Jack Epps Jr.

Jack Epps Jr. is an American screenwriter, author, and educator best known for shaping some of the most crowd-pleasing studio films of the 1980s. With a knack for high-concept storytelling and sharp character dynamics, Epps became closely associated with big, accessible entertainment that defined the era.

He is widely recognized for his long-running writing partnership with Jim Cash, a collaboration that produced major hits including Top Gun, Legal Eagles, and The Secret of My Success. Those projects helped cement Epps’ reputation for combining momentum, humor, and emotional stakes within classic Hollywood frameworks.

Beyond screenwriting, Epps has built a parallel career in education. After graduating from Michigan State University’s College of Arts and Letters, he went on to teach at the University of Southern California, sharing practical craft knowledge with emerging writers and filmmakers.

His on-screen presence also includes participation in film retrospectives such as Danger Zone: The Making of Top Gun, where he appears as himself—offering firsthand insight into the creative process behind a modern blockbuster staple.