June Foray, Bill Scott, Walker Edmiston, and more! (~1 Hour)" (click on the 'RealAudio 16 Kps Audio' link to start playback)
For those who don't know: Bill Scott was the voice of Bullwinkle, Peabody, etc. but was actually hired by Jay Ward as R&B's head writer. June Foray was the voice of Rocky and Natasha, also did Granny, Witch Hazel (Looney Tunes), Smurfette, and many more. Walker Edmiston tells a really good story about 'Land Of The Lost' in regards to network censorship. Bill Scott tells another good story about the Cap'n Crunch TV ads that Jay Ward did for Quaker Oats (anybody remember the 'Waffle Whiffer'?)
Start to worry if the young 'un proclaims he loves something else... =8-0
I was shocked to see the recent pic posted of Mr. Wild. He was not letting his dreadful battle with mouth cancer stop his acting (even after he could no longer speak), turning to performing in pantomime with the aid of his wife.
Appreciate the link and info- thanks!
My son was nagging me all day to watch "oliver". Didn't know Jack Wild had died until a few minutes ago.
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