Jack Nicholson is a celebrated American actor and filmmaker whose career spanned over five decades. Known for portraying rebellious characters, he is considered one of the 20th century's greatest actors. His accolades include three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award, the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award (1994), and the Kennedy Center Honor (2001).
Donald Furcillo, the man who raised Jack Nicholson, was born in 1909.
June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, was born in 1918.
June Frances Nicholson and Donald Furcillo were married in 1936. It was later discovered that Furcillo was already married at the time.
On April 22, 1937, Jack Nicholson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey.
At the age of 13, Jack Nicholson first arrived in California to visit his sister in 1950.
Jack Nicholson graduated from Manasquan High School in 1954, where he was voted "Class Clown."
May 5, 1955, marked Jack Nicholson's first day as a working actor on the set of "Tales of Wells Fargo."
In 1957, Jack Nicholson joined the California Air National Guard.
Jack Nicholson made his film debut in the low-budget teen drama "The Cry Baby Killer" in 1958.
Jack Nicholson starred as a rebellious dirt-track race driver in the 1960 film "The Wild Ride."
Jack Nicholson was called up for several months of extended active duty in the Air National Guard during the Berlin Crisis of 1961.
In 1962, Jack Nicholson married actress Sandra Knight, his co-star in the film "The Terror."
Jack Nicholson was discharged from the Air National Guard in 1962.
On September 13, 1963, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, into the world.
June Frances Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's mother, passed away in 1963.
Jack Nicholson's grandmother passed away in 1963.
Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight's marriage faced challenges, leading to their separation in 1966.
Jack Nicholson co-wrote the screenplay for the counterculture film "The Trip," which was directed by Roger Corman and starred Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, in 1967.
After a period of separation, Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight's divorce was finalized in 1968.
In 1969, Jack Nicholson landed his breakthrough role as George Hanson in "Easy Rider," directed by Dennis Hopper and starring Peter Fonda. This counterculture classic earned him his first Oscar nomination and established him as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Jack Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in the 1969 film "Easy Rider."
Susan Anspach, Jack Nicholson's co-star in the film "Five Easy Pieces," asserted that Nicholson was the biological father of her son, Caleb, born on September 26, 1970.
In 1970, Jack Nicholson appeared in the film adaptation of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," though much of his performance was cut. He also declined a role in "Deliverance" due to a payment dispute with the filmmakers.
Jack Nicholson starred in "Five Easy Pieces" in 1970, playing the memorable character Bobby Dupea. This performance earned him another Academy Award nomination and solidified his reputation for portraying complex, unconventional characters.
Jack Nicholson's long-standing support for the Los Angeles Lakers began in 1970 when he became a season ticket holder, maintaining courtside seats near the opponent's benches at both The Forum and Staples Center.
Jack Nicholson's other grandmother passed away in 1970.
Jack Nicholson's performance in "Five Easy Pieces" earned him an Academy Award nomination in 1970.
Jack Nicholson's romantic life took another turn in 1971 when he embarked on a relationship with singer Michelle Phillips, the former wife of his close friend Dennis Hopper.
Jack Nicholson stepped behind the camera to direct the film "Drive, He Said" in 1971.
Jack Nicholson starred in Mike Nichols' comedy-drama "Carnal Knowledge" in 1971, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. The film featured a star-studded cast, and Nicholson's performance further solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
In 1971, Jack Nicholson had a notable role in the film "Carnal Knowledge."
Jack Nicholson's political leanings were evident in 1972 when he supported George McGovern in the presidential election.
Tragedy struck Jack Nicholson and Michelle Phillips in 1972 when Phillips suffered a miscarriage during their relationship.
In 1973, Jack Nicholson entered into a long-term relationship with actress Anjelica Huston, which would span 17 years.
Jack Nicholson won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in "The Last Detail" in 1973. He also received his third Oscar nomination for this performance, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.
1974 was a notable year for Jack Nicholson with two Academy Award nominations, one for "The Last Detail" and another for "Chinatown."
In 1974, Jack Nicholson starred in Roman Polanski's neo-noir thriller "Chinatown," delivering another critically acclaimed performance as Jake Gittes. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination and cemented his position as a top-tier actor.
In 1974, Time magazine researchers informed Jack Nicholson that his "sister" June was actually his mother and his other "sister" Lorraine was his aunt.
Jack Nicholson achieved a career milestone in 1975 with his role as Randle P. McMurphy in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." His performance as a rebellious patient in a mental institution earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
Jack Nicholson starred in Michelangelo Antonioni's "The Passenger" in 1975, playing a journalist who assumes a new identity with unforeseen consequences. The film, praised for its dialogue and acting, marked a significant collaboration in Nicholson's career.
Jack Nicholson's performance in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1975.
In 1976, Nicholson took on diverse roles, including a small part in "The Last Tycoon" alongside Robert De Niro and a less sympathetic character in "The Missouri Breaks," driven by his desire to work with Marlon Brando. He drew inspiration from Brando's impactful acting, having watched "On the Waterfront" numerous times in his youth.
While Jack Nicholson was away filming in 1977, director Roman Polanski was arrested at his home for the sexual assault of a minor. Nicholson's then-girlfriend, Anjelica Huston, briefly encountered Polanski and the victim at the house but was unaware of the situation's gravity at the time.
In 1978, Jack Nicholson directed the Western comedy film "Goin' South."
Despite not winning an Oscar for his role in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" in 1980, Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance remains iconic. Kubrick praised his acting, comparing it to legends like Spencer Tracy and Jimmy Cagney. Nicholson prepared by drawing on his writing experience and sleep deprivation to embody an agitated state. He improvised the famous "Here's Johnny!" line and a scene showcasing anger towards his character's wife. His dedication involved numerous takes and a commitment to Kubrick's meticulous direction.
Jack Nicholson delivered a memorable performance in the 1980 horror film "The Shining."
Jack Nicholson's performance in the 1981 film "Reds" was recognized with an Academy Award nomination.
Nicholson maintained a prolific output in the 1980s, starring in films like "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "Reds." His portrayal of Eugene O'Neill in "Reds" showcased a subdued intensity, garnering him an Oscar nomination. Three nominations followed for "Reds," "Prizzi's Honor," and "Ironweed," highlighting his acting prowess. Directors like John Huston praised his ability to illuminate characters and deliver compelling performances, often in single takes.
On January 26, 1982, Danish model Winnie Hollman gave birth to a daughter, Honey, who is alleged to be Jack Nicholson's child. However, Nicholson has never publicly confirmed his paternity.
In 1982, Nicholson starred in "The Border" as an immigration enforcement agent. Director Tony Richardson encouraged a restrained performance, contrasting with Nicholson's previous work. Richardson emphasized subtlety, even suggesting reflective sunglasses for authenticity. Despite the shift in style, Nicholson's dedication to the role remained evident.
Jack Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1983 film "Terms of Endearment."
Nicholson's performance as Garrett Breedlove in 1983's "Terms of Endearment" earned him his second Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor. The film, directed by James L. Brooks, featured a complex character portrayed with nuance. Nicholson and co-star Shirley MacLaine engaged in a dynamic on-set process, constantly experimenting to enhance their scenes. Their chemistry brought a unique energy to the film.
In 1984, Jack Nicholson expressed uncertainty regarding his alleged paternity of Caleb Goddard.
In 1985, Nicholson starred in "Prizzi's Honor," directed by John Huston. Huston lauded Nicholson's performance, stating that he "illuminates the book" and delivered impressive takes. The film showcased Nicholson's ability to embody complex characters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
In 1986, Jack Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film "Prizzi's Honor."
Nicholson took on the romantic comedy genre in 1986 with "Heartburn." This demonstrated his willingness to explore different types of roles and expand his range as an actor.
1987 marked a year of diverse roles for Nicholson, starring in films like "The Witches of Eastwick," "Broadcast News," and "Ironweed." These films showcased his versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and character types, earning him critical acclaim and awards recognition.
Jack Nicholson's performance in the film "Ironweed" garnered him an Academy Award nomination in 1987.
Jack Nicholson demonstrated his continued political engagement in 1988 by supporting Michael Dukakis in the presidential election.
In 1989, Jack Nicholson portrayed the iconic villain, the Joker, in Tim Burton's "Batman."
Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker in Tim Burton's 1989 film "Batman" became legendary. The film was a global phenomenon, and Nicholson's performance earned him significant financial gains through a percentage of the box office revenue. He considered his Joker portrayal a piece of "pop art," highlighting his impact on popular culture.
Actress Rebecca Broussard gave birth to Jack Nicholson's daughter, Lorraine, on April 16, 1990.
Jack Nicholson directed the neo-noir mystery film "The Two Jakes" in 1990.
Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston's tumultuous relationship, marked by periods of separation and reconciliation, ultimately came to an end in 1990.
On February 20, 1992, Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard welcomed their second child together, a son named Raymond.
In a 1992 interview with Vanity Fair, Jack Nicholson discussed his evolving relationship with religion. Raised Roman Catholic, he expressed admiration for the faith but acknowledged that he no longer believed in God, even confessing to sometimes envying those who possessed faith.
Jack Nicholson's performance in the 1992 film "A Few Good Men" earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Nicholson's performance as the intense Col. Nathan R. Jessup in 1992's "A Few Good Men" earned him another Oscar nomination. Critics praised his portrayal of the military mindset, with his character described as "spellbinding" and "blazing." Director Rob Reiner noted Nicholson's impact on the cast, raising the bar for everyone's performance.
Nicholson's portrayal of Jimmy Hoffa in the 1992 biopic "Hoffa" presented a complex and controversial figure. While the film received mixed reviews, Nicholson's performance garnered both a Golden Globe nomination and a Razzie Award nomination. Some critics, like David Thomson, believed it was one of his best screen characters, showcasing his range and ability to embody multifaceted personalities.
On February 8, 1994, Jack Nicholson was involved in a road rage incident in North Hollywood. According to a criminal complaint filed by Robert Blank, Nicholson confronted Blank at a red light, accusing him of cutting him off. The altercation escalated, with Nicholson allegedly using a golf club to damage Blank's car. While misdemeanor charges were filed, they were later dropped after Nicholson apologized and reached a settlement with Blank.
On August 15, 1994, waitress Jeannine Gourin gave birth to a daughter, Tessa, who is alleged to be Jack Nicholson's child. However, Nicholson has never publicly confirmed his paternity.
In 1994, Jack Nicholson was honored with the American Film Institute's prestigious Life Achievement Award.
Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard's relationship ended in separation in 1994.
In 1995, artist Edward Ruscha praised Jack Nicholson's extensive collection of 20th-century and contemporary art, describing it as one of the best in the area.
Jack Nicholson had a notable role in the 1996 science fiction comedy film "Mars Attacks!"
Caleb Goddard claimed in 1996 that Jack Nicholson had privately acknowledged him as his son.
In 1996, Nicholson reunited with Tim Burton for "Mars Attacks!" playing two distinct characters, President James Dale and Art Land. Burton's decision to create two roles for Nicholson arose from studio executives' reluctance to kill off his character. This showcased Nicholson's versatility and comedic timing in a unique way.
In 1996, Jack Nicholson faced a lawsuit from Catherine Sheehan, who accused him of assault and failing to pay for sex. While the case was settled for $40,000, Sheehan later filed another lawsuit claiming the settlement was insufficient to cover her injuries, including brain trauma. This subsequent lawsuit was dismissed.
Donald Furcillo, who June Frances Nicholson married and who raised Jack Nicholson, passed away in 1997.
Jack Nicholson received his third Academy Award, winning Best Actor for his role in "As Good as It Gets" in 1997.
Nicholson's performance as Melvin Udall, a novelist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, in 1997's "As Good as It Gets" earned him his third Oscar, tying him with acting legends for most wins. Directed by James L. Brooks, the film was a box-office hit and showcased Nicholson's comedic talent. His win coincided with Helen Hunt's Best Actress Oscar for her role in the film.
In 1998, Jack Nicholson publicly acknowledged Caleb Goddard as his son, noting that they had developed a positive relationship.
In the late 1990s, Jack Nicholson began a relationship with actress Lara Flynn Boyle. They broke up in 2000 but later reconciled.
In 2001, Jack Nicholson achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first recipient of the Stanislavsky Award at the 23rd Moscow International Film Festival, recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication to acting. The same year, he showcased his versatility in "The Pledge," a gripping mystery drama where he portrayed Jerry Black, a retired police detective driven by a promise to uncover the truth behind a young girl's murder. His performance garnered critical acclaim, with praise for its depth and emotional resonance.
In 2001, Jack Nicholson's contributions to the arts were recognized with the Kennedy Center Honor.
In 2002, Jack Nicholson delivered a compelling performance in Alexander Payne's comedy-drama "About Schmidt." Playing Warren Schmidt, a retired actuary grappling with loss and self-discovery, Nicholson's understated yet powerful portrayal resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him widespread recognition and award nominations, including Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Jack Nicholson received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 2002 film "About Schmidt."
Known for his passionate support of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jack Nicholson was almost ejected from a playoff game in May 2003 after a heated exchange with a referee.
Jack Nicholson's friendship with Hunter S. Thompson was documented in Thompson's autobiography "Kingdom of Fear," published in 2003.
In 2003, Jack Nicholson starred in the romantic comedy "Something's Gotta Give."
In 2003, Jack Nicholson showcased his range by taking on diverse roles in two notable films. In the comedy "Anger Management," he played Dr. Buddy Rydell, an unconventional therapist with unorthodox methods, starring opposite Adam Sandler. That same year, he charmed audiences in Nancy Meyers' romantic comedy "Something's Gotta Give," portraying an aging playboy who finds himself falling for an unexpected love interest played by Diane Keaton. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Following Marlon Brando's death in 2004, Jack Nicholson purchased his neighbor's bungalow on Mulholland Drive for $6.1 million and then had it demolished. Nicholson's reason for this was due to the property's poor condition and his desire to honor Brando's legacy by preventing further deterioration.
In 2004, Jack Nicholson attended his 50-year high school reunion at Manasquan High School.
Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle's on-again, off-again relationship came to a definitive end in 2004.
In 2005, following Hunter S. Thompson's death, Jack Nicholson joined other actors, including Johnny Depp, John Cusack, and Sean Penn, at a private memorial service for Thompson in Colorado.
In 2006, Jack Nicholson delivered a powerful and critically acclaimed performance in Martin Scorsese's crime thriller "The Departed." He portrayed Frank Costello, a ruthless Boston Irish Mob boss inspired by the real-life fugitive Whitey Bulger. Nicholson's portrayal earned him global recognition for its intensity and authenticity, garnering him numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Jack Nicholson had a notable role in Martin Scorsese's 2006 crime drama "The Departed."
Jack Nicholson's romantic life continued in 2006 when he was linked to actress Paz de la Huerta.
In 2007, Jack Nicholson starred alongside Morgan Freeman in the comedy-drama film "The Bucket List."
In 2007, Jack Nicholson teamed up with Morgan Freeman for Rob Reiner's heartwarming comedy-drama "The Bucket List." They played two terminally ill men who embark on an unforgettable journey to fulfill their bucket lists before time runs out. Nicholson's performance, informed by his research on cancer patients, added depth and poignancy to the film.
In May 2008, then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver announced that Jack Nicholson would be inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
On December 15, 2008, Jack Nicholson was officially inducted into the California Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the state's arts and culture.
In the 2008 presidential election, Jack Nicholson showed his support for Hillary Clinton.
In 2010, Jack Nicholson reunited with director James L. Brooks for a supporting role in the romantic comedy "How Do You Know," starring Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon, and Owen Wilson.
In recognition of his achievements and impact on his home state, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2010.
Jack Nicholson's contributions to the arts were further recognized in 2011 when Brown University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree at their 243rd commencement ceremony, with the university's president, Ruth Simmons, hailing him as the "most skilled actor of our lifetime."
In September 2013, Jack Nicholson clarified his stance on retirement in a "Vanity Fair" article, stating that while he no longer felt the same drive to act, he did not consider himself retired.
On February 15, 2015, Jack Nicholson made a memorable guest appearance as a presenter on "SNL 40," the 40th anniversary special of the iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live."
Following the passing of boxing legend Muhammad Ali on June 3, 2016, Jack Nicholson paid tribute to his friend in an exclusive interview on HBO's "The Fight Game with Jim Lampley," sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on their relationship.
In 2017, Jack Nicholson was slated to star opposite Kristen Wiig in an English-language remake of the acclaimed German comedy-drama "Toni Erdmann." However, the project was ultimately shelved.
It was also disclosed that Jack Nicholson had previously turned down an opportunity to appear in Steven Spielberg's science-fiction film "Ready Player One" (2018).
Director Mike Flanagan revealed in October 2019 that Jack Nicholson had declined an offer to make a cameo appearance in "Doctor Sleep," the sequel to "The Shining." Nicholson conveyed his best wishes to the film's cast and crew.
Following the death of Kobe Bryant in January 2020, Jack Nicholson, a devoted Lakers fan, expressed his deep sadness in a rare phone interview with a Los Angeles TV station.
Jack Nicholson's political support in the 2020 presidential election went to Bernie Sanders.
By 2021, Jack Nicholson's regular attendance at Lakers games had ceased as he began to withdraw from public appearances.
During a podcast interview on "WTF with Marc Maron" on November 2, 2023, record producer Lou Adler, a longtime friend of Jack Nicholson's, shared insights into the actor's unofficial retirement. Adler recounted an anecdote about a friend who had approached Nicholson for a film role, only to be told that Nicholson preferred spending his days reading under a tree. Adler's remarks suggested that Nicholson was content with his decision to step away from acting and prioritize his personal life.
After a nearly two-year absence, Jack Nicholson made a return to public view in 2023 when he attended a Lakers playoff game.
As of 2023, "How Do You Know" stands as Jack Nicholson's most recent film appearance, marking a significant period since his last on-screen role.