The book
The book under the spotlight today is an autobiography coming out 10 years after the death of its protagonist, actor Jack Wild, whom many of us still remember for his unforgettable role as Dodger in Oliver! at age 15. It is not a sad and depressing memoir, but, on the contrary, is the lively recount of a man who deeply loved life and acting.
Many thanks to Ms Claire Harding Wild for finding the time to answer my questions about her beloved husband and about the book she completed.
Propelled to stardom at the age of 15, until his tragic
death from cancer at the age of 53, this is the story of actor Jack Wild, in
his own words - published for the first time.
Jack was just an ordinary young boy, whose talent was
spotted by chance by a theatrical agent, and propelled onto the world stage
through his performance in the 1968 film musical Oliver! It brought
him an Oscar nomination and international stardom.
As his fame grew, Jack also began to battle with alcoholism,
which eventually dominated most accounts of his life. After the glittery
highs of the 60’s and 70’s came the “lost decade” of the 80’s; the lows of
debts and sectioning under the Mental Health Act. The real story of this is
here, in Jack’s own words.
But this isn’t a memoir of pity and darkness. Jack loved
life, and loved his life. In the 90’s, and fully sober, Jack returned to the
screen in films such as Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. Even in the face of
the tragic diagnosis of mouth cancer which eventually killed him, he remained
resolutely optimistic about life.
His story contains vivid behind the scenes accounts of many
great names he worked with, from British favourites such as Diana Dors and Ron
Moody to international stars like Bing Crosby and Kevin Costner.
Completed by Jack's widow Claire, the book is in Jack’s
unique narrative voice with honesty, roguish charm and a breath-taking lack of
self-pity.
