Jack's interest in show business started as a shoeshine boy in the nightclub district in Wildwood, New Jersey, then known as the "Las Vegas of the East Coast" with its summer tourists. It's there that Jack saw up-close the stars of the day. Johnny Mathis, Red Buttons, Tommy Edwards, Jack E. Leonard, Buddy Hackett, Andy Williams, Danny and the Juniors, Joey Bishop, Johnny Ray and the many opening vaudeville type acts. Character actor/comedian Mickey Shaughnessy hired him as his personal "gofer" running errands, checking props and attending all rehearsals. Jack was 12 years old.