As the only son of late cricketing legend Shane Warne, Australia has watched Jackson Warne, who turned 23 on May 20, 2022, grow up right before our eyes.
From the adorable blonde baby boy who would run after his father on the cricket field to an independent young adult in his own right, Jackson was never one to rest on his dad’s laurels.
The middle child of Shane Warne and ex-wife Simone Callahan explained during a stint on SAS Australia: “I want to prove I’m not just Shane Warne’s son. I’m tougher than that. I want him to be really proud of me.”
Tragically, he lost his dad not long after when Shane died suddenly in March 2022 and Jackson, along with sister Brooke, 24, and Summer, 20, were left to pick up the pieces.
While Shane and Jackson shared an extremely close relationship, the cricket legend previously admitted he never projected his love of the sport onto his son.
“I never pushed Jackson into cricket… He played it for a year, took a hat-trick – took four wickets in five balls – bowling a little bit of leg-spin or with the seam, smashed a few with the bat. Still, the game didn’t really grab him,” the cricket commentator revealed to the Sun Herald.
WATCH: Shane Warne’s son Jackson speaks at his memorial service. Story continues after video.
Despite his father’s high profile as one of the nation’s most well-known sports stars, Jackson says to him and his sisters, he was still just dad.
“I think I speak for Brooke, Summer and myself, we don’t see him as anyone else other than just our dad,” Jackson told the Sun Herald.
“We don’t see him as a legend. All the names people call him, we just see him like our dad and that’s it. We don’t feel privileged. He does what every dad loves to do.”
Following Shane Warne’s tragic passing, it’s clear to see just how special the father-son bond was with Jackson calling the cricket legend “the best father and best mate anyone could’ve asked for”.
Keep scrolling as we take a look back at the evolution of Jackson Warne, from Shane Warne’s mini-me son to a star in his own right
For more on Shane Warne and his legacy, check out the following stories
Here’s how you can watch Shane Warne’s state memorial service around Australia
He was the ultimate cricket legend, but to his three kids Shane Warne was just Dad
“So similar in so many ways”: Shane Warne’s close bond with his eldest daughter Brooke
Here is how you can watch Shane Warne’s documentary ‘Shane’ for insight into his iconic story
Close from the get-go: A young Jackson accompanies his dad Shane Warne during a training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2001.
Jackson gives a royal wave from the safety of dad’s shoulders.
Mini A-listers in the making! Jackson and his sister Brooke join their dad on the red carpet for a Melbourne movie premiere in 2011.
The sports-loving duo head to an AFL match in 2011.
Jackson with his mum Simone and sisters Summer and Brooke.
Shane split from wife Simone in 2005 and found love with English actress Elizabeth Hurley. Here, the Warne family spend time with Liz and her son Damian Hurley (centre) at the unveiling of a statue of the cricket star outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2011.
Liz and Shane became engaged at the end of 2011 but called time on their romance in 2013. (L-R) Summer, Damian Hurley, Liz Hurley, Brooke and Jackson.
Like father, like son: Jackson boasts many of Shane’s features – including his dad’s blond hair and beaming smile.
Jackson Warne shares his tips on roulette
Jackson previously said he decided to go on SAS Australia to break free from his dad’s shadow and to make him proud.
“I want to prove I’m not just Shane Warne’s son. I’m tougher than that. I want him to be really proud of me,” Jackson said in the show.
“I’m always proud of you! But for you to have a crack at this show is just awesome and I can’t wait to watch it with you! Love you up to the sky and back,” Shane commented back to his son.
The budding poker player is also incredibly close with his older sister Brooke.
Jackson statement
“I don’t think anything is ever going to fill the void you have left in my heart,” Jackson captioned this photo on Instagram following Shane’s passing.
“Sitting at the poker table, walking around the golf course, watching the Saints and eating pizza is never going to be the same but I know all you ever wanted for me is to be happy, no matter what.
“So, that’s what I’m going to do, try and be happy. Every day you told me how proud you were of me and I promise to try and keep making you proud. I am going to miss you so much Dad, I wish I could look you in the eyes 1 more time and give you one more hug. You were truly the best father and best mate anyone could’ve asked for. I love you so much Dad, see you soon. ❤️”
Young Jackson
“Memories of dad ❤️,” Jackson captioned a series of photographs of his dad in the days after his death.
Jackson and Shane
Two peas in a pod.
Jackson and Shane
The father-son duo attended the 2017 Melbourne Cup together.
Jackson memorial
“I don’t think we’ll get another Shane Warne and another dad like him.” Ahead of Shane’s MCG memorial, Jackson recalled how his father loved performing to a crowd and encouraged every Melburnian, Victorian and Australian to farewell the cricket legend.
Jackson was a pallbearer at his dad’s private funeral in March 2022, and later shared on Instagram: “Thank you for all the messages of love and support over the last month. It means so much to me and makes things a little easier seeing how many lives dad had a positive impact on and how happy he made so many people.”
He was front and centre at the state memorial for Shane that month, giving a moving speech in his father’s honour alongside his two sisters. He said, “I’m so happy that I got to spend 22 years of my life with you as my father. I love you so much … I promise to continue to look after Brooke and Summer.”
To mark Jackson’s 23rd birthday in May 2022, mum Simone shared a series of photos in a touching slideshow on Instagram, which you can watch below.
She captioned it, “Happy Happy Birthday Jackson! Wishing you joy today, and always. Keep being You because your kindness & caring nature is beautiful and I’m so proud of you!! Your courage and strength is extraordinary.”
Simone Callahan’s video tribute for Jackson Warne’s birthday
Simone also shared a bittersweet throwback of Jackson as a child with Shane, adding “We love you so much. Dad would be so proud of the man you are becoming.”
The slideshow concluded with a more recent family snap of Jackson with Simone and sisters Summer and Brooke.
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