I think we all know Jack, or somebody like him. What is it about the name that evokes an image of the perfect leading man? Strength, security, sex appeal? In movies, books, and TV shows, Jack has shown up as our leading man and/or hero countless times.
In a sense, the word “Jack” is a jack of all trades-see what I did there? 
It can be used as a verb and a noun for many common objects and actions, and is also used in many compound words and phrases like: jackknife, jackpot, jack-in-the box.
According to Wikipedia, Jack is a less common name in the US than in places like England, Wales and Northern Ireland where “Jack” had been the most frequently used male name for the years 2003–2007. But American entertainment has seemed to hit the jackpot with its use of this name. 
Let’s take a look at some examples of famous Jacks in TV, movies, and books. Feel free to comment at the end if I missed a favorite of yours. I’m sure I didn’t get them all.
TV Series
24 – Jack Bauer 
Dr. Who – Captain Jack Harkness
Lost – Jack Shepard
Three’s Company – Jack Tripper
30 Rock – Jack Donaghy
Movies
The Shining – Jack Torrence
Mr. Mom – Jack
Pirates of the Caribbean – Jack Sparrow
Titanic – Jack Dawson
Speed – Jack Traven
Batman – Jack Napier
The Nightmare Before Christmas – Jack Skellington
Midnight Run – Jack Walsh
Jack Reacher – Jack Reacher
Tom Clancy movies from novels – Jack Ryan
Books
Magic Tree House – Jack (who apparently has no last name)
The Husband List – Jack Culhane
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack Reacher novels
Jack Ryan novels
Jack Kilborn Trilogy
Jack Noble series
So, did I miss any? Comment below with a memorable Jack that should be here.
About Lia Fairchild
I've been creating stories my whole life, but only for me, in my own head. Then one day I sat down and started to write a book. I completed my first novel, In Search of Lucy, in February of 2011. Seven months later, AmazonEncore contacted me about representing my book. It's currently in the top 10 for Kindle Drama.My second full-length novel, Vigil Annie, was released on Amazon in December of 2012! One reviewer called this thriller "suspenseful, well-crafted, and fast paced."I recently completed my first romantic comedy, The Tech Guy, now available on Amazon.My other works include a mystery series (A Hint of Murder) and a short, sweet romance (Special Delivery).I was born and raised in Southern California and hold a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple subject teaching credential. I'm a wife and mother of two teenagers.Look for updates on me and my books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow me on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/#!/liafairchild or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild.author?fref=ts
