Jack Pennick was a familiar face in many of John Ford’s classic movies, such as The Searchers, The Quiet Man, and Fort Apache. He was known for his distinctive snaggle-toothed smile, his imposing height, and his military expertise. He appeared in more than 140 films between 1926 and 1962, mostly in supporting roles as soldiers, sailors, cowboys, and miners. But how did this rugged and versatile actor die, and what was his life story?
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From Gold Miner to Marine
Jack Pennick was born on December 7, 1895, in Portland, Oregon, the son of a gold miner. He followed his father’s footsteps and worked as a gold miner himself as a young man. He also joined the United States Marine Corps and served in China and World War I. He was wounded in action and received several medals for his bravery and service. He married his first wife, Grechin, when he was 19, and they had two children. He later married his second wife, Nona Lorraine, and they had another child.
From Horse Wrangler to Actor
In the 1920s, Pennick moved to Hollywood and worked as a horse wrangler on various film productions. He caught the attention of filmmaker John Ford, who hired him as a military technical adviser and an actor. Pennick soon became a regular member of Ford’s informal stock company, appearing in dozens of his films. He also worked with other directors, such as Howard Hawks, Raoul Walsh, and Cecil B. DeMille. He played mostly minor but memorable characters, often with a comic touch. He was also known for his loyalty and professionalism on the set.
From Actor to War Hero
Pennick re-enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1941, at the age of 45. He was promoted to chief warrant officer and served in the Field Photographic Unit for the Office of Strategic Services under the command of Ford. He helped to drill and train new recruits in the unit and participated in several combat missions. He was awarded the Silver Star medal for action in North Africa, where he was wounded again. He returned to acting after the war, but his career declined as Ford’s did. He also suffered from health problems and alcoholism.
From Hollywood to Manhattan Beach
Pennick retired from acting in 1962, after appearing in his last film, How the West Was Won. He moved to Manhattan Beach, California, where he lived with his third wife, Bessie Monks. He died of natural causes on August 16, 1964, at the age of 68. He was buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetery with full military honors. He left behind a legacy of more than 140 films and a reputation as one of the most reliable and recognizable character actors in Hollywood history. According to Wikipedia, he was an acknowledged expert in military weapons, drills, and customs, and he once corrected a pair of crossed swords that had been hung upside down at the Army Museum for years.
