Thomas William Black is widely recognized not only as the father of Hollywood star Jack Black but also as a remarkable aerospace engineer who contributed to major scientific projects that shaped modern space exploration. Unlike his famous son who became a global icon in comedy and music, Thomas William Black lived a quieter but highly respected professional life, making his mark in engineering and technology. He, along with his then-wife Judith Love Cohen, worked on the prestigious Hubble Space Telescope, proving that brilliance and dedication ran in the family. Born in the United States, he built a career focused on aerospace advancements and supported his son’s artistic dreams with great pride. Today, Thomas William Black is remembered as both a supportive father and a talented engineer whose legacy continues through his family and professional contributions.
Profile Summary: Thomas William Black
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas William Black |
| Profession | Aerospace Engineer |
| Known For | Work on the Hubble Space Telescope; Father of Jack Black |
| Date of Birth | Around 1941 (celebrated 80th birthday in 2021) |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Converted to Judaism to marry Judith Love Cohen |
| Spouse (Ex-Wife) | Judith Love Cohen (m. 1960s, div. 1979) |
| Children | Jack Black (Thomas Jacob Black); Stepchildren: Neil, Howard, Rachel |
| Residence | Washington State, USA (apple orchard life) |
| Notable Family | Jack Black – actor/musician; Judith Love Cohen – aerospace engineer |
| Public Presence | Low-profile; seen at events like Jack Black’s Jumanji premiere |
Early Life and Background
Thomas William Black was born in the United States and grew up during a time when technology and engineering were rapidly evolving, which inspired many young minds to dream of careers in science. Although detailed records of his childhood are not widely publicized, it is known that Thomas William Black pursued a path in education that led him toward engineering, a field where he later made significant contributions. He became skilled in aerospace technology, a profession that would define much of his life’s work. His upbringing shaped him into a disciplined and hardworking individual. Long before he became known as Jack Black’s father, Thomas William Black had already set himself apart as a man dedicated to science, knowledge, and innovation.
Career as an Aerospace Engineer
Thomas William Black built a respected career as an aerospace engineer, a field where his skills and dedication played an important role in advancing space technology. Alongside his then-wife, Judith Love Cohen, he contributed to major projects, including work related to the Hubble Space Telescope, one of the most important tools for exploring the universe. While Judith gained wide recognition for her role in helping rescue Apollo 13 astronauts, Thomas William Black also made valuable contributions to the engineering community, showing the strength of teamwork in aerospace. His career reflects years of discipline, technical knowledge, and innovation, making him a figure who helped push scientific boundaries. Even though he preferred a quiet life, his work left a lasting mark on space exploration.
Marriage to Judith Love Cohen
Thomas William Black married Judith Love Cohen, a brilliant aerospace engineer and accomplished ballet dancer, in the mid-1960s. Their marriage marked the union of two talented individuals who shared not only personal love but also professional passion for science and engineering. To marry Judith, Thomas William Black even converted to Judaism, showing his commitment to their life together. The couple welcomed their son, Jack Black (born Thomas Jacob Black), in 1969 while building their careers in aerospace. Both parents supported each other during their professional journeys, contributing to projects such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1979, their time together left behind a lasting legacy of family, achievement, and support that shaped Jack Black’s childhood and career.
Family and Children
Thomas William Black and Judith Love Cohen built a family together, and in 1969 they welcomed their only child, Thomas Jacob Black, who would later become famous worldwide as Jack Black. Jack grew up in Hermosa Beach, California, where both parents supported his artistic talents from an early age. Judith also had three children from her first marriage — Neil, Howard, and Rachel — making Thomas William Black a stepfather as well. Despite eventually divorcing, Thomas and Judith remained caring parents, often attending Jack’s school plays and encouraging his creative interests. Through this strong family foundation, Thomas William Black played an important role in shaping his son’s confidence, which later helped Jack succeed as an actor and musician.
Divorce and Later Life
In 1979, after more than a decade of marriage, Thomas William Black and Judith Love Cohen went through a divorce, which marked a major change in their family life. Although the separation was difficult for their son Jack Black, both parents continued to show love and support for him throughout his childhood. After the divorce, Thomas William Black moved abroad for some time before eventually returning to the United States, where he chose a quieter lifestyle on an apple orchard in Washington. Unlike his ex-wife, who remarried and stayed active in publishing, Thomas preferred a life away from the spotlight. Even so, he remained close to his son, attending events and being present as a supportive father and grandfather.
Relationship with Jack Black
The bond between Thomas William Black and his son, Jack Black, has always been strong, built on love, encouragement, and mutual respect. Even after his divorce from Judith, Thomas continued to play an active role in Jack’s life, attending his school plays and supporting his early artistic interests. Jack has often spoken warmly about his father, sharing that both parents encouraged his creative path. In 2019, Thomas William Black proudly joined Jack and his grandchildren at the Jumanji: The Next Level premiere, showing his pride as a father. Jack also honored him on Father’s Day in 2021, celebrating his energy and lasting support.
Public Image and Low-Profile Personality
Unlike his famous son Jack Black, who thrives in the spotlight, Thomas William Black has always preferred to live a quieter, more private life. Known for his work as an aerospace engineer, he never sought fame or public recognition, choosing instead to let his achievements speak for themselves. Even though he attended important events with his son, such as movie premieres, he maintained a humble and low-profile personality. Thomas William Black’s life shows a balance between professional success and personal modesty, proving that not all legacies are built on fame but also on dedication, support, and integrity.
Legacy and Importance
The legacy of Thomas William Black lies not only in his role as the father of Jack Black but also in his lifelong dedication to aerospace engineering. His work on significant projects like the Hubble Space Telescope contributed to scientific progress that continues to inspire new generations. While he chose to live away from the spotlight, Thomas William Black’s support of his son’s creative journey shows his importance as both a parent and a role model. His life represents the quiet strength of individuals who combine knowledge, responsibility, and love, leaving behind a legacy rooted in science, family, and lasting influence.
Conclusion
The life of Thomas William Black is a story that blends scientific achievement with personal dedication, showing how one individual can leave a lasting mark in both family and professional spheres. Known as the father of actor and musician Jack Black, he is equally respected for his career as an aerospace engineer who contributed to important projects like the Hubble Space Telescope. Unlike his more public ex-wife, Judith Love Cohen, or his world-famous son, Thomas William Black chose to live with humility and a low profile, proving that true influence does not always require fame. His supportive role in Jack’s life, his quiet lifestyle in later years, and his professional contributions all reflect a legacy of intelligence, love, and perseverance that continues to inspire.
FAQs About Thomas William Black
Who is Thomas William Black?
Thomas William Black is an American aerospace engineer best known as the father of actor and musician Jack Black. He built a respected career in engineering and supported his son’s creative journey.
What was his career?
Thomas William Black worked as an aerospace engineer and contributed to major projects, including the Hubble Space Telescope, which remains one of the most important tools in space exploration.
Is he still alive?
Yes, Thomas William Black is still alive. In 2021, Jack Black shared a Father’s Day post celebrating his dad’s 80th birthday, showing him healthy and active.
Was he involved in Apollo 13?
No, Thomas William Black was not directly involved in Apollo 13. His ex-wife, Judith Love Cohen, played a key role in helping develop the abort-guidance system that saved the mission.
How did he support Jack Black’s career?
Thomas William Black encouraged Jack from a young age, attending school plays and later joining him at film premieres. His steady support helped Jack gain confidence in his artistic path.
Where does Thomas William Black live now?
After spending time abroad, Thomas William Black settled in Washington State, where he lived a quieter life on an apple orchard, away from the public spotlight.
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