History of Jack Nicholson in Timeline
Jack Nicholson is a highly acclaimed, now-retired American actor and filmmaker, considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Known for portraying rebellious characters, his career spanned five decades, garnering him numerous prestigious awards. These include three Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.
1909: Birth of Donald Rose
In 1909, Donald Rose, who married June Frances 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 to Donald Furcillo
In 1936, June Nicholson married Italian-American showman Donald Furcillo (stage name Donald Rose).
April 22, 1937: Birth of John Joseph Nicholson
On April 22, 1937, John Joseph Nicholson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey, to June Frances Nicholson, who was a showgirl.
1950: Visit to California and MGM Job
In 1950, Nicholson first visited California and took a job as an office worker for animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at the MGM cartoon studio.
1954: Class Clown
In 1954, Jack Nicholson was voted "Class Clown" by his class at Manasquan High School.
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 the low-budget teen drama "The Cry Baby Killer", playing the title role.
1960: Starred in The Wild Ride
In 1960, Nicholson starred as a rebellious dirt-track race driver in the film "The Wild Ride".
1961: Called up for extended active duty
During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Nicholson was called up for several months of extended active duty in the Air National Guard.
1962: Marriage to Sandra Knight
In 1962, Jack Nicholson married Sandra Knight, his co-star in the movie "The Terror".
1962: Discharge from Air National Guard
In 1962, Nicholson was discharged from the 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 from his marriage to Sandra Knight.
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, though their divorce was finalized in 1968.
1967: Screenplay for The Trip
In 1967, Nicholson gained writing success with the screenplay for the counterculture film "The Trip".
1968: Divorce from Sandra Knight
In 1968, Jack Nicholson's marriage to Sandra Knight ended, though they had separated in 1966.
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 career had a break through when he played George Hanson in "Easy Rider", earning his first Oscar nomination.
September 26, 1970: Birth of Caleb Goddard
On September 26, 1970, Caleb Goddard was born. Susan Anspach contended that Caleb, whose legal father was Mark Goddard, was Nicholson's biological son.
1970: Lakers Season Ticket Holder
In 1970, Jack Nicholson became a Los Angeles Lakers season ticket holder, securing courtside seats near the opponent's benches.
1970: Death of Grandmother
In 1970, Jack Nicholson's grandmother passed away.
1970: Film Adaptation of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
In 1970, Nicholson appeared in the film adaptation of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever", although most of his performance was cut.
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", receiving an Academy Award nomination for his performance.
1971: Relationship with Michelle Phillips Begins
In 1971, Jack Nicholson started a relationship with singer Michelle Phillips, Dennis Hopper's ex-wife.
1971: Role in Carnal Knowledge
In 1971, Nicholson played a notable role in "Carnal Knowledge".
1972: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1972, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1972: Support for George McGovern
In 1972, Jack Nicholson supported George McGovern in the presidential election, identifying as a "lifelong Irish Democrat".
1972: Michelle Phillips Suffers 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 his longest relationship with actress Anjelica Huston.
1973: Starred in The Last Detail
In 1973, Nicholson starred in "The Last Detail", winning Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival and earning an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination.
1974: Oscar Nomination for The Last Detail and Chinatown
In 1974, Nicholson received two Oscar nominations for his roles in "The Last Detail" and "Chinatown".
1974: Starred in Chinatown
In 1974, Nicholson starred in Roman Polanski's "Chinatown", receiving an Academy Award nomination.
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.
1975: Starred in "The Passenger"
In 1975, Jack Nicholson also starred in Michelangelo Antonioni's "The Passenger" as David Locke, a journalist who assumes a new identity. Nicholson thought so highly of the film that he bought the world rights and recorded a reminiscence of working with Antonioni.
1975: Starred 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. Nicholson's portrayal of an anti-authoritarian patient in a mental hospital earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, with the film winning a total of five awards.
1975: Academy Award for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
In 1975, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Randle McMurphy in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".
1976: Starred in "The Missouri Breaks"
In 1976, Jack Nicholson took a role in Arthur Penn's western, "The Missouri Breaks", specifically to work with Marlon Brando. Nicholson was inspired by Brando's acting ability.
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 a minor, Samantha Geimer.
1978: Presented 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: Starred in "The Shining"
In 1980, Jack Nicholson starred as Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's "The Shining". Nicholson drew upon his own experiences as a writer and slept short hours to help remain in an agitated state during the shoot. Nicholson also improvised the now-famous "Here's Johnny!" line.
1981: Starred 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.
1981: Role in Reds and Irish Identity
In 1981, Nicholson played Eugene O'Neill in the film "Reds" and identified with his Irish heritage.
1981: Oscar Nomination for Reds
In 1981, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Reds".
January 26, 1982: Birth of Daughter Honey Hollman
On January 26, 1982, Jack Nicholson's daughter, Honey Hollman, was born to Danish model Winnie Hollman. It was later discovered that Honey's biological father is producer Lou Adler.
1982: Starred in "The Border"
In 1982, Jack Nicholson starred in Tony Richardson's "The Border" as an immigration enforcement agent. Richardson directed Nicholson to play the role less expressively and to wear reflecting sunglasses.
1983: Won Oscar for "Terms of Endearment"
In 1983, Jack Nicholson won his second Oscar, an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for his role as retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove in James L. Brooks' "Terms of Endearment".
1983: Academy Award for Terms of Endearment
In 1983, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as an aging playboy in "Terms of Endearment".
1984: Nicholson Addresses Paternity Claims
In 1984, Jack Nicholson stated he was not convinced that Caleb Goddard was his biological son.
1985: Starred in "Prizzi's Honor"
In 1985, Jack Nicholson starred in "Prizzi's Honor", directed by John Huston.
1985: Oscar Nomination for Prizzi's Honor
In 1985, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Prizzi's Honor".
1986: Starred in "Heartburn"
In 1986, Jack Nicholson starred in "Heartburn".
1987: Starred in "The Witches of Eastwick", "Broadcast News", and "Ironweed"
In 1987, Jack Nicholson starred in "The Witches of Eastwick", "Broadcast News", and "Ironweed".
1987: Role in Broadcast News
In 1987, Nicholson played a notable role in "Broadcast News".
1987: Oscar Nomination for Ironweed
In 1987, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Ironweed".
1988: Support for Michael Dukakis
In 1988, Jack Nicholson supported Michael Dukakis in the presidential election.
1989: Played the Joker in "Batman"
In 1989, Jack Nicholson played the Joker in the "Batman" movie, earning a significant percentage of the box office gross.
1989: Role in Batman
In 1989, Nicholson played a notable role in "Batman".
April 16, 1990: Birth of Daughter Lorraine Nicholson
On April 16, 1990, Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard's daughter, Lorraine Nicholson, was born.
1990: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1990, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1990: Relationship with Anjelica Huston Ends
In 1990, Jack Nicholson's relationship with Anjelica Huston ended amidst Rebecca Broussard's first pregnancy.
1990: Directed The Two Jakes
In 1990, Nicholson directed the film "The Two Jakes".
February 20, 1992: Birth of Son Raymond Nicholson
On February 20, 1992, Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard's son, Raymond Nicholson, was born.
1992: Starred in "A Few Good Men"
In 1992, Jack Nicholson received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup in "A Few Good Men".
1992: Razzie Nominations for "Man Trouble" and "Hoffa"
In 1992, Jack Nicholson was nominated for Razzie Awards for worst actor for "Man Trouble" and "Hoffa". However, his performance in "Hoffa" also earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
1992: Oscar Nomination for A Few Good Men
In 1992, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "A Few Good Men".
1992: Nicholson's Views on Religion
In a 1992 Vanity Fair interview, Jack Nicholson expressed admiration for Catholicism but stated that he no longer believed in God, while envying those with faith.
1993: Presented 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, Robert Blank stated that Jack Nicholson attacked his Mercedes-Benz with a golf club after accusing him of cutting him off in traffic in North Hollywood. Nicholson later apologized and reached a settlement, including a reported $500,000 check.
August 15, 1994: Reported Birth of Daughter Tessa Gourin
On August 15, 1994, Jack Nicholson reportedly had a daughter, Tessa, with waitress Jeannine Gourin, though he has never publicly acknowledged her.
1994: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 1994, Nicholson was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award.
1995: Recognition as Art Collector
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 Goddard Claims Nicholson Recognized Him
In 1996, Caleb Goddard claimed that Jack Nicholson had privately recognized him as his son.
1996: Starred in "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, Jack Nicholson was sued by Catherine Sheehan, who alleged assault after a promise of payment for sex. Sheehan received a settlement but filed another lawsuit, which was later dismissed.
1997: Death of Donald Rose
In 1997, Donald Rose, who married June Frances Nicholson, passed away.
1997: Won Oscar for "As Good as It Gets"
In 1997, Jack Nicholson won his third Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Melvin Udall in "As Good as It Gets".
1997: Academy Award for As Good as It Gets
In 1997, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as a man with OCD in "As Good as It Gets".
1998: Nicholson Publicly Acknowledges Caleb as His Son
By 1998, Jack Nicholson publicly acknowledged Caleb Goddard as his son and stated that they had a good relationship.
1999: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 1999, Nicholson was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
1999: Discovery of Honey Hollman's Biological Father
In 1999, it was discovered that Honey Hollman's biological father is producer Lou Adler, despite this Honey stated she has a “normal father-daughter relationship” with Nicholson.
2000: Initial Breakup with Lara Flynn Boyle
In 2000, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle initially broke up, later reuniting.
2001: Received Stanislavsky Award and starred in "The Pledge"
In 2001, Jack Nicholson received the Stanislavsky Award at the Moscow International Film Festival and starred in "The Pledge" as retired police detective Jerry Black.
2001: Kennedy Center Honor
In 2001, Nicholson was honored with the Kennedy Center Honor.
2002: Starred in "About Schmidt"
In 2002, Jack Nicholson starred in "About Schmidt", playing a retired actuary who questions his life.
2002: Oscar Nomination for About Schmidt
In 2002, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "About Schmidt".
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: Publication of 'Kingdom of Fear'
In 2003, Hunter S. Thompson's autobiography, 'Kingdom of Fear', described Jack Nicholson's friendship with the author.
2003: Starred in "Anger Management"
In 2003, Jack Nicholson starred in "Anger Management" as an aggressive therapist assigned to help an overly pacifist man.
2003: Starred in "Something's Gotta Give"
In 2003, Jack Nicholson starred in "Something's Gotta Give" as an aging playboy who falls for the mother of his young girlfriend.
2003: Roles in Anger Management and Something's Gotta Give
In 2003, Nicholson appeared in "Anger Management" and "Something's Gotta Give".
2004: Permanent Split with Lara Flynn Boyle
In 2004, Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle split permanently, after which 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.
2004: Purchase and Demolition of Marlon Brando's Bungalow
In 2004, after Marlon Brando's death, Jack Nicholson purchased Brando's bungalow for $6.1 million with the intention of demolishing it out of respect for Brando's legacy due to its derelict condition.
2005: Attendance at Hunter S. Thompson's Memorial Service
In 2005, after Hunter S. Thompson's death, Jack Nicholson, along with other actors, attended his private memorial service in Colorado.
2006: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture
In 2006, Jack Nicholson co-presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2006: Dating Paz de la Huerta
In 2006, Jack Nicholson dated actress Paz de la Huerta.
2006: Starred in "The Departed"
In 2006, Jack Nicholson starred in Martin Scorsese's "The Departed", playing a nefarious Boston Irish Mob boss.
2007: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture
In 2007, Jack Nicholson co-presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2007: Co-starred in "The Bucket List"
In 2007, Jack Nicholson co-starred with Morgan Freeman in Rob Reiner's "The Bucket List", playing a dying man who fulfills his list of goals.
May 2008: Announcement of California Hall of Fame Induction
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: Induction into California Hall of Fame
On December 15, 2008, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the California Hall of Fame alongside 11 other Californians during a ceremony at The California Museum in Sacramento.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton
In 2008, Jack Nicholson supported Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign.
2010: Starred in "How Do You Know"
In 2010, Jack Nicholson had a supporting role in the film "How Do You Know".
2010: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2010, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions and achievements.
2010: Starred in How Do You Know and Retired
In 2010, Nicholson starred in "How Do You Know" and subsequently retired from acting.
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, Ruth Simmons, praising him as "the most skilled actor of our lifetime".
September 2013: Nicholson discussed his career in Vanity Fair
In September 2013, Jack Nicholson stated in a Vanity Fair article that he was less driven to be actively working.
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 on HBO about Muhammad Ali
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: 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: Declined appearance 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 declined.
October 2019: Declined Cameo in "Doctor Sleep"
In October 2019, director Mike Flanagan revealed that Jack Nicholson declined a cameo appearance in "Doctor Sleep", the sequel to "The Shining".
January 2020: Reaction to Kobe Bryant's Death
In January 2020, after the death of Kobe Bryant, Jack Nicholson gave a rare phone interview expressing his grief to Los Angeles station KCBS-TV.
2020: Support for Bernie Sanders
In 2020, Jack Nicholson supported Bernie Sanders in the presidential election.
2021: Withdrawal from Public Appearances
By 2021, Jack Nicholson's regular attendance at Lakers games had stopped, as he withdrew from public appearances.
November 2, 2023: Lou Adler Shares Anecdote About Nicholson's Unofficial Retirement
On November 2, 2023, during an episode of Marc Maron's podcast, WTF with Marc Maron, Lou Adler, a longtime friend, mentioned that Jack Nicholson unofficially retired from acting 13 years after "How Do You Know", preferring a quiet life of reading and relaxation.
2023: "How Do You Know" remains Nicholson's last film role
As of 2023, "How Do You Know" remains Jack Nicholson's last film role, bringing his filmography to 80 films.
2023: Appearance 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.
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. He introduced Adam Sandler who performed a tribute song to the show.
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