Jackie 'Butch' Jenkins

Biography

Jackie Jenkins, known as Butch, was an American child actor whose film career in the 1940s was brief but notable. Born Jack Dudley Jenkins in Los Angeles to the actress Doris Dudley, he was spotted at six by an MGM talent scout while playing on a Santa Monica beach and made his debut in The Human Comedy (1943) as Mickey Rooney's younger brother, a performance that was well received. National Velvet (1944) and Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945) followed, and he received star billing for Boys' Ranch (1946), which MGM promoted as a successor to Boys Town. His later films included My Brother Talks to Horses (1947) and his final picture, Big City (1948). Educated at the studio school alongside other MGM child stars, he was regarded as a scene-stealer who stood out for not being conventionally cute, and Pauline Kael praised his work.

63years old at death

Born August 29, 1937Los Angeles
Died August 14, 2001Asheville
Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22

Movie Career

Films: 3
Career span: 2 years1943 to 1945

Every film, newest first

1945Our Vines Have Tender GrapesIMDb rating 7.6
1944National VelvetIMDb rating 7.3
1943The Human ComedyIMDb rating 7.0

Genres

Did you know?!

First role
Jenkins was six when he first appeared on screen, playing "Ulysses Macauley" in The Human Comedy (1943). An MGM talent scout had noticed him at play on a Santa Monica beach and liked his high spirits.
Early training
Jenkins was educated at MGM's studio school alongside other child actors under contract there, including Elizabeth Taylor, Roddy McDowall, Margaret O'Brien and Dean Stockwell.