ACTOR · BORN 1937
Jack Nicholson
- Born
- 22 April 1937, Manhattan, New York, USA
- Known for
- The Shining (1980), The Departed (2006), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Batman (1989)
90 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (90)
- #001
Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito met in childhood and formed a lifelong friendship. Relatives of the two families ran a hair salon together, and this shared business gave them a reason to see each other often during their youth. The early bond endured throughout their Hollywood careers, reinforcing the respect and affection they held for one another.
- #002
Beyond acting, Jack Nicholson is known in the film industry as a sought-after ghostwriter. He writes screenplays anonymously and earns a very good income from the work. Though often overlooked, this side of him reflects his versatility and his talent as a writer.
- #003
Over the course of his acting career, Jack Nicholson was nominated for an Oscar in five different decades and in two different centuries. Spanning the 1960s to the 2000s, this run is proof of his impressive performances across generations. The unique achievement places him in a privileged position in cinema history.
- #004
While playing the Joker in Batman, Jack Nicholson described the character as 'a psychotic version of Bugs Bunny.' The curious comparison summed up the character's chaotic and playful yet equally dangerous nature. Nicholson's interpretation helped make the Joker one of the most unforgettable villains in cinema history.
- #005
Jack Nicholson's first screen test took place in the presence of Louis B. Mayer, the legendary head of MGM. After evaluating the young actor, Mayer said: 'I don't know what we can use you for, but if we ever need you, we'll really need you.' Those prophetic words foreshadowed Nicholson becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
- #006
Bob Kane, the creator of Batman, personally suggested Jack Nicholson for the role of the Joker in the 1989 film Batman. Kane's suggestion showed his belief in Nicholson's suitability for the character. In the end, Nicholson's take on the Joker drew great praise from both critics and audiences and became one of the most iconic portrayals of the character in cinema history.
- #007
Jack Nicholson names 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), 'Batman' (1989), 'Hoffa' (1992) and 'As Good as It Gets' (1997) as his favorite performances of his own acting career. These productions display his mastery in both dramatic and character-driven roles. Nicholson's choices also lay bare the variety and depth of his career.
- #008
Jack Nicholson is known for his love of jokes at his own expense; he attended every Academy Awards ceremony hosted by Billy Crystal. Crystal, seizing the opportunity, found a way to include Nicholson in the broadcast each time. The mutual ribbing became one of the ceremonies' unforgettable moments and reinforced the friendship between the two.
- #009
Jack Nicholson's art collection includes works by giants such as Matisse, Warhol, Tamara de Lempicka and Picasso. The collection is estimated to be worth more than 100 million dollars. Nicholson's devotion to art shows that he is not only a film actor but also a serious art collector.
- #010
Jack Nicholson attended his high school reunion at Manasquan High School in New Jersey 50 years after graduating. His classmates were both surprised and delighted that a famous actor came to the event. The gesture showed Nicholson's attachment to his roots and that he has not forgotten old friends.
- #011
Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Roy Neary in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977). Although he knew the film would be successful, he thought the special effects would overshadow the actors. The decision shows the importance Nicholson places on acting and on a story being character-driven.
- #012
Jack Nicholson dedicated the Oscar he won for his performance in 'As Good as It Gets' (1997) to his co-star J.T. Walsh, who had died shortly before. Walsh had appeared alongside Nicholson in 'A Few Good Men' (1992). The gesture shows Nicholson's respect and loyalty toward his colleagues.
- #013
After the death of his neighbor Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson bought Brando's bungalow for 3.4 million pounds and then had it demolished. The episode stirred curiosity about the relationship between the two legendary actors. Nicholson's move resonated widely in the press and opened a window onto Hollywood's mysterious world.
- #014
The sunglasses that became Jack Nicholson's signature actually have prescription lenses. The actor, who is extremely nearsighted, wears them both for style and out of necessity for his vision. The detail reveals a practical reason behind his look.
- #015
In an interview, Jack Nicholson said that if he could bring together Jim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr. and Johnny Depp, he would start his own wrestling organization. The remark shows his passion for wrestling and his sense of humor. Nicholson's fantasy reflects a personality that pushes the boundaries of the entertainment world.
- #016
Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather' (1972), but he turned it down, saying a real Italian should play it. He was also evaluated for the role of Tom Hagen. Nicholson's decision shows the importance he places on ethical values and his belief that a role should go to the right person.
- #017
Early in his career, Jack Nicholson worked as an office employee for William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in MGM's cartoon department. Hanna and Barbera offered him a job as an animator, but Nicholson turned it down to focus on acting. The decision shows how strong his passion for cinema was.
- #018
Jack Nicholson's first job was as a mail clerk in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon department at MGM studios. The job was his first step into the world of cinema and led him later to pursue an acting career. Nicholson's experience there is regarded as the beginning of his rise in the industry.
- #019
Jack Nicholson's mother, June Frances, was of Irish origin and also had English, Scottish, Welsh and Pennsylvania Dutch (German) ancestry. Nicholson never knew his biological father and was raised by his grandmother and grandfather. For many years he was led to believe that June's older sister was his mother and that his grandparents were his parents. The truth only emerged in 1974 through an investigation by a reporter from Time magazine. That investigation suggested Jack's biological father may have been Donald Furcillo, an Italian immigrant who had a brief marriage to his mother.
- #020
Jack Nicholson lives on the famous Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills. The street is also known as 'Bad Boy Drive' because its residents include Hollywood bad boys such as Warren Beatty and the late Marlon Brando. Nicholson's residence at this address represents his connection to these legendary names and Hollywood's rebellious spirit.
- #021
Jack Nicholson has been a great admirer of Bob Dylan and Louis Armstrong throughout his life. These two musicians reflect his musical taste and his devotion to art. Nicholson's admiration for these names shows his cultural depth and his interest in different branches of art.
- #022
Jack Nicholson presented the Best Picture Oscar to 'Crash' at the 2006 Academy Awards. After the ceremony, he told the press he was surprised because he thought 'Brokeback Mountain' would win. He also admitted that his own vote had gone to 'Brokeback Mountain'. This statement reveals his honesty and his personal views on cinema.
- #023
With the Oscar he won in 1998 for 'As Good as It Gets', Jack Nicholson became the first actor in 20 years to win both the Golden Globe for Best Actor - Comedy and the Oscar for the same role. This double achievement shows he is one of the rare actors able to strike a balance between comedy and drama.
- #024
For many years, Jack Nicholson refused to give television interviews outside of press conferences. In recent years, however, he has occasionally agreed to make brief statements when reporters approach him. He has not appeared on any talk show since 1971, which shows the importance he places on his private life and his preference for staying away from the media.
- #025
In all three films for which Jack Nicholson won an Oscar, the Best Actress award went to the same film: Louise Fletcher for 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), Shirley MacLaine for 'Terms of Endearment' (1983) and Helen Hunt for 'As Good as It Gets' (1997). This coincidence shows that Nicholson appeared in films paired with strong female performances.
- #026
Jack Nicholson presented the Best Picture Oscar eight times, setting a record in this area (1972, 1977, 1978, 1990, 1993, 2006, 2007 and 2013). The first time, in 1972, he accepted the task when many famous names turned it down because Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' was controversial. This courage on Nicholson's part shows his standing in the industry and his willingness to take risks.
- #027
Jack Nicholson regards the Mercedes-Benz 600 model he has owned for 30 years as the best touring car of all time. This vehicle was also the car driven by Tommy Chong's character in 'Up in Smoke' (1978). Nicholson's attachment to this car points to his taste and his loyalty.
- #028
Jack Nicholson received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 4 December 1996, at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. This honour is regarded as an official recognition of his contributions to the world of cinema. Nicholson's star has become one of Hollywood's most iconic symbols.
- #029
As of 2009, Jack Nicholson's estimated fortune was calculated at around 240 million dollars. This great wealth is the result of his long and successful career. Nicholson is known as one of Hollywood's richest actors.
- #030
Jack Nicholson was interested in playing the role of Father in 'A Christmas Story' (1983), but the production budget could not meet his high salary demands. The role was therefore given to another actor. Nicholson's demand shows his value in the industry and his bargaining power.
- #031
As of 2013, Jack Nicholson is one of six actors who have won three acting Oscars. The others are Walter Brennan, Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn (four Oscars), Meryl Streep and Daniel Day-Lewis. This select group represents the most talented and most awarded names in cinema history.
- #032
Jack Nicholson's house on Mulholland Drive once shared the same driveway as the house of Marlon Brando, his co-star in 'The Missouri Breaks' (1976). This neighbourhood reveals the friendship between the two legendary actors and the small world of Hollywood.
- #033
Jack Nicholson was considered for the roles played by Sir Anthony Hopkins in 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991) and 'The Road to Wellville' (1994). These roles were ultimately given to Hopkins, and both performances were widely acclaimed. Nicholson's name being mentioned for these projects shows his reputation in the industry.
- #034
In 1994, in a moment of anger, Jack Nicholson smashed a man's car window with a golf club. In an interview he gave to US magazine after the incident, he expressed regret. This incident laid bare his rebellious personality, which can sometimes get out of control.
- #035
Orson Welles wrote the screenplay for 'The Big Brass Ring' (1999) and wanted Jack Nicholson to play the lead. Although the two artists admired each other, Nicholson did not lower his price, and Welles's financial situation was not enough to meet it. This incident caused an important opportunity to be missed in Nicholson's career.
- #036
Jack Nicholson is a great fan of professional wrestling, and his all-time favourites include Harley Race, Ric Flair and John Cena. These names show his passion for wrestling and his respect for the legends of the sport. Nicholson frequently watches wrestling matches and is known for his knowledge of the subject.
- #037
Jack Nicholson has six children by five different women: Jennifer (1963, with Sandra Knight), Caleb (1970, with Susan Anspach), Honey (1982, with Winnie Hollman), Lorraine (1990) and Ray (1992, with Rebecca Broussard) and Tessa (1994, with Jennine Marie Gourin). This large family structure shows the complexity of his private life and his devotion to his children.
- #038
Jack Nicholson's first passion was screenwriting, but his success in acting overshadowed this side of him. Together with director Monte Hellman, he wrote a screenplay titled 'Epitaph', based partly on his own marriage and dealing with the subject of abortion. This screenplay was rejected by Roger Corman for daring to break the taboos of the time.
- #039
After graduating from Manasquan High School in New Jersey, Jack Nicholson went to California and began working in MGM's cartoon department and in the mailroom. These jobs were his first steps into the film industry and laid the groundwork for his later turn to an acting career.
- #040
Even before Stanley Kubrick cast Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining' (1980), he was Kubrick's first choice for the lead in his unrealised project about the life of Napoléon Bonaparte. This shows Kubrick's confidence in Nicholson's talent. Nicholson is regarded as one of Kubrick's indispensable actors.
- #041
Two of the three performances that won Jack Nicholson an Oscar were directed by James L. Brooks: Terms of Endearment (1983) and As Good as It Gets (1997). This makes him one of four actors to win two Oscars under the same director. The others are Walter Brennan, Dianne Wiest and Christoph Waltz.
- #042
Jack Nicholson is a passionate Los Angeles Lakers fan and often sits next to his good friend Lou Adler at games. He rarely misses a Lakers home game. Contrary to popular belief, Nicholson has never asked production companies to schedule filming around sporting events. He is also a lifelong New York Yankees fan.
- #043
Jack Nicholson is one of five actors to win an acting Oscar for films that also won Best Picture. The others are Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman and Mahershala Ali. Unlike these names, Nicholson also won an acting Oscar for a film that did not win Best Picture.
- #044
The role in Terms of Endearment (1983) was initially offered to Burt Reynolds. When Reynolds turned it down, the part went to Jack Nicholson. The performance won Nicholson an Oscar and the film became one of the key productions of his career.
- #045
Jack Nicholson's Joker performance in Batman (1989) ranks 45th on the American Film Institute's 100 Heroes and Villains list. The ranking is an indication of how memorably he portrayed the character. The Joker is regarded as one of the most unforgettable villains in cinema history.
- #046
Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1999 Golden Globes, Jack Nicholson said he began shooting his first film on 5 May 1955 and took this as a good sign because it was the jersey number '5' of his childhood idol Joe DiMaggio. Four months later he attended DiMaggio's memorial service. The anecdote shows his attachment to his personal beliefs and idols.
- #047
Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Hades in Disney's Hercules (1997) and even recorded dialogue. The part ultimately went to James Woods. Nicholson's departure from the project is a rare occurrence in his voice-acting career.
- #048
Jack Nicholson has said he would like to induct Ric Flair into the WWE Hall of Fame one day. The wish shows his admiration for and respect toward wrestling legends. Nicholson's desire has made him a recognized figure in the wrestling world as well.
- #049
Jack Nicholson has appeared in ten films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Five Easy Pieces (1970), Chinatown (1974), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Reds (1981), Terms of Endearment (1983), Prizzi's Honor (1985), Broadcast News (1987), A Few Good Men (1992), As Good as It Gets (1997) and The Departed (2006). Of these films, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Terms of Endearment and The Departed won Best Picture.
- #050
Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) but turned it down. The part went to Louis Gossett Jr., who won an Oscar for the performance. Nicholson's decision is regarded as one of the missed opportunities of his career.
- #051
Jack Nicholson is tied with Walter Brennan and Daniel Day-Lewis for the most Oscars won by a male actor. All three have three Oscars each. The achievement places Nicholson among the most awarded male actors in cinema history.
- #052
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) had a special NWA world championship belt made for Jack Nicholson as a birthday gift, in recognition of his love for and support of wrestling and the NWA. The gesture shows Nicholson's standing and influence in the wrestling world.
- #053
Jack Nicholson is a lifelong friend of Harry Dean Stanton; the two first appeared together in Ride in the Whirlwind (1966). It is said that from the 1970s onward Nicholson secretly placed Harry's initials, 'HDS', in many of his films. The detail shows the importance he places on friendship and his subtle sense of humor.
- #054
Jack Nicholson graduated from Manasquan High School in New Jersey in 1954 and was voted 'Class Clown' by his classmates. The title reveals his comic ability and attention-grabbing personality even at a young age. This trait also proved decisive in his later career.
- #055
For many years Jack Nicholson believed his grandmother Ethel May and grandfather John J. Nicholson were his parents. The truth only emerged in 1974. The misconception left a deep mark on him regarding his family history and affected his search for identity.
- #056
Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Johnny Hooker in The Sting (1973) in order to appear in The Last Detail (1973), written by his close friend Robert Towne. At the time he did not want to take part in a purely commercial production. The role eventually went to Robert Redford, and both actors were nominated for the 1973 Best Actor Oscar, but the award went to Jack Lemmon.
- #057
Jack Nicholson is one of only two actors to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar after winning the Best Actor Oscar; the other is Gene Hackman. This rare achievement shows his mastery in both leading and supporting roles.
- #058
Jack Nicholson's long absence from projects led to rumors among his fans that he was suffering from memory loss. The rumors ended, however, in an interview he gave to The Sun. Nicholson addressed the concerns by making a clear statement about his health.
- #059
At Jack Nicholson's wedding to Sandra Knight, Millie Perkins was the maid of honor and Harry Dean Stanton was the best man. After the divorce, Nicholson lived in Stanton's house for a time. The episode highlights the strong friendship between Nicholson and Stanton.
- #060
Jack Nicholson was nominated for an acting Oscar 12 times (eight for Best Actor, four for Best Supporting Actor). That number equals Katharine Hepburn's 12 nominations, and only Meryl Streep's 14 nominations are more. Nicholson's achievement shows how consistent and impressive his career has been.
- #061
Jack Nicholson's performance as Jack Torrance in 'The Shining' (1980) ranks 82nd on Premiere magazine's list of the '100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.' The ranking shows that he created one of the most iconic characters in horror cinema.
- #062
Jack Nicholson turned down James Caan's role in 'Misery' (1990) because he did not want to appear in another Stephen King adaptation after 'The Shining' (1980). The decision shows his desire to avoid repeating himself and to move toward different genres.
- #063
Jack Nicholson has five grandchildren: Sean (1996) and Duke Norfleet (1999) from his daughter Jennifer; and Walter (2011), Daisy (2012) and Hank (2017) from his daughter Honey. These grandchildren show his happiness in his family life and the bonds that run through the generations.
- #064
Jack Nicholson's mother, June Frances Nicholson, died of cancer on July 31, 1963. Nicholson learned only many years later that his mother was in fact his sister. The loss left a deep mark on his life.
- #065
Rolling Stone magazine gave Jack Nicholson the nickname 'The Great Seducer.' The nickname emphasizes his charismatic personality and his effect on women. Nicholson was never able to shake this image throughout his career.
- #066
Jack Nicholson shaved his head for 'The Bucket List' (2007). The radical change shows his commitment to the role and the importance he gave to the character's appearance. Nicholson's sacrifice contributed to the film's atmosphere.
- #067
Jack Nicholson appeared in six films selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as 'culturally, historically or aesthetically' significant: 'Easy Rider' (1969), 'Five Easy Pieces' (1970), 'Chinatown' (1974), 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), 'The Shining' (1980) and 'Broadcast News' (1987). These films are counted among the masterpieces of American cinema.
- #068
In June 1998, Jack Nicholson traveled to Cuba and met with Fidel Castro. During his visit he met leaders of the Cuban film industry, ate in local restaurants, toured jazz clubs and visited a famous cigar factory. He left the country deeply impressed by it and by Castro, whom he described as a 'genius.' Yet the luxuries shown to him on the island were out of reach for most Cuban citizens.
- #069
Jack Nicholson's performance as Jack Torrance in 'The Shining' (1980) ranks 25th on the American Film Institute's '100 Heroes and Villains' list. The high ranking shows that he played one of the most unforgettable villains in horror cinema.
- #070
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) ranks 17th on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time.
- #071
With the release of Joker (2019), Nicholson, Joaquin Phoenix and Jared Leto became the three actors still alive who have played the Joker in (non-fan-made) live-action Batman productions (Cesar Romero died in 1994 and Heath Ledger in 2008).
- #072
On August 29, 2009, Jack Nicholson attended the Catholic funeral Mass for Senator Ted Kennedy at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston.
- #073
Nicholson was initially set to play Daddy Warbucks in John Huston's musical comedy Annie (1982), but he withdrew from the project after the original producer left. The role ultimately went to Albert Finney.
- #074
In 1977, Nicholson attended the murder trial of Claudine Longet in Aspen, Colorado. The courthouse where he sat (the Pitkin County Courthouse) is the same courtroom to which the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy was brought several months later to stand trial on murder charges.
- #075
Nicholson failed a screen test with Joe Pasternak, acquired an agent, and took acting lessons from Jeff Corey and Martin Landau.
- #076
Nicholson turned down the role of Willie T. Soke in the black comedy Bad Santa (2003) in order to star in About Schmidt (2002). The role went to Billy Bob Thornton.
- #077
Nicholson joined the Players Ring Theatre in Los Angeles and played small roles; he then founded The Store Theatre with friends, which lasted a single production. After becoming famous, he never returned to the stage.
- #078
Between 1970 (the year he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Easy Rider (1969)) and 2003 (the year he was nominated for Best Actor for About Schmidt (2002)), the longest gap between Nicholson's Oscar nominations was six years, between One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and Reds (1981).
- #079
Nicholson is known in Hollywood as a womanizer; he has had relationships with many actresses, singers, models and socialites. His former girlfriends include Michelle Phillips (who miscarried Nicholson's baby in 1972), Jill St. John, Bebe Buell, Janice Dickinson, Rachel Ward, Candice Bergen, Christina Onassis, Marie Helvin, Joni Mitchell, Margaret Trudeau, Veruschka von Lehndorff, Melanie Griffith, Kelly LeBrock, Amanda De Cadenet, Kate Moss, Angie Everhart, Lara Flynn Boyle, Julie Delpy and Paz de la Huerta.
- #080
Nicholson is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.
- #081
Nicholson's performance as Jake "J.J." Gittes in Chinatown (1974) ranks 37th on Premiere magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.
- #082
In The Last Detail (1973), Nicholson's character says, "Sailors are really shit, you know? It takes a certain kind of sadistic temperament to be a sailor." Later in his career, he played Marine Colonel Nathan Jessup in A Few Good Men (1992).
- #083
Nicholson is the only actor to win the Best Actor Oscar twice for films whose actresses also won the Best Actress Oscar: with Louise Fletcher for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and with Helen Hunt for As Good as It Gets (1997).
- #084
Nicholson turned down Gene Hackman's role in Hoosiers (1986).
- #085
At about 5' 9", Nicholson was the shortest actor to play the Joker in live-action Batman productions (excluding fan-made ones), until Joaquin Phoenix, at 5' 8", broke his record. Cesar Romero was 6' 3", Heath Ledger 6' 1" and Jared Leto 5' 11".
- #086
Nicholson was considered for Dustin Hoffman's role in The Graduate (1967). "They considered every actor I had lunch with," he recalled.
- #087
Nicholson's performance as Randle Patrick McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) ranks 14th on Premiere magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.
- #088
Nicholson's performance as Billy "Bad Ass" Buddusky in The Last Detail (1973) ranks 12th on Premiere magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).
- #089
Jack Nicholson turned down the lead role in Bob Guccione's notorious epic Caligula (1979); the part ultimately went to Malcolm McDowell.
- #090
Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Eddie Valiant in Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988); the part went to Bob Hoskins.
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