Jack (1996): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The story unfolds with Karen Powell (played by Diane Lane) going into labor unexpectedly during a lively Halloween party. Rushed to the hospital by her husband Brian (Brian Kerwin) and their friends, the delivery goes well, but the baby is born extremely premature, just ten weeks into the pregnancy. Astonishingly, once examined, the infant is discovered to appear as a healthy, full-term baby. After various tests, the baby, named Jack, is diagnosed with Werner syndrome—a rare autosomal recessive disorder—with doctors Dr. Benfante (Allan Rich) and Dr. Lin (Keone Young) informing the parents that Jack will age at an accelerated rate, four times faster than an average child. Dr. Lin aptly describes his condition as “sick as frig.”