Jack Haley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Haley
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Haley in Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)
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| Born |
John Joseph Haley Jr.
August 10, 1897 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | June 6, 1979 (aged 81) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1923–1977 |
| Known for | The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz (1939) |
| Spouse(s) |
Florence McFadden
(m. 1921) |
| Children | 2, including Jack Haley Jr. |
John Joseph Haley Jr. (born August 10, 1897 – died June 6, 1979) was a talented American actor, comedian, and singer. He was also a dancer, radio host, and performer in vaudeville shows. Many people remember him best for playing the friendly Tin Man in the famous 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. He also played the Tin Man's farmhand friend, Hickory, in the movie.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Jack Haley was born on August 10, 1897, in Boston, Massachusetts. His father worked as a waiter and later as a ship's steward. Jack had an older brother named William, who was a musician.
Jack Haley's Career Journey
Jack Haley started his career in vaudeville, which was a popular type of entertainment with many different acts like singing, dancing, and comedy. He was known for his song-and-dance comedy routines.
In the early 1930s, Jack Haley starred in short comedy films. His friendly, wide-eyed look helped him get roles in bigger musical movies. He appeared in films like Poor Little Rich Girl with Shirley Temple and Higher and Higher with Frank Sinatra. He also starred in the musical Alexander's Ragtime Band.
From 1937 to 1939, Jack Haley even had his own radio show! It was first called The Log Cabin Jamboree and later The Wonder Show. Famous actors like Lucille Ball were sometimes on his show. After the radio show, he continued to act in musical comedies in the 1940s.
Becoming the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz
Jack Haley got the part of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz after another actor, Buddy Ebsen, had to leave the role. Buddy Ebsen had a bad reaction to the silver makeup, which was made of aluminum powder. To keep Jack Haley safe, the filmmakers changed the makeup to a paste. Even so, the paste caused an eye infection for Jack, and he had to take a few days off from filming. Luckily, doctors helped his eyes heal.
Jack Haley also played Hickory Twicker, one of Aunt Em and Uncle Henry's farmhands in the Kansas part of the movie. He used a soft voice for the Tin Man, like he was reading bedtime stories to his own children. Even though the movie was a huge success, Jack Haley once said that making it was "work!" because of the challenging costumes and makeup.
Personal Life
Jack Haley was a Roman Catholic. He was a member of his church and a Catholic group for people in the movie business in Beverly Hills, California. He was married to Florence McFadden in 1921, and they had two children, including his son, Jack Haley Jr., who also became a director.
Later Years and Passing
Jack Haley continued to be active until about a week before he passed away. He had a heart attack on June 1, 1979, and died on June 6, 1979, at the age of 81. His friend, Ray Bolger, who played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, gave a speech at his funeral. Ray Bolger ended by saying, "It's going to be awfully lonely on that Yellow Brick Road now, Jack."
Jack Haley is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California. His autobiography, a book about his life called Heart of the Tin Man, was published after he passed away.
Images for kids
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Haley in Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)
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Haley (far left) in a trailer for Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)
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Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger and Jack Haley reunited in 1970
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Haley (second from left) at the National Film Society Convention on May 30, 1979, (one week before his death)
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Jack and Florence Haley's grave at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California. Their son, Jack Haley Jr., is buried next to them.
See also
In Spanish: Jack Haley para niños
