his having to pretend that he was gay around Mr. Roper, and after the Ropers left the show, their replacement landlord, Ralph Furley. Jack is something of a ladies' man, but is also kind-hearted, loyal, and protective of the women he lives with.

In the show, Jack, a Navy veteran, attended a local technical college on the G.I. Bill for a degree in culinary arts, with a specialty in French cuisine.