Dialect coaches are known as the ‘accent whisperers’ of Hollywood. Relentlessly working day and night to help some of the world’s most beloved characters grasp their accent, control their modulation and speak with a certain flair and lilt. The world lost one of Hollywood’s most respected dialect coaches on 31st March 2020. Andrew Jack (born: Andrew Hutchinson) passed away at age 76, leaving the film industry mournful of yet another loss of a talented individual due to COVID-19. 

Andrew Jack was determined to excel in the film industry from a relatively young age. His father, Stephen Jack – an actor known for his roles in movies in the mid 70’s, was Andrew’s role model growing up. Jack’s dreams were indeed fulfilled. At an age as early as 13-years old, he was first casted in the British sitcom series “Whack-O”. After having had an awful few years at the Mill Hill School where he was assaulted and abused by the professors, he was ready to move on. He went to the Central School of Speech and Drama and at 18 commenced on a professional acting career. His first break came when he joined the Italian theatre tour of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet. Later in his career, he was also casted in more well-known roles such as in the mid-century classic “Kate and Leopold” and the “Star Wars” franchise. 

Growing up, however, Andrew was quick to realise that he wanted to be remembered as a dialect coach. Andrew however thought he wasn’t cut out for the medium of film since back then, movies were so focused on the visual rather than the spoken. Then, during the darkest of times, the phone rang again. It was an actor by the name of Robert Downey Jr. Filming Chaplin in the warm embrace of Robert and Sir Richard Attenborough brought everything together for Andrew. He’d found his forte. Downey was awarded a BAFTA for best actor and won nominations for the Academy award and Golden Globe award for his performance. Andrew had proven himself as a dialect coach for the major motion picture industry. Throughout his career, he had worked with over 200 actors known for some of their most iconic roles including: Scarlett Johansson (Girl with the Pearl Earring) , Virgo Mortensen ( Lord of the Rings) and Pierce Brosnan (Tomorrow Never Dies). His behaviour on set, his set etiquette, was praised by actors and directors alike.  

Charming, kind hearted and amiable; Andrew Jack’s remarkable dedication to his job and contribution to shaping Hollywood as it is today will always be remembered. Gone too soon, but will forever dwell in our hearts.