Wild Family Genealogy & History

Jack Wild (1952–2006) was a renowned English actor and singer, best known for his role as the Artful Dodger in the film "Oliver!" (1968), earning him an Academy Award nomination at just 16. He also gained acclaim for his performances in "H.R. Pufnstuf," "Melody," and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Wild's career spanned theatre, film, and television, with notable TV appearances in "The Onedin Line" and a recording career that included "The Jack Wild Album." Despite his early success, Wild struggled with typecasting and sought more serious roles.

Born on September 30, 1952, in Royton, Lancashire, Jack Wild was raised in a working-class family. In 1960, he moved to Hounslow, Middlesex, with his parents and brother Arthur. Discovered by theatrical agent June Collins, both brothers were enrolled at the Barbara Speake Stage School, which set the stage for their acting careers.

Susan Wild, an American lawyer and former politician, represented Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2018 to 2025. A Democrat, she was the first woman to represent the Lehigh Valley in Congress. Wild co-chaired the New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force and was vice chair of the Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus. She became a member of Congress after winning both the general and special elections in 2018. Wild was defeated in the 2024 general election by Republican Ryan Mackenzie.

Susan Wild was born on June 7, 1957, in West Germany, where her father, Norman Leith, served in the U.S. Air Force. Her mother, Susan Stimus Ellis, was a journalist. Wild's early life included living in various locations such as France, California, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C.

Jonathan Wild, also known as the "Thief-Taker General," was a notorious figure in London's criminal underworld during the early 18th century. Operating both as a thief-taker and a crime lord, Wild manipulated the legal system to his advantage, capturing rival criminals while profiting from his own illegal activities. His influence extended to the government, which sought his expertise in locating stolen goods. Wild's duplicity led to his downfall, culminating in his execution at Tyburn, a story that has inspired numerous literary works.

Jonathan Wild was born in Wolverhampton in either 1682 or 1683 to John Wild, a carpenter, and his wife, who sold herbs and fruits. He was the first of five children in a poor family, later moving to London where he became embroiled in the city's criminal network.

Frank Wild, an esteemed English sailor and explorer, played a pivotal role in Antarctic expeditions during the Heroic Age of Exploration. Noteworthy among his accolades is the Polar Medal with four bars, a rare honor he shares with only one other, Ernest Joyce. Wild was second-in-command on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and led 21 men on Elephant Island during Shackleton's quest for rescue. His leadership and survival skills were instrumental, and Point Wild on Elephant Island bears his name. Wild also commanded the Shackleton–Rowett Expedition after Shackleton's death, showcasing his resilience and skill in adverse conditions.

Frank Wild was born in Skelton-in-Cleveland, Yorkshire, as the eldest of eleven children to Benjamin Wild, a schoolteacher, and Mary Cook, a seamstress. His family claimed ancestry to Captain James Cook through his mother, Mary, whose father was Robert Cook, purportedly a grandson of the famed explorer. Wild's early life included several relocations due to his father's appointments, ultimately settling in Bedfordshire, where he received his education.