See Throwback Movie Set Photos Of Nollywood Action Movie Hero, Gentle Jack

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You cannot talk about Nollywood action movies without mentioning the name, Gentle Jack. Although the well-built Abonnema, Rivers State-born actor can play any role, he has a preference for action movies.

Gentle Jack made his debut in Nollywood in the movie ‘Blood Money’ in 1997. His outstanding performance in the movie earned him more roles in the industry. He later featured in ‘Vuga’ alongside Regina Askia, Ramsey Nouah, Segun Arinze, Chiwetalu Agu, and others. He rose to fame after featuring in this movie. Since then he has acted in several other Nollywood movies.

Gentle Jack as special agent Coleman in Revenge of Labista

Many years after his role as the lead character, in the movie, ‘Vuga,’ Gentle Jack is still referred to as Vuga by many of his fans. His character is one that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

The epic movie ‘Vuga’ is a 1998 adventure movie that tells the story of a strong man who uses his strength and ability to save his village from terror. The adventure film was directed by Simi Opeodu and was released in 2000. Jack played the title character in the movie which was listed in August 2018 as one of the 10 best Nigerian film characters of the 90s and 2000s.

Gentle Jack and Regina Askia on the set of Vuga

Jack who is still referred to as Vuga to date became a household name in the early years of Nollywood featuring in many action and epic movies. He is often referred to as ‘Mr. Macho’ of Nollywood because of his six packs and body structure. No doubt, Gentle Jack has contributed his own quota to the growth and development of Nollywood.

He has not been seen in any movie for quite some time now. However, his talent and flexibility are commendable. And due to his body physical appearance, body structure, and tough looks, Gentle Jack is always known to play the role of head of palace guards, warrior, presidential agent, criminal, hitman, or a detective in movies and he beautifully delivers his role.

He is known to act in action movies alongside Nollywood stars like Gbenga Richards, Bimbo Manuel, Emma Ehumadu Sam Dede, Saint Obi, Alaso Wariboko, Zubby Michael, Junior Pope Odonwodo, among others.

He had his primary and secondary education in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. While in Secondary school, Jack joined his school drama club and participated in different dramas and stage play on many occasions. He also wrote drama scripts and short stories as well. He later gained admission into Ogun State Polytechnics, Abeokuta. However, owing to personal reasons, he quit his studies and instead opted for Hellymag Fitness School, where he studied fitness and Nutrition to enable him to become a body therapist.

Gentle Jack, Ejike Asiegbu and Bimbo Manuel on the set of State of Emergency 2

In an interview in 2018 with Punch, Gentle Jack expressed displeasure with the neglect of action movies, which happens to be his area of specialty. According to the actor, cable stations have refused to broadcast action movies like they show other movies. And that since he made the observation, he was yet to see any improvement.

Although the skillful and talented well-build actor could interpret any role given to him by movie directors and producers very well including comedy, romance, and adventure stories, he has a passion for action and epic movies which many of his fans can relate with as his area of specialty.

The actor who relocated to Port Harcourt in 2015 from Lagos, a state he lived for many years disclosed that relocating to his state of origin has not affected his acting career as he can be reached anywhere he lives. Aside from that, producers find it hard to pay him, so, they look for cheaper options. But he stressed that one thing producers don’t understand is that no one can be like Gentle Jack. For the actor who made his mark in the early year of Nollywood, he still makes money from acting as serious producers still contact him for jobs.

Gentle Jack and Gbenga Richards

Gentle Jack, Digidi Dunhill and Ernest Asuzu

Jack who has been in the movie industry for over 20 years and regarded as one of the pioneers of the Nigerian movie industry which is today known as Nollywood has featured in movies like ‘State of Emergency,’ ‘Vuga,’ ‘The Crown,’ ‘Black Diamond,’ ‘Ebube,’ ‘End of state of emergency,’ ‘Ijele,’ ‘War Front,’ ‘The Ghost,’ and many others.

As a body therapist and fitness instructor, Jack runs a body fitness equipment outfit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

What was his dream as a teenager? His dream was to become an actor as he admired many American and Hollywood actors. But, growing up, he had many uncles in the military, who wanted him to join the military, but, his mother warned him against making that decision.

His mother was scared because he was growing up rapidly and she knew that with his good looks and physique if he joins the military, they would send him to war. She was very scared she was going to lose her son. In fact, one of his uncles who loved him so much made every effort to ensure that he would get into the military.

Gentle Jack doing an epic dance

However, what eventually made him have a total change of heart was when is mother swore that no matter what, he should ensure he never joins the military and that if he tried, then, it means he was not her son. With that understanding, he killed the dream of joining the military and began his acting career when he was introduced to the industry by his brother Gbasemi Tariah.

Anyway, with his macho body and physique, even though he did not join the military, Jack is always mistaken for an officer anytime he meets military officers. There was a time he had to play the role of a military man in a movie that was shot in Sierra Leone. Some of the military men teased him that he was supposed to be a military man, thanks to his body build.

Gentle Jack is married to actress, Michelle Nwamaka Orgor and they are blessed with children. Due to his physical build and tough-looking aura, some people easily get scared of him when they met him in real life because of the kind of roles he acts in movies. However, for those who have met him, Gentle Jack is friendly, gentle, and fun-loving.

Gentle Jack on the set of The Crown as Erese the wild wind

Gentle Jack may not have featured in movies for quite a while but believe it, he’s still very much relevant in the movie industry. So, feed your eyes with some throwback photos of him in different movie sets that will make you want to see him in more action and epic movies.