This was my second visit with Jack Hanlon – and I have to maintain that he is one of the nicest fellas you could ever hope to meet. Jack was a former child actor who had appeared in at least three of the silent Our Gang films: Ten Years Old, Olympic Games, and The Glorious Fourth. In addition, he had a role in the Buster Keaton classic The General. It was just over five years ago that Jack’s nephew contacted Bob and they arranged a meeting for the first time.
Bob subsequently recorded an interview with Jack and sent it to me. Based on the interview, I wrote an article which was printed in my Dante’s Info #26 in the Fall of 2002. It elated me when we walked into Jack’s Las Vegas apartment on the morning of Sunday, February 11 to see the copy of DI sitting out on Jack’s coffee table. He, of course, needed to be reminded that I was the author of said article, but I did take the opportunity to pose for a photo with the issue.
Before picking up the three Wileys to head to Jack’s place, Bob and I had come from the grocery to pick up some food and a birthday cake for Jack; he was getting ready to celebrate his 91st on February 15th. Jack was ever-grateful for the food and the visit. He was amazed at the digital cameras we used to take some photos. When I showed him how you could zoom in on his face, he chuckled and said “I look stupid, you gotta throw that away.”
I already had several autographs of Jack, but I had him sign a photo from The General for Ashleigh. I love spending time in Jack’s presence. He is the most unpretentious, down-to-earth sort of fella who you would ever want to meet. It’s clear that his fleeting time in Hollywood never tainted his outlook or attitude on life.
Jack (at right) with Buster Keaton in The General
To see the previous visit with Jack in 2005, click here…
Wow, really incredible. I would have never thought that anyone in those movies was still around.
Matt
December 16th, 2012
Now that Jack is gone, it is so wonderful to know someone did not forget him and his contributions! Thank you for taking the time to visit him.
Pablo Cervantes
December 17th, 2012