Jack Pennick, an American film actor, was a recognizable figure primarily due to his numerous appearances in John Ford's movies. Born in Portland, Oregon, Pennick was the son of gold miner Albert R. and Bessie (Murray) Pennick.
Following in his father's footsteps, Pennick initially worked as a gold miner before joining the U.S. Marine Corps and serving in China in 1912, as part of the Pekin Legation Guard. He also saw action during World War I.
By the time Pennick was 20 years old, he had already fathered two children with his first wife, Grechin. He went on to have a third child with his second wife, Nona Lorraine.
After World War I, Pennick transitioned to a career as a horse wrangler, eventually securing work in various film productions. His distinctive, unattractive face caught the attention of filmmakers, particularly John Ford, leading to Pennick's emergence as an actor and occasional military technical adviser.
In 1942, at the age of 46, Pennick re-enlisted in the navy and served as Chief Petty Officer under Commander John Ford in the Field Photographic Unit. According to Ford, Pennick was decorated with the Silver Star medal for his actions during World War II, in which he was wounded at Majaz al Bab, Tunisia.
Pennick continued to appear in films after the war, although his career began to wane simultaneously with Ford's. He passed away at the age of 68 in Manhattan Beach, California.
