Early Life and Education of Jack Nicholson: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Jack Nicholson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Jack Nicholson is a highly acclaimed and now-retired American actor and filmmaker, celebrated for his portrayals of rebellious characters. His career spanned five decades, during which he earned widespread recognition as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He has received numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, solidifying his legacy in the film industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1909: Birth of Donald Rose (Furcillo)

In 1909, Donald Furcillo (stage name Donald Rose), who married June Frances Nicholson in 1936, was born. He was an Italian-American showman.

1918: Birth of June Frances Nicholson

In 1918, June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, was born. She was a showgirl and used the stage name June Nilson.

1936: Marriage of June Frances Nicholson and Donald Furcillo

In 1936, June Frances Nicholson married Italian-American showman Donald Furcillo (stage name Donald Rose), before discovering he was already married.

April 22, 1937: John Joseph Nicholson Born

On April 22, 1937, John Joseph Nicholson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey. He later became a celebrated actor and filmmaker known for his rebellious roles.

1950: Moved to California

In 1950, at the age of 13, Nicholson first came to California and took a job as an office worker for animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at the MGM cartoon studio.

1954: Voted Class Clown

In 1954, Jack Nicholson, known as 'Nick' to his high school friends, was voted 'Class Clown' by the Class of 1954 at Manasquan High School. He was in detention every day for a whole school year.

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", a date he considered lucky because 5 was the jersey number of his boyhood idol, Joe DiMaggio.

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1957: Joined California Air National Guard

In 1957, Nicholson joined the California Air National Guard, a move he sometimes characterized as an effort to 'dodge the draft'.

1961: Called up for Extended Active Duty

During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Nicholson was called up for several months of extended active duty with the California Air National Guard.

1962: Nicholson marries Sandra Knight

In 1962, Jack Nicholson married Sandra Knight, his co-star in the movie "The Terror".

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1962: Discharge from Air National Guard

In 1962, Nicholson was discharged from the California Air National Guard at the end of his enlistment.

September 13, 1963: Nicholson's daughter Jennifer born

On September 13, 1963, Jack Nicholson's daughter, Jennifer, was born to him and his then-wife, Sandra Knight.

1963: Death of Mother

In 1963, Jack Nicholson's mother passed away before he discovered she was actually his mother.

1963: Death of June Frances Nicholson

In 1963, June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, passed away.

1966: Nicholson and Sandra Knight separate

In 1966, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight separated, though their divorce was not finalized until 1968.

1968: Nicholson's divorce from Sandra Knight

In 1968, Jack Nicholson's marriage to Sandra Knight officially ended after they had separated in 1966.

September 26, 1970: Susan Anspach's son Caleb born

On September 26, 1970, Susan Anspach gave birth to a son named Caleb, whose legal father was Mark Goddard. Anspach claimed that Jack Nicholson was Caleb's biological father.

1970: Nicholson becomes a Lakers season ticket holder

In 1970, Jack Nicholson became a season ticket holder for the Los Angeles Lakers, securing courtside seats at both The Forum and Staples Center.

1970: Death of Grandmother

In 1970, Jack Nicholson's grandmother passed away before he discovered his true parentage.

1971: Nicholson's relationship with Michelle Phillips begins

In 1971, Jack Nicholson began a relationship with singer Michelle Phillips, who was previously married to his friend Dennis Hopper. During their relationship, Phillips suffered a miscarriage.

1972: Nicholson continues relationship with Michelle Phillips

In 1972, Jack Nicholson continued his relationship with singer Michelle Phillips. The relationship ultimately ended after about a year.

1972: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1972, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1972: Nicholson supports George McGovern

In 1972, Jack Nicholson supported George McGovern in the presidential election, aligning himself with the Democratic candidate.

1973: Nicholson's relationship with Anjelica Huston begins

In 1973, Jack Nicholson began his longest relationship with actress Anjelica Huston, which would last until 1990.

1974: Discovery of True Parentage

In 1974, Time magazine researchers informed Nicholson that his 'sister,' June, was actually his mother, and his other 'sister,' Lorraine, was really his aunt.

1976: Starred in 'The Missouri Breaks'

In 1976, Jack Nicholson took a less sympathetic role in Arthur Penn's western 'The Missouri Breaks' specifically to work with Marlon Brando. Nicholson was inspired by Brando's acting ability, having idolized him since his youth.

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1977: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1977, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1977: Arrest of Roman Polanski at Nicholson's Home

In 1977, Roman Polanski was arrested at Nicholson's home for the sexual assault of 13-year-old Samantha Geimer. Nicholson was out of town at the time.

1978: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1978, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1981: Nicholson in Reds

In 1981, Jack Nicholson played Eugene O'Neill in the film Reds, and identified with his Irish heritage.

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January 26, 1982: Nicholson's daughter Honey Hollman born

On January 26, 1982, Jack Nicholson's daughter, Honey Hollman, was born to Danish model Winnie Hollman.

1984: Nicholson questions paternity of Caleb

In 1984, Jack Nicholson expressed doubt regarding Susan Anspach's claim that he was the biological father of her son, Caleb.

1988: Nicholson supports Michael Dukakis

In 1988, Jack Nicholson voiced his support for Michael Dukakis in the presidential election.

April 16, 1990: Nicholson's daughter Lorraine born

On April 16, 1990, Jack Nicholson's daughter, Lorraine, was born to him and Rebecca Broussard.

1990: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1990, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1990: Nicholson's relationship with Anjelica Huston ends

In 1990, Jack Nicholson's on-again, off-again relationship with Anjelica Huston ended, amidst news of Rebecca Broussard's pregnancy with Nicholson's child.

February 20, 1992: Nicholson's son Raymond born

On February 20, 1992, Jack Nicholson's son, Raymond, was born to him and Rebecca Broussard.

1992: Nicholson discusses faith

In a 1992 Vanity Fair interview, Jack Nicholson stated that he no longer believes in God, but envies those who have faith and find it soothing.

1993: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1993, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

August 15, 1994: Nicholson reportedly has a daughter Tessa

On August 15, 1994, Jack Nicholson reportedly had a daughter, Tessa, with waitress Jeannine Gourin; however, he has never publicly acknowledged her as his child.

1995: Ruscha comments on Nicholson's art collection

In 1995, artist Edward Ruscha commented that Jack Nicholson has "one of the best collections out here" referring to his collection of 20th-century and contemporary paintings.

1996: Caleb claims Nicholson acknowledged him as his son

In 1996, Caleb Anspach stated that Jack Nicholson had privately acknowledged him as his son.

1997: Death of Donald Rose (Furcillo)

In 1997, Donald Furcillo (stage name Donald Rose), who married June Frances Nicholson, passed away.

1998: Nicholson publicly acknowledges Caleb as his son

In 1998, Jack Nicholson publicly acknowledged Caleb Anspach as his son and stated that they had a good relationship.

1999: Honey Hollman's biological father revealed to be Lou Adler

In 1999, it was discovered that producer Lou Adler is the biological father of Honey Hollman, though she maintains a relationship with Jack Nicholson.

2000: Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle initially break up

In 2000, Jack Nicholson and actress Lara Flynn Boyle initially ended their relationship, later reuniting.

May 2003: Nicholson almost ejected from Lakers game

In May 2003, Jack Nicholson nearly got ejected from a Lakers playoff game for yelling at a referee.

2004: Nicholson purchases Marlon Brando's bungalow

After Marlon Brando's death in 2004, Jack Nicholson purchased Brando's bungalow on Mulholland Drive for $6.1 million with plans to demolish it due to its derelict state and mold issues.

2004: Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle split permanently

In 2004, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle permanently ended their relationship. Afterwards, Nicholson was linked to Kate Moss.

2004: High School Reunion

In 2004, Nicholson attended his 50-year high school reunion accompanied by his aunt Lorraine.

2006: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 2006, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

2006: Nicholson dates Paz de la Huerta

In 2006, Jack Nicholson was in a relationship with actress Paz de la Huerta.

2007: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 2007, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

2008: Nicholson supports Hillary Clinton

In 2008, Jack Nicholson supported Hillary Clinton in her bid for the presidency.

2010: Starring in How Do You Know and Retirement from Acting

In 2010, Nicholson starred in "How Do You Know" and subsequently retired from acting, marking the end of his on-screen performances.

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2011: Nicholson receives honorary degree from Brown University

In 2011, Jack Nicholson received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University at its 243rd commencement ceremony. Brown University's president, Ruth Simmons, hailed him as "the most skilled actor of our lifetime".

September 2013: Indicated less drive to work

In September 2013, Jack Nicholson stated in a Vanity Fair article that he did not consider himself retired, but was less driven to "be out there anymore".

2013: Co-presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 2013, Jack Nicholson co-presented the Academy Award for Best Picture with First Lady Michelle Obama, marking the eighth time he presented the award.

February 15, 2015: Appeared 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

On June 3, 2016, after the death of Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicholson appeared on HBO's 'The Fight Game with Jim Lampley' for an interview about his friendship with Ali.

2017: Toni Erdmann Remake 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: Turned down role in 'Ready Player One'

In 2018, Jack Nicholson had previously been approached to appear in Steven Spielberg's science-fiction film Ready Player One, but he declined.

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October 2019: Declined cameo in 'Doctor Sleep'

In October 2019, with the release of 'The Shining' sequel 'Doctor Sleep', director Mike Flanagan revealed he approached Jack Nicholson for a cameo appearance, but Nicholson declined.

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January 2020: Nicholson expresses grief over Kobe Bryant's death

In January 2020, following the death of Kobe Bryant, Jack Nicholson gave a rare phone interview to KCBS-TV expressing his grief.

2020: Nicholson supports Bernie Sanders

In 2020, Jack Nicholson supported Bernie Sanders in his campaign for the U.S. presidency.

2021: Nicholson withdraws from public appearances

By 2021, Jack Nicholson had significantly reduced his public appearances, including his regular attendance at Lakers games.

November 2, 2023: Lou Adler discusses Nicholson's unofficial retirement

On November 2, 2023, record producer Lou Adler mentioned on Marc Maron's podcast that Nicholson had unofficially retired from acting and prefers a quiet life, enjoying reading and eating as he pleases.