Eagle-eyed fans of I’m A Celebrity may have noticed Jack Osbourne showing off his distinctive knee tattoos during the latest camp episodes. But while the smiley faces look playful, there’s a touching story behind them. The 38-year-old star’s knee tattoos mirror the exact same ink his late father, Ozzy Osbourne, had for decades, serving as a subtle but enduring tribute to his iconic dad (Birmingham Mail, 2022).

The Story Behind Ozzy’s Smiley Face Tattoos

Ozzy’s smiley face tattoos have sparked curiosity and speculation for years. Some rumors even suggested that he got them during a stint in prison. However, a childhood friend of Ozzy’s, Ash Alison, clarified the truth in an interview with the Birmingham Mail in 2022: “I did the two smiley faces on his knees. It didn’t happen in prison. We did them in my mother’s house, just messing around with silly tattoos. We didn’t have computer games or mobiles back then. It was our form of entertainment” (Birmingham Mail, 2022).

Ozzy himself spoke about the tattoos on Late Night With Conan O’Brien in 2005, saying, “I hate being alone. I suffer from loneliness. So, I just got two little faces on my knees. I can always pretend they’re alive and talk to them” (The Guardian, 2005).

Jack’s Tribute to His Father

Jack Osbourne has often spoken fondly about sharing these tattoos with his dad. In an interview with The Mirror, he revealed the personal significance of the ink, especially as an Ozzy biopic went into production: “I have the smiley knee tattoos that my dad has, and the director [of the film] has them too. He’s a die-hard fan, so the movie is in good hands. It’s special to carry a piece of my dad with me” (The Mirror, 2025).

Jack’s Other Tattoos

Beyond the knee tattoos, Jack is heavily inked. Over a decade ago, he revealed a massive back tattoo depicting a Samurai warrior battling a sea serpent, surrounded by mermaids and flowers. His mother, Sharon Osbourne, reportedly wasn’t thrilled upon seeing it for the first time (The Mirror, 2012).

Jack’s arm tattoos include a mermaid named Pearl, dedicated to his eldest daughter, forming part of an elaborate sleeve with fish and a Chinese dragon. He also has a prowling tiger on his left forearm, though he has not publicly explained its personal meaning. On his chest, he shares a cross tattoo with his sister Kelly Osbourne, each bearing the other’s name as a matching tribute.

Jack and Ozzy’s Japan Adventure

In 2024, Jack and Ozzy traveled to Japan to get matching tattoos during their Jack & Ozzy’s World Detour show. Jack received a traditional Tebori tattoo from legendary artist Horiyoshi III in Yokohama. The Tebori technique involves hand-poked designs using a bamboo rod fitted with multiple needles, a method revered for its precision and historical significance (The Guardian, 2024).

Black Sabbath Tribute and Ongoing Tattoos

Jack also got a Black Sabbath tattoo backstage at Ozzy’s final concert in July 2025. These tattoos reflect both his admiration for his father’s musical legacy and their shared love of body art, forming a lasting connection even after Ozzy’s passing.

Emotional Moments on I’m A Celebrity

Jack became visibly emotional during last night’s episode of I’m A Celebrity, reflecting on the death of his father. Speaking with campmate Lisa Riley, he said, “It was definitely a shock. We knew he was sick, but we didn’t know it would be that quick.” Jack recalled Ozzy’s final performance: “It was the ultimate mic drop. He did a massive gig and said, alright, I’m done” (The Mirror, 2025).

Lisa comforted Jack as he broke down in tears, noting that he also drew strength from the memory of his late mother. In a later interview with ITV’s Bush Telegraph, Jack admitted, “I’m still navigating it all. It’s been nearly four months, and it’s still pretty fresh” (ITV News, 2025).

Tattoos as a Lasting Bond

From the playful smiley faces to the intricate back and arm designs, Jack’s tattoos serve not just as personal expression but as lasting tributes to the Osbourne family legacy. Each piece tells a story of family, loss, and the enduring impact of Ozzy Osbourne on Jack’s life.