Jack Wild, 1952-2006: Oscar nominee for "Oliver!," dead at 53

Mar 3, 2006

Jack Wild was 16 when he played the Artful Dodger in the 1968 film "Oliver!" He also played Jimmy in TV's "H.R. Pufnstuf." ( AP)

By The Associated Press

LONDON — Jack Wild, who earned an Oscar nomination as a teenager for his role as the Artful Dodger in the 1968 film "Oliver!" has died from cancer. He was 53.

Mr. Wild died Wednesday, his agent said Thursday. The actor was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000, and surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy had left him unable to speak.

Born in Royton, northwest England, in 1952, Mr. Wild was spotted by a talent agent while playing soccer and later attended stage school.

He appeared in the London stage production of "Oliver!" Lionel Bart's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," then was cast in the film as cheeky pickpocket the Artful Dodger, a role that earned the 16-year-old an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.

Mr. Wild also was known to a generation of children as the hero of "H.R. Pufnstuf," a TV series about a boy stranded on a fantastical island.

Mr. Wild blamed his cancer on years of heavy drinking and smoking. "My lifestyle had made me a walking time bomb," he said last year.

Mr. Wild is survived by his wife, Claire Harding.