Uncle Jack Charles was born in Melbourne in 1943. He was taken from his mother as a baby and ended up in Box Hill Boys' Home where he was abused and told he was an orphan. Uncle Jack speaks to Gman in Big Brekkie this
morning..
Jack was always searching, trying to figure out who he really was.
Slowly, pieces of his life presented themselves: kids with the same surname, a chance encounter with his mob in Melbourne, and the discovery of his calling - a life in the arts.
The legacy of Jack's early life has been addiction, theft and twenty-two stints in jail.
Jack eventually became a beloved stage and film actor in Australia.
Even at the age of 75, his story, like many of the Stolen Generations, is still one of discovery.
Two years ago he found out who is father was, and now knows he is a Wiradjuri man, as well as Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta.
Jack is also a passionate advocate for youth in detention. Thank you to ABC Jeremy Story Carter for text.