Jacques Family Genealogy & History

Hattie Jacques, born Josephine Edwina Jaques, was a renowned English comedy actress known for her roles in the Carry On films, where she often portrayed strict, no-nonsense characters. With a career spanning stage, radio, and screen, Jacques gained prominence through her performances on popular BBC radio series and her cinematic debut in Green for Danger. Her long-running television partnership with Eric Sykes in the series Sykes further solidified her status as a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Hattie Jacques was born in Sandgate, Kent, to Robin Rochester Jaques, a British Army officer and RAF flying officer, and Mary Jaques, a nurse with a passion for theatre. The family moved to London following her father's death in a flying accident in 1923. Jacques' early exposure to theatre, influenced by her mother's interest, profoundly impacted her career choice and love of dance.

Raymond St. Jacques, born James Arthur Johnson, was a pioneering African-American actor, director, and producer whose career spanned over three decades. Known for being the first Black actor with a regular role on a prime-time Western series, he portrayed Simon Blake on Rawhide. St. Jacques's notable film roles include Coffin Ed in Cotton Comes to Harlem and appearances in The Comedians and The Green Berets. He also starred as Othello and participated in numerous stage productions. His work extended to teaching fencing and acting, and he was recognized for his activism in promoting non-stereotypical roles for Black actors.

Raymond St. Jacques was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and had a sister named Barbara Ann. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother, Vivienne, and sister to New Haven, Connecticut. His mother worked as a medical technician at Yale University. He adopted two sons, Raymond Jr. and Sterling, the latter of whom gained attention for his modeling and acting career before his untimely death in 1984.

Brian Jacques, an English author, gained fame for his Redwall series and Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series, both celebrated for their rich storytelling and vivid descriptions. Known for creating immersive children's fantasy worlds, his work often depicted the battle between good and evil among animal characters. Jacques' writing style, influenced by his experiences reading to visually impaired children, emphasized sensory details. His professional journey included diverse roles such as a merchant sailor and playwright, leading to a long-term residency at the Everyman Theatre, Liverpool. Jacques' storytelling made a significant impact on children's literature, offering a unique blend of adventure and moral lessons.

Born in Liverpool on 15 June 1939, Brian Jacques was the middle child of James Alfred Jacques, a truck driver, and Ellen Ryan. His father's family hailed from Lancashire, while his mother's side had strong Irish roots, with his maternal grandfather, Matthew Ryan, originating from Wexford, Ireland. Growing up in Kirkdale, Jacques shared his name with his father and younger brother, leading to him being called Brian. His father played a crucial role in developing his literary interests, reading classic adventure tales to him and his brothers.

Richard Adrian Jacques, born in 1973, is a renowned English composer celebrated for his contributions to film, television, and video game music. Notably, his work on video games like Sonic R, Headhunter, Jet Set Radio Future, and Mass Effect has solidified his stature in the industry. Jacques's scores, such as those for James Bond 007: Blood Stone and Guardians of the Galaxy, have earned prestigious accolades, including the Ivor Novello Award. His collaborations with top media agencies and global brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz further highlight his versatile talent. In 2018, Jacques was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award from the Game Audio Network Guild, underscoring his significant impact on game music composition.