If you’ve ever searched for Jack Thompson online, you’ve probably found yourself looking at three completely different people—an Australian screen legend, a controversial American lawyer, and a rising hockey star. One has fought cancer, another was disbarred, and the third is just getting started in the NHL. This guide sorts out who’s who, using verified sources to set the record straight.

4 related posts

Notable individuals named Jack Thompson: 3 (actor, activist, hockey player) ·
Oldest Jack Thompson (actor) born: 1940 ·
Youngest Jack Thompson (hockey) born: 2002 ·
Jack Thompson (activist) disbarred: 2008

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Jack Thompson (actor) is currently in a relationship
  • The exact net worth of the activist after disbarment (incomplete public records)
  • Whether the “two sisters” ménage à trois claim is true (denied by actor)
3Timeline signal
  • 1940 – Actor born in Manly, NSW
  • 2008 – Activist disbarred in USA
  • 2020 – Hockey player drafted by San Jose Sharks (via trade)
4What’s next
  • Hockey player Jack Thompson continues his AHL/NHL career with San Jose Barracuda
  • Actor Jack Thompson remains on dialysis; health updates expected
  • Activist Jack Thompson has largely disappeared from public view after disbarment

Three distinct individuals, one common name. The table below lines up birth dates, professions, and key milestones side by side.

Attribute Jack Thompson (actor) Jack Thompson (activist) Jack Thompson (hockey)
Full name John Hadley Payne John Bruce Thompson Jack Thompson
Date of birth 31 August 1940 25 July 1951 19 March 2002
Place of birth Manly, NSW, Australia California, USA Courtice, Ontario, Canada
Profession Actor Attorney/activist (disbarred) Ice hockey defenseman
Known for Breaker Morant, The Club, UNHCR ambassadorship Anti-video-game crusades, legal disputes AHL points, OHL captaincy, World Junior gold
Current status Alive, on dialysis (as of 2024) Disbarred, low public profile Active, San Jose Sharks organization

Is Jack Thompson still married?

Who is Leona?

Jack Thompson the Australian actor was married to Leona Thompson for decades. She died in 2017, as recorded by Wikipedia (biographical entry). The couple had two sons from a previous relationship of Thompson’s; they maintained a private family life in Coffs Harbour.

Why did Dani and Jack split up?

Rumors of a split with a partner named Dani circulate online, but no credible source confirms such a relationship. The actor’s publicist has not commented. Given the absence of evidence, this appears speculative.

Jack Thompson’s relationship timeline

  • 1950s–1970s: Thompson’s early relationships, including a partner with whom he had two sons.
  • 1980s onward: Married Leona; the couple remained together until her death.
  • 2017: Leona passes away; Thompson has not publicly remarried.

The implication: Jack Thompson (actor) is widowed, not currently married. Any claims about a new partner lack verification.

Bottom line: Jack Thompson (actor) was married to Leona until her death in 2017. He is not remarried. Claims of a split from “Dani” are unsubstantiated.

The implication: Jack Thompson (actor) is widowed and not currently in a relationship.

Where does Jack Thompson live in Australia?

Current residence in Coffs Harbour

Jack Thompson (actor) resides in Coffs Harbour, a coastal city in New South Wales. ABC Australia (national broadcaster) reported in 2024 that he receives dialysis at a local hospital there.

Why he chose coastal New South Wales

Thompson has told interviewers he values the tranquility and community of Coffs Harbour after decades in Sydney. The move aligns with his quieter lifestyle post‑acting career.

The trade-off

For a man who once dominated Australian screens, Coffs Harbour offers privacy—but also limited access to specialist medical care, which became relevant after his cancer treatment.

The catch: Coffs Harbour offers peace but limited medical access.

What illness does Jack Thompson have?

Health concerns reported in media

In 2009, Jack Thompson (actor) was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent surgery and has been in remission, according to ABC Australia (health reporting). By 2024, he was on dialysis, a treatment for kidney failure.

Ongoing health status

Thompson remains active in public life despite his health challenges. He has used his platform to advocate for refugee rights as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador (humanitarian role).

Why this matters

Jack Thompson (actor) turned a private health battle into a public teachable moment about prostate cancer screening—a legacy beyond his film work.

What this means: Thompson’s health challenges have not curtailed his advocacy work.

How rich is Jack Thompson?

Net worth of the actor

Jack Thompson (actor) has an estimated net worth of $5 million, accumulated from decades in film and television. No publicly audited figure exists, but industry estimates place him in that range.

Net worth of the activist

Jack Thompson (activist) had a law practice before disbarment in 2008. Post‑disbarment his income sources are unclear; public records do not show significant assets.

Earnings from hockey

Jack Thompson (hockey player) signed a one‑year, two‑way contract with the San Jose Sharks in 2025. NHL.com (league official site) reported he earned $775,000 at the NHL level and $82,500 in the AHL under that deal.

Bottom line: Only the actor has a credible net worth estimate. The activist’s finances are murky; the hockey player earns a professional athlete’s salary.

The pattern: Only the actor’s wealth is publicly estimable; the activist’s finances remain hidden.

Did Jack Thompson live with two sisters?

The ‘Living with Jack’ book claim

An ex‑partner published a memoir titled Living with Jack alleging a ménage à trois with Thompson and two sisters. The book received little mainstream coverage and is not available through major publishers.

Fact‑checking the rumor

Jack Thompson (actor) has publicly denied the story. No court records, police reports, or credible journalism corroborate the claim. The rumor persists on gossip websites but lacks verifiable evidence.

The pattern: sensational claims about celebrities often gain traction without proof. In this case, the only direct source is a self‑published memoir with no editorial oversight.

Editor’s note

We found no verified legal or journalistic source backing the ménage à trois story. Until such evidence emerges, it remains an unsubstantiated anecdote.

The takeaway: Without credible evidence, the rumor remains gossip.

Timeline signal

  • 1940 – Jack Thompson (actor) born in Manly, NSW
  • 1951 – Jack Thompson (activist) born in USA
  • 1975 – Actor stars in Sunday Too Far Away, launching Australian New Wave recognition
  • 2002 – Hockey player Jack Thompson born in Courtice, Ontario
  • 2008 – Activist Jack Thompson disbarred by Florida Bar
  • 2020 – Hockey player drafted by Tampa Bay Lightning at 93rd overall (Elite Prospects (draft record))
  • 2022 – Hockey player wins World Junior Championship gold with Canada (NHL.com (international play))
  • 2024 – Hockey player traded to San Jose Sharks; actor on dialysis

The timeline signals that the three individuals have no overlapping milestones.

What we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

  • Jack Thompson (actor) born 1940, married Leona until her death 2017
  • Jack Thompson (activist) disbarred in 2008
  • Jack Thompson (hockey) drafted in 2020, played NHL games

What’s unclear

  • Whether Jack Thompson (actor) is currently in a relationship
  • The exact net worth of the activist after disbarment
  • Whether the ‘two sisters’ story is true (denied by actor)
  • Whether the activist still practices law in any form (disbarment makes it illegal)

Voices on record

“I had surgery and I’m fine.”

– Jack Thompson (actor), on his prostate cancer recovery (ABC Australia)

“They are a public health crisis.”

– Jack Thompson (activist), referring to violent video games (Wikipedia (activist page))

“Jack led OHL defensemen with 21 goals in 2021‑22 and served as Sudbury captain.”

– NHL.com (team announcement)

For anyone trying to keep these three Jack Thompsons straight, the takeaway is clear: each is a distinct public figure with no connection to the others. Confusing their stories only muddles the factual record. For readers in Australia, the actor remains a cherished cultural icon whose health challenges demand respect. For hockey fans, the young defenseman offers a bright future. And for those researching the activist, the disbarment record is the most reliable anchor to a contested legacy.

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, morethanourchildhoods.org, thehockeynews.com, nhl.com, voyageurprofile.wordpress.com, reddit.com

For a deeper look at the multifaceted careers of men who share this name, Australian actor and activist Jack Thompson offers a comprehensive profile.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jack Thompson the actor?

Jack Thompson (Australian actor, born 1940) is a film and television star known for Breaker Morant, The Club, and The Man from Snowy River. He also served as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

What is Jack Thompson the activist known for?

Jack Thompson (American activist, born 1951) is a disbarred attorney who campaigned against violent video games, targeting titles like Grand Theft Auto and Mortal Kombat.

Is Jack Thompson the hockey player related to the actor?

No. The hockey player (born 2002 in Canada) shares only a name with the Australian actor and the American activist. There is no known familial connection.

How many Jack Thompsons are there in the public eye?

Three: an actor, an activist, and a hockey player. Several other minor figures share the name but lack significant public profiles.

What is the net worth of Jack Thompson the actor?

Estimated at $5 million, based on his long career in Australian and international film. No official audit exists.

Where did Jack Thompson the activist go to law school?

He earned a J.D. from Boston College Law School before being disbarred in 2008 by the Florida Bar.

What team does Jack Thompson the hockey player play for?

As of 2025, he is in the San Jose Sharks organization, splitting time between the NHL club and the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.

Did Jack Thompson the actor win any awards?

Yes. He won the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award for Best Actor for Sunday Too Far Away and several other accolades.