Jack Kelly
| Character | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Jack "Cowboy" Kelly (born Francis Sullivan) |
| Occupation: | newsboy |
| Relationships: | Sarah Jacobs, Katherine Plumber, David Jacobs |
| Fandom: | Newsies |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
This article or section needs expansion. |
Jack Kelly, born Francis Sullivan, is the leader of the Manhattan newsboys in the film and stage musical Newsies. He serves as the main protagonist and heads the strike.
Canon
Fandom
Neurodivergency
Jack is occasionally written as autistic, usually with a special interest in cowboys. Also common are interpretations involving trauma disorders.
Queerness
Jack is widely written as bisexual, with few exclusively gay or straight interpretations. He is also occasionally written as transgender, notably in Davey Gets Even. Many fans have analyzed his character and songs on the basis of queerness, particularly with the song "Santa Fe."
Trans interpretations of Jack are often based on his canon name change. Legally, his name is Francis Sullivan, and many trans viewers have related to his response to being called by that name.
Ethnicity and Race
Jack has frequently been headcanoned as Hispanic or Latino, usually Mexican, potentially because of his infatuation with cowboys and Santa Fe. Latino actor Joey Barreiro played Jack for part of the United States tour.
The 2023 UK cast of Newsies starred Michael Ahokma-Lindsay, a Black man, as Jack. The revival's popularity was accompanied by a rise in fanart and fanfiction starring a Black or African-American Jack.
Fandom
Shipping
- David Jacobs/Jack Kelly
- Jack Kelly/Sarah Jacobs
- Jack Kelly/Katherine Plumber
- Crutchie/Jack Kelly
- Jack Kelly/Spot Conlon
- Jack Kelly/Original Female Character
- Jack Kelly/Katherine Plumber/David Jacobs
Example Fanworks
Vids
Meta
- Mod Strings has Opinions: Santa Fe and Jack’s Sexuality
- On Jack Kelly and Fandom Interpretation
- The Idealism of Jack Kelly
- Why Queer People Love Jack Kelly and the Newsies
Fannish Links
References