Black Billy Jack

Black Billy Jack
Background Information
Feature films	1996 Miniseries Titanic
Portrayed by	Eric Keenleyside
Inspiration	Frederick Joseph Goodwin
Character Information
Full name	William Jack
Alias(es)	"Black" Billy Jack
Gender	Male
Relatives	Clarinda Jack (wife; deceased) Ophelia Jack (eldest daughter; deceased) Perry Jack (eldest son; deceased) Two unnamed children (deceased)
Occupation	Blacksmith
Titanic Statistics
Class/Dept	Third class
Boarded at	Southampton
Destination	New York, USA
Fate	Died in the sinking, along with all of his family

“	What have I done? This is a cruel joke... to left our life in Dorchester... for this!	”
—"Black" Billy Jack

"Black" Billy Jack is a secondary character in the 1996 Miniseries Titanic. He was the husband of Clarinda Jack and traveled on the Titanic with his wife, his four children, and Aase Ludvigsen as Third Class passengers. He was portrayed by Eric Keenleyside.

Role in the film

The Jack family looking for their cabin

“	I be a blacksmith, sir... that's where my nickname comes from... not from my nature.	”
—"Black" Billy Jack to Simon Doonan

He first appeared on the day of departure, at the entrance of the ship, where he and his family were looking for their cabin. He told Simon Doonan that he got the nickname "Black" because he was a blacksmith.

"Black" Billy Jack inviting Jamie Perse to join the party

“	Come on boy! No shame in having some joy!	”
—"Black" Billy Jack to Jamie Perse

During the Third Class party, he talks to Jamie Perse, he was wondering if Jamie had married, telling how grateful he was with his own family. He also invited Jamie not to be ashamed to join the dance with his family.

When Titanic sank, he advised the Irish Bunkmate to remain calm and wait, then asked Clarinda to play piano music to calm the passengers. Jamie Perse arrived and told him and his family to come with him to the Boat Deck.

"Black" Billy Jack begging the Crewman At Steerage Gate (from 1996 Miniseries) to open the gate

“	That's all for now!" "No! Let them through! He's got a children, the kids are safer on the boat!" "Let my wife through! And my children!	”
—Crewman, Jamie Perse and "Black" Billy Jack

When they reached the third class main gate, they were prevented from leaving by a crewmember while Jamie and Aase managed to escape. Jamie promises her to find a way to get them out of there. Jamie did not return even while all the boats had been launched. He and the Irish Bunkmate were forced to break the gate and rush to the boat deck.

Clarinda Jack comforting "Black" Billy Jack

“	Papa, where's our boat?" "We'll ask them enough anything now, won't we?	”
—Perry Jack and "Black" Billy Jack

When they reached the Boat Deck, they were all surprised to see that there were no more lifeboats left. Perry Jack asked him; "Papa, where's our boat?", He was speechless. His resigned wife comforted him and told him that she loved him. He and his family sat on one of the benches and recited the Lord's prayer just before the ship made her final plunge. The six of them died together.

Trivia

• He was a character loosely based on Frederick Goodwin.