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 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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

1957: Joined California Air National Guard

In 1957, Nicholson joined the California Air National Guard.

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.

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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.

1963: Death of Mother

In 1963, Nicholson's mother passed away.

1966: Separation from Sandra Knight

In 1966, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight separated.

1968: Divorce from Sandra Knight

In 1968, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight divorced.

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: Became a Lakers season ticket holder

In 1970, Jack Nicholson became a Los Angeles Lakers season ticket holder.

1970: Death of Grandmother

In 1970, Nicholson's grandmother passed away.

1972: Supported George McGovern

In 1972, Jack Nicholson supported George McGovern in the presidential election.

1972: Michelle Phillips suffers a miscarriage

In 1972, during Jack Nicholson's relationship with Michelle Phillips, she suffered a miscarriage.

1974: Discovery of True Parentage

In 1974, Nicholson learned that his 'sister', June, was actually his mother.

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".

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.

1988: Supported Michael Dukakis

In 1988, Jack Nicholson supported Michael Dukakis in the presidential election.

April 16, 1990: Birth of Lorraine Nicholson

On April 16, 1990, Rebecca Broussard gave birth to Lorraine, her first child with Jack Nicholson.

February 20, 1992: Birth of Raymond Nicholson

On February 20, 1992, Rebecca Broussard gave birth to Raymond, her second child with Jack Nicholson.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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".

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: 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.

Kingdom of Fear: Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century

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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: 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.

2008: Supported Hillary Clinton

In 2008, Jack Nicholson supported Hillary Clinton.

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".

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.

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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".

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.