History of Jack Nicholson in Timeline
Jack Nicholson is a highly acclaimed American retired actor and filmmaker, celebrated for his portrayals of charismatic rebels challenging societal norms. With a career spanning five decades, he's recognized as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. His extensive list of awards includes three Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, solidifying his impact and legacy in the film industry.
7 hours ago : ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ revival questions Nicholson's impact, Aaron Pierre shines as McMurphy in new production.
A contemporary revival of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' explores Jack Nicholson's legacy while featuring Aaron Pierre's compelling performance as McMurphy. The play captivates audiences with its timeless themes and powerful portrayal of mental health and rebellion in a theatrical setting.
1909: Birth of Donald Furcillo
In 1909, Donald Furcillo, who married June Nicholson, was born.
1918: Birth of June Frances Nicholson
In 1918, June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, was born.
1936: Marriage of June Nicholson and Donald Furcillo
In 1936, June Nicholson married Donald Furcillo.
April 22, 1937: John Joseph Nicholson Born
On April 22, 1937, John Joseph Nicholson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey. He would later become a famous actor and filmmaker.
1950: First Visit to California and MGM Job Offer
In 1950, at age 13, Nicholson first visited California and was offered an animation job at MGM, which he declined.
1954: Voted Class Clown
In 1954, Nicholson was voted "Class Clown" by his high school class.
May 5, 1955: First Day as a Working Actor
On May 5, 1955, Nicholson had his first day as a working actor on 'Tales of Wells Fargo'.
1957: Joined California Air National Guard
In 1957, Nicholson joined the California Air National Guard.
1958: Film Debut in The Cry Baby Killer
In 1958, Nicholson made his film debut in Roger Corman's 'The Cry Baby Killer'.
1960: Cameo in The Little Shop of Horrors
In 1960, Nicholson had a cameo in Roger Corman's cult classic 'The Little Shop of Horrors'.
1960: Starred in The Wild Ride
In 1960, Nicholson starred as a rebellious dirt-track race driver in the film 'The Wild Ride'.
1961: Extended Active Duty During Berlin Crisis
During the Berlin Crisis in 1961, Nicholson was called up for extended active duty.
1962: Marriage to Sandra Knight
In 1962, Jack Nicholson married Sandra Knight, his co-star in The Terror.
1962: Discharge from the Air National Guard
In 1962, Nicholson was discharged from the Air National Guard.
1963: Birth of daughter with Sandra Knight
In 1963, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight had a daughter.
1963: Death of June Frances Nicholson
In 1963, June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, passed away.
1966: Separation from Sandra Knight
In 1966, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight separated.
1967: Screenplay for The Trip
In 1967, Nicholson wrote the screenplay for the counterculture film 'The Trip'.
1968: Divorce from Sandra Knight
In 1968, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight divorced.
1968: Role in Psych-Out
In 1968, Nicholson appeared in the film 'Psych-Out'.
1969: Oscar Nomination for Easy Rider
In 1969, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Easy Rider'.
1969: Breakthrough Role in Easy Rider
In 1969, Nicholson's acting career took off after starring in 'Easy Rider' as George Hanson, earning his first Oscar nomination.
September 26, 1970: Birth of Susan Anspach's son, Caleb
On September 26, 1970, Susan Anspach's son, Caleb, was born. Anspach claimed that Caleb was Nicholson's biological son.
1970: Film Adaptation of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
Also in 1970, Nicholson appeared in the film adaptation of 'On a Clear Day You Can See Forever', although most of his performance was left on the cutting room floor.
1970: Became a Lakers season ticket holder
In 1970, Jack Nicholson became a Los Angeles Lakers season ticket holder.
1970: Oscar Nomination for Five Easy Pieces
In 1970, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Five Easy Pieces'.
1970: Starred in Five Easy Pieces
In 1970, Nicholson starred in 'Five Easy Pieces' alongside Karen Black, earning an Academy Award nomination for his performance.
1971: Relationship with Michelle Phillips begins
In 1971, Jack Nicholson was in a relationship with singer Michelle Phillips, the ex-wife of his best friend Dennis Hopper.
1971: Starred in Carnal Knowledge
In 1971, Nicholson starred in 'Carnal Knowledge', directed by Mike Nichols, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
1972: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1972, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1972: Supported George McGovern
In 1972, Jack Nicholson supported George McGovern in the presidential election.
1972: Role in The King of Marvin Gardens
In 1972, Nicholson appeared in 'The King of Marvin Gardens'.
1972: Michelle Phillips suffers a miscarriage
In 1972, during Jack Nicholson's relationship with Michelle Phillips, she suffered a miscarriage.
1973: Relationship with Anjelica Huston begins
In 1973, Jack Nicholson began a long-term relationship with actress Anjelica Huston.
1973: Oscar Nomination for The Last Detail
In 1973, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'The Last Detail'.
1973: Starred in The Last Detail
In 1973, Nicholson starred in Hal Ashby's 'The Last Detail', winning Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival and receiving an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination.
1974: Discovery of True Parentage
In 1974, Nicholson learned that his 'sister', June, was actually his mother.
1974: Oscar Nomination for Chinatown
In 1974, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Chinatown'.
1974: Starred in Chinatown
In 1974, Nicholson starred in Roman Polanski's noir thriller 'Chinatown', earning another Academy Award nomination for his role as Jake Gittes.
1975: Success in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
In 1975, Jack Nicholson starred as Randle P. McMurphy in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', an adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel. Nicholson won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for this role. The film received nine nominations at the Academy Awards, and won five.
1975: Starring in The Passenger
In 1975, Jack Nicholson starred in Michelangelo Antonioni's 'The Passenger', playing a journalist who assumes a dead man's identity, only to discover he was a weapons smuggler. Nicholson bought the world rights to the film and recorded his reminiscence of working with Antonioni.
1975: Academy Award for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
In 1975, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Randle McMurphy in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'.
1976: Taking a Role in The Missouri Breaks
In 1976, Jack Nicholson played a role in Arthur Penn's western 'The Missouri Breaks', inspired to work with Marlon Brando, whom Nicholson greatly admired. As an assistant manager, he watched 'On the Waterfront' about 40 times, citing Brando as the patron saint of actors.
1977: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1977, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1977: Polanski's Arrest at Nicholson's Home
In 1977, Roman Polanski was arrested at Jack Nicholson's home for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. Nicholson was away filming, but Anjelica Huston, his girlfriend, briefly visited and saw Polanski with the girl. Huston told police that she "had witnessed nothing untoward".
1978: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1978, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1978: Directed Goin' South
In 1978, Nicholson directed the film 'Goin' South'.
1980: Starring in The Shining
In 1980, Jack Nicholson starred as Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's 'The Shining'. Nicholson improvised the famous "Here's Johnny!" line, Nicholson drew upon his experiences as a writer and slept short hours to help remain in an agitated state during the shoot.
1981: Starring in The Postman Always Rings Twice and Reds
In 1981, Jack Nicholson starred in 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' and 'Reds', where he portrayed writer Eugene O'Neill. He received an Oscar nomination for 'Reds'.
1981: Appeared in Reds
In 1981, Nicholson appeared in the film 'Reds', and identified as Irish.
1981: Oscar Nomination for Reds
In 1981, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Reds'.
January 26, 1982: Birth of Honey Hollman
On January 26, 1982, Winnie Hollman gave birth to a daughter, Honey Hollman, with Jack Nicholson. In 1999, it was discovered that Honey's biological father is producer Lou Adler.
1982: Owned film rights to The Murder of Napoleon
In 1982, Jack Nicholson owned the film rights to the book The Murder of Napoleon.
1982: Starring in The Border
In 1982, Jack Nicholson starred in 'The Border', directed by Tony Richardson, playing an immigration enforcement agent. Richardson wanted Nicholson to wear reflecting sunglasses to portray what patrolmen wore.
1983: Winning an Academy Award for Terms of Endearment
In 1983, Jack Nicholson won his second Academy Award for his role as Garrett Breedlove in 'Terms of Endearment', directed by James L. Brooks. He played many scenes differently with Shirley MacLaine, constantly testing and making adjustments.
1984: Nicholson denies being convinced Caleb is his son
In 1984, Jack Nicholson said he was not convinced that Caleb Anspach was his biological son.
1985: Starring in Prizzi's Honor
In 1985, Jack Nicholson starred in 'Prizzi's Honor', directed by John Huston, who praised Nicholson's ability to illuminate the book. He received an Oscar nomination for this role.
1985: Oscar Nomination for Prizzi's Honor
In 1985, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Prizzi's Honor'.
1986: Starring in Heartburn
In 1986, Jack Nicholson starred in 'Heartburn', continuing his prolific work in the 1980s.
1987: Starring in The Witches of Eastwick, Broadcast News, and Ironweed
In 1987, Jack Nicholson starred in 'The Witches of Eastwick', 'Broadcast News', and 'Ironweed'. He received an Oscar nomination for 'Ironweed'.
1987: Oscar Nomination for Ironweed
In 1987, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Ironweed'.
1988: Supported Michael Dukakis
In 1988, Jack Nicholson supported Michael Dukakis in the presidential election.
1989: Portraying the Joker in Batman
In 1989, Jack Nicholson portrayed the Joker in Tim Burton's 'Batman'. The film was a major hit, earning Nicholson a significant percentage of the box office gross. Nicholson was "particularly proud" of his performance as the Joker.
April 16, 1990: Birth of Lorraine Nicholson
On April 16, 1990, Rebecca Broussard gave birth to Lorraine, her first child with Jack Nicholson.
1990: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1990, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1990: Honored in France with a Commander of Arts and Letters
In 1990, Jack Nicholson was honored in France with a Commander of Arts and Letters by Jack Lang, the Minister of Culture.
1990: Relationship with Anjelica Huston ends
In 1990, Jack Nicholson's relationship with Anjelica Huston ended.
1990: Directed The Two Jakes
In 1990, Nicholson directed the film 'The Two Jakes'.
February 20, 1992: Birth of Raymond Nicholson
On February 20, 1992, Rebecca Broussard gave birth to Raymond, her second child with Jack Nicholson.
1992: Starring in A Few Good Men, Man Trouble, and Hoffa
In 1992, Jack Nicholson starred in 'A Few Good Men', receiving his tenth Academy Award nomination. He also starred in 'Man Trouble' and 'Hoffa', receiving Golden Raspberry Award nominations for Worst Actor for 'Man Trouble' and 'Hoffa'.
1992: Oscar Nomination for A Few Good Men
In 1992, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'A Few Good Men'.
1992: Expressed lack of belief in God but envy for those with faith
In a 1992 Vanity Fair interview, Jack Nicholson said, "I don't believe in God now. I can still work up an envy for someone who has faith. I can see how that could be a deeply soothing experience."
1993: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1993, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
February 8, 1994: Assault and vandalism incident
On February 8, 1994, Jack Nicholson allegedly attacked Robert Blank's Mercedes-Benz with a golf club after a traffic dispute in North Hollywood, resulting in misdemeanor charges that were later dropped after a settlement.
1994: Split with Rebecca Broussard
In 1994, Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard split up.
1994: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 1994, Nicholson was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award.
1995: Praised for his art collection
In 1995, artist Edward Ruscha said that Jack Nicholson has "one of the best collections out here" of 20th-century and contemporary paintings.
1995: Frustration over inability to make a film about Napoleon
In a 1995 interview, Jack Nicholson expressed his frustration over his inability to make a film about Napoleon, for which he owned the rights to the 1982 book, The Murder of Napoleon.
December 1996: Starring in Mars Attacks!
In December 1996, Jack Nicholson starred in 'Mars Attacks!', playing dual roles. The film received mixed reviews and flopped at the box office.
1996: Caleb says Nicholson recognized him as his son
In 1996, Caleb Anspach said that Jack Nicholson had recognized him as his son in private.
1996: Lawsuit alleging assault by Catherine Sheehan
In 1996, Jack Nicholson faced a lawsuit from Catherine Sheehan alleging assault after she asked for money promised for sex. The case was dismissed after Sheehan received a settlement and filed another lawsuit.
1997: Death of Donald Furcillo
In 1997, Donald Furcillo, who married June Nicholson, passed away.
1997: Winning Third Academy Award for As Good as It Gets
In 1997, Jack Nicholson won his third Academy Award for his role in 'As Good as It Gets'. The film was a box-office success, grossing $314 million.
1997: Academy Award for As Good as It Gets
In 1997, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as an author with OCD in 'As Good as It Gets'.
1998: Nicholson publicly acknowledges Caleb as his son
By 1998, Jack Nicholson publicly acknowledged Caleb Anspach as his son.
1998: Met Fidel Castro
In 1998, Jack Nicholson met Fidel Castro and referred to him as a "genius".
1999: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 1999, Nicholson was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
1999: Discovery that Honey Hollman's biological father is Lou Adler
In 1999, it was discovered that Honey Hollman's biological father is producer Lou Adler.
2000: First Breakup with Lara Flynn Boyle
In 2000, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle initially broke up.
2001: Receiving Stanislavsky Award and Starring in The Pledge
In 2001, Jack Nicholson received the Stanislavsky Award at the Moscow International Film Festival. That same year, he starred in 'The Pledge', receiving praise for his performance.
2001: Kennedy Center Honor
In 2001, Nicholson was honored with the Kennedy Center Honor.
2002: Starring in About Schmidt
In 2002, Jack Nicholson starred in 'About Schmidt', receiving nominations for an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Actor Award, and winning a Golden Globe Award.
2002: Oscar Nomination for About Schmidt
In 2002, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'About Schmidt'.
May 2003: Almost ejected from Lakers playoff game
In May 2003, Jack Nicholson was almost ejected from a Lakers playoff game after yelling at a referee.
2003: Starring in Anger Management and Something's Gotta Give
In 2003, Jack Nicholson starred in 'Anger Management' and 'Something's Gotta Give', receiving a Golden Globe nomination for 'Something's Gotta Give'.
2003: Friendship described in Kingdom of Fear
In 2003, Jack Nicholson's friendship with Hunter S. Thompson was described in Thompson's autobiography Kingdom of Fear.
2004: Purchased Marlon Brando's bungalow for demolition
After Marlon Brando's death in 2004, Jack Nicholson purchased his bungalow on Mulholland Drive for $6.1 million with the intention of demolishing it due to its derelict condition.
2004: Final Split with Lara Flynn Boyle
In 2004, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle split permanently.
2004: Attended High School Reunion
In 2004, Nicholson attended his 50-year high school reunion with his aunt Lorraine.
2005: Attended Hunter S. Thompson's memorial service
After Hunter S. Thompson died in 2005, Jack Nicholson attended his private memorial service in Colorado.
2006: Dated Paz de la Huerta
In 2006, Jack Nicholson dated actress Paz de la Huerta.
2006: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 2006, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2006: Starring in The Departed
In 2006, Jack Nicholson starred in Martin Scorsese’s 'The Departed', earning worldwide critical praise and BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and Actor Award nominations.
2007: Starring in The Bucket List
In 2007, Jack Nicholson co-starred with Morgan Freeman in 'The Bucket List', researching the role by visiting a Los Angeles hospital to see how cancer patients coped with their illnesses.
2007: Presents Academy Award for Best Picture
In 2007, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
May 2008: Announcement of induction into California Hall of Fame
In May 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver announced that Jack Nicholson would be inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
December 15, 2008: Inducted into the California Hall of Fame
On December 15, 2008, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, located at The California Museum in Sacramento, alongside 11 other Californians.
2008: Supported Hillary Clinton
In 2008, Jack Nicholson supported Hillary Clinton.
2010: Supporting role in How Do You Know
In 2010, Jack Nicholson reunited with James L. Brooks for a supporting role in the film How Do You Know, starring Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon, and Owen Wilson. The movie was a financial and critical failure.
2010: Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2010, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
2010: Starred in How Do You Know and Break from Acting
In 2010, Nicholson starred in 'How Do You Know' and then took a break from acting.
2011: Received honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University
In 2011, Jack Nicholson received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University at its 243rd commencement.
September 2013: Nicholson says he is less driven to 'be out there anymore'
In September 2013, Jack Nicholson stated in a Vanity Fair article that he did not consider himself retired, but that he was less driven to "be out there anymore".
February 15, 2015: Special appearance on SNL 40
On February 15, 2015, Jack Nicholson made a special appearance as a presenter on SNL 40, the 40th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live.
June 3, 2016: Interview about Muhammad Ali on HBO's The Fight Game
Following the death of Muhammad Ali on June 3, 2016, Jack Nicholson appeared on HBO's The Fight Game with Jim Lampley for an exclusive interview about his friendship with Ali.
2017: Reported to star in Toni Erdmann remake, project abandoned
In 2017, Jack Nicholson was reported to be starring in an English-language remake of Toni Erdmann opposite Kristen Wiig, but the project was later abandoned.
2018: Declined appearance in Ready Player One
In 2018, director Mike Flanagan disclosed that Jack Nicholson had previously been approached to appear in Steven Spielberg's science-fiction film Ready Player One, but declined.
2018: Australian fishing spider named in his honor
In 2018, the Australian fishing spider Ornodolomedes nicholsoni was named in honor of Jack Nicholson for "brilliantly portraying diverse personalities".
October 2019: Declines cameo appearance in Doctor Sleep
In October 2019, director Mike Flanagan revealed that he approached Jack Nicholson for a cameo appearance in The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep, but Nicholson declined.
January 2020: Expressed grief over Kobe Bryant's death
In January 2020, Jack Nicholson gave a rare phone interview to KCBS-TV expressing his grief after the death of former Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
2021: Regular attendance at Lakers games stopped
By 2021, Jack Nicholson's regular attendance at Los Angeles Lakers games had stopped, as he withdrew from public appearances.
2023: Attended a Lakers playoff game after nearly two years
In 2023, Jack Nicholson attended a Los Angeles Lakers playoff game, which media outlets noted was his first appearance at a Lakers game in nearly two years.
February 16, 2025: Appearance on SNL 50
On February 16, 2025, Jack Nicholson made a rare appearance on SNL 50, the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live, introducing Adam Sandler.
2025: Last film role
As of 2025, How Do You Know remains Jack Nicholson's last film role, bringing his filmography to 80 films.
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