RIP - Oliver's Atrful Dodger

[smudge]

Just heard that Jack Wilde 'The Artful Dodger' has died, ages 53.

I can't actually remember seeing him acting in any films other than 'Oliver' - can you?

RIP

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Latest news here

[sp1814]

He was in the excellent 'HR Puff 'N' Stuff' on telly. Can't remember whether it was actually made into a film...but it totally rocked.

[Whickerman]

There was indeed a movie of HF Pufnstuf, but the series was magical.

[Quizmonkey]

He was in Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves too.

[ianess]

Very sad news. He will forever be remembered as the Artful Dodger. Quite a reasonable legacy I think.
I was surprised to learn he was only 53.

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Yes, Oliver is still one of my favourite films ianess.

I knew he was only in his early 50's, but I expect all the heavy smoking & drinking put pay to his once youthful looks - poor thing.

[jno]

filmography here

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Thanks jno - I'll peruse that when I return from my shopping trip!

[cliffsdoll]

its really sad, as a teenager he was my favourite, i had a big crush on him, i actually have a film with him on dvd called flight of the doves, i have happy memories of him, may he rest in peace

[joko]

he was 14 when he played dodger!
thats why they like him and he was so good - he had the abilities of a teeanger but the looks of a child.
Even the character looks in the book described his looks to a tee.

he was great, loved him in puf n stuf - he was massive in america, but when his boyish cuteness faded, and it turned out he wasn't a particularly handsome grownup, so did his success - which is why he turned to drink and drugs - a real shame

he had throat cancer i believe and had to use one of those electronic voice boxes to speak.

i think more care should be taken with child stars to cope with the often inevitable fading of their star. they are often just too young and ill equiped to cope with it and adult life, some go on to have great careers but many are often just abandoned by the people who were looking after them.
...leif garrett, different strokes, michael jackson, macauley culkin... the list goes on and on...

its very sad.

[cat woman]

It is really sad to hear that Jack Wilde has passed away, along with Pete Duel he was one of my childhood hero,s. I know he had been ill with cancer for a while, ( bless him ) whenever they show " Oliver " on TV I was glued from start to finsh, it will always be one of my favorite films. R.I.P Jack xxx :-(

[jigman1]

He was also in "flight of the doves" with Ron Moody and Dana.

[smudge]

Thank you for all your answers.

I didn't realise Jack Wild had been in so many plays/films. I only remember him in Oliver which was a fantastic film.