Jack Black’s 2 Sons: Meet Sammy and Tommy Black
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- UPDATED MAY 22, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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Jack Black might be known for his wild comedic energy and unforgettable movie roles, but behind the scenes, he’s a devoted family man. The Super Mario Bros. Movie star is a proud father to two sons, whom he shares with his wife, musician Tanya Haden.
The couple eloped in March 2006 and became parents just a few months later. Their first son, Samuel “Sammy” Black, was born in June of that year. Two years later, they welcomed their second son, Thomas “Tommy” Black, in May 2008.
“My children are magical creatures and I love them to death,” Jack told The Guardian in 2011. “But it is challenging. It takes a lot of energy.”
While Black never shies away from a laugh, he approaches fatherhood with sincerity and heart. “What surprised me is how much I worry,” he shared in 2023, calling parenting “a lifetime of just wanting the best for them.”
Over the years, Jack has brought his sons to red carpet events, his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, and even Easter celebrations with Angelina Jolie. Still, they aren’t always starstruck. “They’re teenagers,” he said with a laugh. “They want to get as far away from me as possible.
Samuel "Sammy" Jason Black, 18
Sammy, born June 10, 2006, arrived just three months after Jack and Tanya tied the knot. Jack has often spoken about naming his son after legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. “He is the ultimate triple-threat showman of the century,” Jack said during a 2020 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Jack also revealed that Sammy has inherited his musical spirit. “He’s very musical,” Jack said. “I already got him a guitar. He’s very talented.” But when it comes to career paths, Jack wants his kids to have freedom. “There’s not going to be any pressure on Sam at all. He’s going to be free to be his own man.
Thomas “Tommy” David Black, 17
Tommy, born May 23, 2008, is named after his dad—Jack Black’s real name is Thomas Jacob Black. During her pregnancy with Tommy, Tanya received a thoughtful gift from none other than Angelina Jolie, who was also expecting at the time.
“My wife, Tanya, was like, ‘That is the most amazing maternity dress I’ve ever seen,’” Jack recalled at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. “And then, what do we get in the mail the next week? That gown. You sent it over. It was one of the sweetest gifts of all time.”
Parenting two boys hasn’t always been easy for Jack. On The Late Late Show in 2017, he joked with Dwayne Johnson and Bryan Cranston about feeling left out. “I love my boys, but there is a small part of me that wishes I had one more—a girl,” he admitted. “Legend has it girls love their dad more than boys do.”
He added that his sons are often embarrassed by him, especially when he breaks into song in public: “I annoy them
Who Is Jack Black’s Wife? Meet Tanya Haden
Jack Black has been married to Tanya Haden since 2006. The two first met as students at a private prep school in Santa Monica but reconnected years later. Tanya is a talented cellist and singer and the daughter of jazz legend Charlie Haden.
“My wife is an incredible singer and also a cellist,” Jack told in 2023. “I’d love to collaborate with my wife. She’s a creative force.”
Though best known for films like School of Rock and Jumanji, Jack also rocks out with his comedy band Tenacious D. But at home, he’s simply a husband and dad who’s happy to embarrass his kids with love—and a little spontaneous singing.
