Jack Goodman was a supporting character in An American Werewolf in London. He was an American tourist and close friend of David Kessler. After being bitten by a werewolf and killed, his spirit remained to warn and guide David throughout the film. As a ghost, Jack appeared to David multiple times, offering advice, warnings, and emotional support as David struggled with his curse. He was portrayed by Griffin Dunne.
Appearance[]
Initially, Jack appears as a normal human with lively features, wearing his signature plaid shirt and jeans. As his ghostly state develops, his form becomes increasingly decayed and grotesque. His skin turns pale and mottled, with patches of discoloration and a tattered, rotting appearance. His features become gaunt and sunken, with an eerie, skeletal quality. His clothing becomes ragged and stained, and a faint, sickly glow emanates from his decaying form, emphasizing his spectral, deteriorating state.
Personality[]
Jack Goodman was friendly, humorous, and easygoing, often providing comic relief amid tense situations. Despite being a ghost, he remained caring and loyal to his friends, especially David. He was brave and straightforward, unafraid to speak his mind or deliver tough truths. His personality reflected a mix of warmth, wit, and a protective nature, making him a supportive and memorable presence in the film.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Intangibility
- Invisibility
- Limited Telepathy
- Guidance and Warning
- Knowledge of the Afterlife
Biography[]
Touring London[]
It had started as an ordinary adventure, Jack and David, two Americans from New York had been traveling together across Europe. In 1981, their journey brought them to the bleak moors of Northern England. They hitched a ride with a sheep herder, who dropped them off on a lonely, desolate road near East Proctor. The truck was filled with sheep, and the ride was uncomfortable, but they were just happy to be on their feet again. The driver warned them to stay on the road and avoid the moors, but of course, they ignored the warning, thinking they knew better.
As night fell, the weather grew colder and darker. Seeking shelter, they came across an old pub called The Slaughtered Lamb. The moment they stepped inside, they were met with cold, unfriendly stares—like they didn’t belong. They ordered hot tea, trying to fit in, but the tension was thick. The locals’ hostility was unmistakable. Recognizing the danger, they decided to leave quickly. As they stepped outside, a local warned them ominously, “Beware the moon.”
They started walking into the night, rain falling and shadows lengthening. The darkness and the weather led them astray, and soon they found themselves lost in the empty fields. David casually said, “Oops,” realizing they had no idea where they were. Then, out of the fog and shadows, a vicious snarling sound erupted—something fierce and deadly. They tried to get back onto the road, but the growling grew closer, more aggressive. David tripped and fell, and Jack hurried to help him up. That’s when the creature struck—an enormous, savage beast lunging from the fog. Jack was killed instantly, the beast tearing into him with ferocious claws and teeth. The creature was then killed transforming back into a man before David's eyes, and everything else faded to black. Jacks life ended that night, but his spirit remained, haunted by the memory of that terrible encounter.