Jack ' The Artful Dodger ' Wild Has Died.

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Another cancer victim. :( Who can forget the character he played in Oliver. It was made for him. RIP Jack.



Jack Wild, the actor who played the Artful Dodger in the 1968 film Oliver!, has died.The 53-year-old lost his battle with cancer last night. The former child star was just 16 when he was nominated for an Oscar after his performance in the classic film.

Wild's agent Alex Jay said: "My client Jack Wild died peacefully at midnight last night after a long battle with oral cancer."

The actor had been diagnosed with the disease in 2000.

He was left unable to speak after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Wild starred in the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel with Oliver Reed as Bill Sikes, Ron Moody as Fagin and Mark Lester as Oliver.

The 1968 movie was directed by Carol Reed.
 
Jack Wilder was a fantastic actor although he never lost his Artful Dodger tag. That's the one film so many people remember him in. He didn't seem to age very quickly either and had the cheekiest smile.

It is so very sad that so many people are dying at such premature ages.

RIP Jack.
 
I'm afraid that Jack Wild, like so many child stars who find it difficult to replicate their success when they grow older, lived up to his name. Alcohol and drug abuse will not have helped his immune system. He was comforted and cared for during his long period of illness by his partner Claire.

Did you know that Jack was discovered by Phil Collins's mother?
 
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