Jack wilde actor biography

Wild was nominated for an Oscar when he was just 16 for the role.

Jack wild children

He also starred in late-1960s US children's fantasy TV series HR Pufnstuf.

He suffered from mouth cancer after years of heavy drinking and smoking and had his voice box and tongue removed.

Wild's agent Alex Jay said the actor "died peacefully at midnight last night after a long battle with oral cancer".

'Chemistry'

Mark Lester, who played Oliver in the musical film, paid tribute to him.

Jack wild funeral

He told the BBC: "Jack was like a brother to me during the making of the film and always was very protective.

"I gained a lot. The chemistry between us was just something very, very special, which lasted throughout our lives."

Wild was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and was unable to speak, drink or eat after having surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.