Unusual Reality Behind Jack Black's Mom Is Catching Fans Off Guard
Everybody loves Jack Black. His wacky behavior and larger-than-life energy make you wonder... who raised that guy? Surely whatever household formed and shaped the boisterous JB was one for the history books. But when it comes to one of Jack Black's parents, the truth is a greater story than what any filmmaker could dream up.
Success was a family affair
While Jack Black’s parents were no doubt proud of their son’s incredible career, he wasn’t the only one in the family who achieved great success. Not by a long shot. Young Jack grew up with parents who had already set the bar of excellence pretty high.
Smarter than average
Before Jack was even a twinkle in his mother Judith Love Cohen’s eye, she’d already left her own impact on the world. Early on in life, it was obvious that Judith was smarter than your average joe. She excelled so much in math and science that her classmates paid her to do their work, and that was just the beginning.
She dreamed big
Growing up in 1940s Brooklyn, the women in Judith's family worked in a dressmaking factory. Aiming for other careers was uncharted territory, and having loftier goals was something her guidance counselor discouraged. “You know, Judy,” as Cohen remembered her counselor's advice in a 1999 interview with the LA Times, “I think you ought to go to a nice finishing school and learn to be a lady.” Luckily, Judith didn't listen.
Multi-talented
When Judith wasn't astounding her peers with her brilliance, she showed an aptitude for dance. By age 19, she proved herself as an elite ballerina when she was accepted by the Corps de Ballet of the New York Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company. Ultimately, though, she turned her pursuits to education.
