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, now-retired American actor and filmmaker, celebrated as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He is known for portraying rebellious characters who challenge societal norms. His illustrious five-decade career is marked by numerous prestigious awards, including three Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the film industry.
1909: Birth of Donald Furcillo
In 1909, Donald Furcillo was born. He later married June Nicholson.
1918: June Frances Nicholson's birth
In 1918, June Frances Nicholson was born. She later became Jack Nicholson's mother.
1936: Marriage of June Nicholson and Donald Furcillo
In 1936, Jack Nicholson's mother, June Nicholson, married Donald Furcillo before realizing he was already married.
April 22, 1937: Birth of John Joseph Nicholson
John Joseph Nicholson was born on April 22, 1937, in Neptune City, New Jersey, to June Frances Nicholson.
1950: First visit to California, job offer as animator
In 1950, at age 13, Jack Nicholson first came to California to visit his sister and took a job as an office worker for animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at the MGM cartoon studio. They offered him an entry-level job as an animator, but he declined.
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, Jack Nicholson had his first day as a working actor on "Tales of Wells Fargo", which he considered lucky because 5 was Joe DiMaggio's jersey number.
1957: Joined the California Air National Guard
In 1957, Jack Nicholson joined the California Air National Guard, a move he characterized as an effort to "dodge the draft".
1961: Called up for extended active duty during the Berlin Crisis
During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Jack Nicholson was called up for several months of extended active duty with the California Air National Guard.
1962: Marriage to Sandra Knight
In 1962, Jack Nicholson married Sandra Knight, his co-star in the movie The Terror.
1962: Discharged from the California Air National Guard
In 1962, Jack Nicholson was discharged from the California Air National Guard at the end of his enlistment.
September 13, 1963: Birth of daughter Jennifer
On September 13, 1963, Jack Nicholson's daughter Jennifer was born to him and his then-wife Sandra Knight.
1963: Death of June Frances Nicholson
In 1963, June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, passed away.
1963: Death of Nicholson's Mother
In 1963, June Nicholson, who Jack Nicholson knew as his sister, passed away. He would later find out that June was actually his mother.
1966: Separation from Sandra Knight
In 1966, Jack Nicholson and his wife Sandra Knight separated, though they would not officially divorce until 1968.
1968: Divorce from Sandra Knight
In 1968, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight divorced, ending their marriage which began in 1962, though they had separated in 1966.
September 26, 1970: Birth of Caleb Goddard
On September 26, 1970, Susan Anspach gave birth to her son Caleb Goddard, whose legal father was Mark Goddard. Susan Anspach later contended that Jack Nicholson was actually Caleb's biological father.
1970: Lakers Season Ticket Holder
In 1970, Jack Nicholson became a Los Angeles Lakers season ticket holder and held courtside seats.
1970: Death of Nicholson's Grandmother
In 1970, Jack Nicholson's grandmother passed away. She had raised him as her own child.
1971: Relationship with Michelle Phillips
In 1971, Jack Nicholson began a relationship with singer Michelle Phillips, the ex-wife of his best friend Dennis Hopper, during which time she suffered a miscarriage.
1972: Continuation of Relationship with Michelle Phillips
In 1972, Jack Nicholson continued his relationship with singer Michelle Phillips, during which time she suffered a miscarriage.
1972: Support for George McGovern
In 1972, Jack Nicholson supported George McGovern in the US presidential election.
1973: Start of Relationship with Anjelica Huston
In 1973, Jack Nicholson began a long-term, on-again, off-again relationship with actress Anjelica Huston.
1974: Nicholson learns his "sister" is his mother
In 1974, Jack Nicholson learned from Time magazine researchers that his "sister", June, was actually his mother, and his other "sister", Lorraine, was really his aunt.
1975: Starring 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", a film adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel, directed by Miloš Forman. He played an anti-authoritarian patient, inspiring other patients. The film received nine Academy Award nominations and won five, including Nicholson's first for Best Actor.
1975: Starring in "The Passenger"
In 1975, Jack Nicholson starred in Michelangelo Antonioni's "The Passenger" alongside Maria Schneider. He played journalist David Locke, who assumes a new identity in North Africa. The film, shot in Algeria, Spain, Germany, and England, received good reviews and revived Antonioni's reputation.
1976: Role 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, whom he greatly admired and considered an influence.
1981: Nicholson identifies as Irish
In 1981, Jack Nicholson identified as Irish, comparing himself to playwright Eugene O'Neill, referencing his role in the film "Reds".
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 the writer Eugene O'Neill with quiet intensity, garnering an Oscar nomination.
January 26, 1982: Birth of Honey Hollman
On January 26, 1982, Winnie Hollman gave birth to a daughter, Honey Hollman, who was initially believed to be Jack Nicholson's daughter, but was later discovered that her biological father is producer Lou Adler.
1982: Starring in "The Border"
In 1982, Jack Nicholson starred as an immigration enforcement agent in "The Border", directed by Tony Richardson. Richardson wanted Nicholson to portray his role with less expression and wear reflecting sunglasses.
1983: Academy Award for "Terms of Endearment"
In 1983, Jack Nicholson won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove in "Terms of Endearment", directed by James L. Brooks. Nicholson and Shirley MacLaine constantly tested and made adjustments during their scenes, contributing to the film's "buoyant edge."
1984: Nicholson's Doubt about Paternity
In 1984, regarding Susan Anspach's claim that he was the biological father of her son Caleb, Jack Nicholson stated he was not convinced of this.
1985: Starring in "Prizzi's Honor"
In 1985, Jack Nicholson starred in "Prizzi's Honor", directed by John Huston, which earned him another Oscar nomination.
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". His role in "Ironweed" earned him another Oscar nomination.
1988: Support for Michael Dukakis
In 1988, Jack Nicholson supported Michael Dukakis in the US presidential election.
1989: Playing the Joker in "Batman"
In 1989, Jack Nicholson played the Joker in the "Batman" movie. The film was an international success, earning him an estimated $60 million to $90 million.
April 16, 1990: Birth of daughter Lorraine
On April 16, 1990, Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard's daughter, Lorraine, was born.
1990: End of Relationship with Anjelica Huston
In 1990, Jack Nicholson's relationship with Anjelica Huston ended amidst the actress Rebecca Broussard's first pregnancy by Nicholson.
February 20, 1992: Birth of son Raymond
On February 20, 1992, Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard's son, Raymond, was born.
1992: Role in "A Few Good Men"
In 1992, Jack Nicholson received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup in "A Few Good Men", portraying the "essence of the quintessential military mindset."
1992: Razzie Nominations for "Man Trouble" and "Hoffa"
In 1992, Jack Nicholson was nominated for Razzie Awards as worst actor for "Man Trouble" and "Hoffa". However, his performance in "Hoffa" also earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
1992: Statement on Faith
In a 1992 Vanity Fair interview, Jack Nicholson stated that he no longer believes in God but envies those who have faith, acknowledging its potential for providing a deeply soothing experience.
February 8, 1994: Golf Club 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. Charges were dropped after Nicholson apologized and reached a settlement with Blank.
August 15, 1994: Reported Birth of daughter Tessa
On August 15, 1994, Jack Nicholson reportedly had a daughter, Tessa, with waitress Jeannine Gourin, though Nicholson has never publicly acknowledged her.
1995: Edward Ruscha comments on Nicholson's Art Collection
In 1995, artist Edward Ruscha commented that Jack Nicholson has "one of the best collections out here" of 20th-century and contemporary paintings.
1996: Caleb's Claim of Recognition
In 1996, Caleb Goddard claimed that Jack Nicholson had privately recognized him as his son, despite Nicholson's earlier doubts.
1996: Collaboration on "Mars Attacks!"
In 1996, Jack Nicholson collaborated with Tim Burton on "Mars Attacks!", playing two characters: President James Dale and Art Land.
1996: Lawsuit from Catherine Sheehan
In 1996, a lawsuit was brought against Jack Nicholson by Catherine Sheehan, who alleged that he promised her $1,000 for sex and then assaulted her when she asked for the money. She received a settlement of about $40,000, but filed another lawsuit against him, arguing that the settlement was insufficient to cover the injuries inflicted upon her, including brain trauma, which she said were "actually killing her." The case was dismissed.
1997: Death of Donald Furcillo
In 1997, Donald Furcillo, who married Jack Nicholson's mother, passed away.
1997: Academy Award for "As Good as It Gets"
In 1997, Jack Nicholson won his next Academy Award for Best Actor in the romantic comedy "As Good as It Gets", his third film directed by James L. Brooks. Nicholson played Melvin Udall, a "wickedly funny" novelist with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The film was a box-office success, grossing $314 million.
1998: Public Acknowledgment of Caleb as Son
By 1998, Jack Nicholson publicly acknowledged Caleb Goddard as his son, stating that they had a good relationship.
1999: Discovery of Honey Hollman's Paternity
In 1999, it was discovered that Honey Hollman's biological father is producer Lou Adler, despite this, Honey later stated she has a “normal father-daughter relationship” with Nicholson.
2000: Breakup with Lara Flynn Boyle
In 2000, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle initially broke up, later reuniting before splitting permanently in 2004.
2001: Stanislavsky Award and Starring in "The Pledge"
In 2001, Jack Nicholson received the Stanislavsky Award at the 23rd Moscow International Film Festival. He also starred in "The Pledge", portraying retired police detective Jerry Black.
2002: Starring in "About Schmidt"
In 2002, Jack Nicholson starred in Alexander Payne's comedy-drama "About Schmidt", playing a retired actuary. His performance earned him nominations for multiple awards.
May 2003: Near Ejection 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"
In 2003, Jack Nicholson starred in "Anger Management", playing an aggressive therapist assigned to help an overly pacifist man.
2003: Starring in "Something's Gotta Give"
In 2003, Jack Nicholson starred in the romantic comedy "Something's Gotta Give", directed by Nancy Meyers, playing an aging playboy. His performance led to a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
2004: Permanent Split with Lara Flynn Boyle
In 2004, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle split permanently, after which Nicholson was linked to English supermodel Kate Moss.
2004: Attended 50-year high school reunion
In 2004, Jack Nicholson attended his 50-year high school reunion accompanied by his aunt Lorraine.
2004: Purchase of Marlon Brando's Bungalow
In 2004, after Marlon Brando's death, Jack Nicholson purchased his bungalow on Mulholland Drive for $6.1 million with the intention of demolishing it due to its derelict condition and mold issues, out of respect for Brando's legacy.
2005: Attendance at Hunter S. Thompson's Memorial Service
After Thompson died in 2005, Jack Nicholson, along with Johnny Depp, John Cusack, and Sean Penn, attended Hunter S. Thompson's private memorial service in Colorado.
2006: Dating Paz de la Huerta
In 2006, Jack Nicholson dated actress Paz de la Huerta.
2006: Return to the Dark Side in "The Departed"
In late 2006, Jack Nicholson marked his return to the dark side in Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film "The Departed", playing Frank Costello, a Boston Irish Mob boss. The role earned him critical praise and a Golden Globe nomination.
2007: Co-starring in "The Bucket List"
In 2007, Jack Nicholson co-starred with Morgan Freeman in Rob Reiner's "The Bucket List", portraying dying men fulfilling their goals. He researched the role by visiting a Los Angeles hospital to observe cancer patients.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton
In 2008, Jack Nicholson supported Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election.
2010: Nicholson retired from acting after starring in How Do You Know
In 2010, Jack Nicholson retired from acting after starring in the film "How Do You Know".
2010: Starring 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 film was a financial and critical failure.
2011: Honorary Degree from Brown University
In 2011, Jack Nicholson received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University, with the university's president calling him "the most skilled actor of our lifetime".
September 2013: Vanity Fair Article
In September 2013, Jack Nicholson said in a Vanity Fair article that he did not consider himself retired but was less driven to work.
February 15, 2015: 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
After the death of boxer 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: Abandoned Toni Erdmann Remake
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.
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.
January 2020: Reaction to Kobe Bryant's Death
In January 2020, after the death of former Lakers star Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, Jack Nicholson gave a rare phone interview to Los Angeles station KCBS-TV expressing his grief.
2020: Support for Bernie Sanders
In 2020, Jack Nicholson supported Bernie Sanders in the US presidential election.
2021: Withdrawal from Public Appearances
By 2021, Jack Nicholson had stopped his regular attendance at Lakers games and had withdrawn from public appearances.
November 2, 2023: Lou Adler shares anecdote about Jack Nicholson's unofficial retirement
On November 2, 2023, record producer Lou Adler, a friend of Jack Nicholson, mentioned on Marc Maron's podcast, WTF with Marc Maron, that Nicholson unofficially retired from acting after 13 years since his last film, stating that Nicholson was content with a quiet life of reading and relaxation.
2023: Attendance at Lakers Playoff Game
In 2023, Jack Nicholson attended a Lakers playoff game, marking his first appearance at a Lakers game in nearly two years.
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