Jack Nicholson biography, net worth, young, age, disease, wife and kids 2025

Jack Nicholson's Biography

John "Jack" Joseph Nicholson is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer, renowned worldwide for his numerous roles as eccentric characters. Some of his most acclaimed films include Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining", Miloš Forman's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", and Tim Burton's "Batman". Other noteworthy films are "Easy Rider", "Five Easy Pieces", Roman Polanski's "Chinatown", "The Passenger", "Terms of Endearment", "A Few Good Men", "As Good as It Gets", and Martin Scorsese's "The Departed".

Every Jack Nicholson role has a hint of madness

Jack Nicholson has been nominated for the Oscar 12 times, winning three times: twice for Best Actor ("One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in 1976 and "As Good as It Gets" in 1998) and once for Best Supporting Actor ("Terms of Endearment" in 1984). He has also received seven Golden Globe awards. In 1994, Nicholson became the youngest actor ever to receive a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute.

Childhood

Jack was born on April 22, 1937, in Manhattan, to 18-year-old dancer June Nicholson, who had Irish, English, and German ancestry. Six months before Jack's birth, June married fellow performer Donald Furcillo, thinking he was the father of her child. Despite already being married to someone else, Donald offered to provide for June and the baby. June's parents intervened and took Jack in so that June could continue her dancing career.

Jack grew up with his grandparents – his grandfather, a shop window designer, and his grandmother, a hairdresser and beautician. He believed they were his parents and that June was his sister. He only discovered the truth from TIME magazine journalists in 1974, after both his grandmother and mother had passed away. There's also a belief that June's manager, Eddie King, might have been Jack's biological father. However, Jack never confirmed his true parentage, declining all offers for DNA tests.

As a child, Jack Nicholson sang in the church choir

Nick, as his friends called him, was raised as a Catholic and even sang in the church choir. He was actively involved in the church community his grandmother belonged to, but he drifted away from religion in his later school years. Although he often mentioned that he didn't consider himself an atheist, he wasn't a regular churchgoer either. "The only time I pray is when I'm jogging," Nicholson joked. In 1992, he concluded that he's an agnostic.

Young Jack Nicholson (photo from the school diary)

At his school graduation in 1954, his peers unanimously dubbed him the class clown. Years later, the school established an award for students excelling in acting and named it after Nicholson.

Early Career

After finishing school, Nicholson moved to Los Angeles, determined to make it in the film business. He initially worked as a gofer for animation legends William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Soon, the studio recognized his artistic talent and offered him a position as an animator's assistant. However, with his sights set on acting, Jack declined.

Caricature of X-B studio staff (Jack Nicholson on the right in the top row)

In 1958, director Roger Corman gave Jack Nicholson his break into the film industry with "The Cry Baby Killer." Nicholson debuted in the lead role of a young criminal who panics after killing teenagers.

Two years later, Nicholson landed another role, again portraying a socially deviant character in another Corman film. Jack played a masochist in "The Little Shop of Horrors" who took pleasure from a toothache. He later took part in the film "The Terror" and even briefly sat in the director's chair for Corman, albeit just for one day.

He subsequently collaborated with Corman on "The Raven" (1963) and "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" (1967). In the latter half of the 60s, he wrote two scripts for director Monte Hellman and starred in the films they inspired: "Ride in the Whirlwind" and "The Shooting" (1966).

Jack Nicholson About Roger Corman

Screenwriter Out of Necessity

Those roles didn't make him famous, so in 1967, Nicholson believed he'd find greater success in writing. That year, he penned an LSD-inspired screenplay for "The Trip," starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Getting a taste for it, he began co-writing a script with Bob Rafelson. Their collaboration resulted in the musical "Head," featuring the members of The Monkees. Additionally, Nicholson selected the movie's soundtrack.

Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, and Peter Fonda, 1969

Meeting Hopper and Fonda helped the young Nicholson land a role in "Easy Rider." Pure luck played a part: the character was originally written for Rip Torn, who declined the role due to disputes with the producer. Nicholson's portrayal of the perpetually drunk lawyer, George Hanson, became his breakout performance, earning him his first Oscar nomination.

The following year, he snagged another Oscar nomination for his role in "Five Easy Pieces." That same year, he appeared in "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" alongside Barbra Streisand, although his character spent most of the movie lying on the floor.

Hold the Chicken - Five Easy Pieces

He later auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" but was turned down.

In his youth, Jack Nicholson was boisterous, an alcoholic, and a drug addict.

Behind the playful cynicism and relaxed humor of Jack's characters, one can see an inner honesty that becomes vulnerable when reality delivers harsh surprises. This side of Jack was showcased to audiences in Roman Polanski's 1974 thriller "Chinatown." Nicholson's character – a coarse, no-nonsense private detective – earned him another Oscar nomination. In 1975, two more notable films featuring him hit the screens: "The Passenger" and "Tommy."

American Icon

After several nominations, Jack finally received his first Oscar. His award-winning performance came from his leading role in the iconic adaptation of Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

Jack Nicholson Wins Best Actor: 1976 Oscars

Critics of the time believed that Nicholson delivered the pinnacle of his acting prowess in this film. His character, the fiery Irishman R.P. McMurphy, pretends to be mentally ill to avoid prison time.

A scene from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest”

Following his tremendous success, he started choosing more unconventional roles in films like "The Last Tycoon," "The Missouri Breaks" with Marlon Brando, and "Goin' South." In 1980, he was cast as the lead in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," an adaptation of the horror novel by Stephen King. Arguably, his portrayal of the ill-fated writer Jack Torrance, who slowly descends into madness in the eerie Overlook Hotel, can be considered his most defining and striking role.

Famous shot of Jack Nicholson from “The Shining”

Jack received another top acting award for his supporting role in "Terms of Endearment" (1983), where he transformed into an ex-astronaut turned heavy drinker, Garrett Breedlove.

In the 80s, the actor also appeared in films like "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Prizzi's Honor," "Reds," "The Witches of Eastwick," and "Ironweed" – all recognized as masterpieces of American cinema.

The Shining Bar Scene

In 1989, the film "Batman" featuring Nicholson became a box office sensation. His role as the Joker earned him a whopping 6 million dollars. He was set to reprise this character in a sequel, "Batman Triumphant," but the project was canceled.

One of Nicholson's best roles: The Joker from 1989's “Batman”

Nevertheless, Jack Nicholson's portrayal became the quintessential Batman for many years. Neither Heath Ledger nor Jared Leto, who later played the mad genius, could bring the character to life as vividly as Nicholson did.

Batman - Joker dance

He also received an Oscar nomination for his role as the fiery colonel in "A Few Good Men" (1992). This film gave birth to his iconic line, "You can't handle the truth!"

You Can't Handle the Truth!

The 20th century ended with Nicholson receiving another Oscar. His third statue came from his lead role in "As Good As It Gets" – a heartwarming comedy about an eccentric recluse who reconnects with those around him thanks to a dog.

“As Good As It Gets”: Jack Nicholson and the dog

Nevertheless, Nicholson's work wasn't always critically acclaimed. The actor was nominated twice for the Golden Raspberry Awards for his roles in "Hoffa" and "Man Trouble."

The New Century

In 2002, the actor starred in "About Schmidt". This time, he portrayed a retired insurance worker struggling with questions about his life, a character in stark contrast to the explosive roles he played in previous films.

In the comedy "Anger Management", he took on the role of an aggressive psychiatrist assigned to help Adam Sandler's character control his emotions. In 2003, Nicholson played an aging playboy in "Something's Gotta Give", who becomes infatuated with his girlfriend's mother.

Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler in 'Anger Management'

In 2006, Jack returned to the "dark side", portraying an Irish sadistic mobster in the award-winning film "The Departed", alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon.

His last role was set to be in "The Bucket List" (2007) where he played a man dying of cancer who, alongside his hospital bed neighbor (Morgan Freeman), sets out to fulfill a list of wishes. To prepare for the role, Nicholson visited an oncology hospital in Los Angeles to observe how people battle the deadly disease.

In 2007, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman co-starred in a movie

However, in 2010, he appeared in the romantic drama "How Do You Know" with Reese Witherspoon. The film didn't do well at the box office.

Jack Nicholson's Personal Life

Jack Nicholson himself claims to have slept with over two thousand women. However, he has been married only once - to actress Sandra Knight, with whom he co-starred in the movie "The Terror". In 1963, she gave birth to their daughter Jennifer. Their marriage lasted 6 years, from 1962 to 1968.

Jack Nicholson and Sandra Knight in 'The Terror'

The actor also has a daughter, Honey (born 1981), from his relationship with Danish model Winnie Hollman; a son, Caleb (born 1970), with actress Susan Anspach; and a daughter, Lorraine (born 1990), and a son, Ray (born 1992), with his former girlfriend Rebecca Broussard.

Jack Nicholson Now

In January 2013, the actor's close friend, Peter Fonda, told the press that Jack Nicholson was retiring. This decision was due to his progressive memory loss; he simply couldn't remember his character's lines anymore. Consequently, he had to turn down a role in the movie "Nebraska", where ironically, he would've portrayed a character with Alzheimer's.

In January 2017, he officially announced his retirement. Nicholson now enjoys his life "in retirement", staying out of the spotlight. He still has a fondness for the opposite gender and indulges in life's pleasures. Jack rarely makes public appearances, except to watch his favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers, often accompanied by his son.

Jack Nicholson Rare Public Appearance

Jack Nicholson: latest news and articles

Patrick Aiden Stewart

The most ingenious actor and indeed a cool man Nicholson, who has not please fans with his new work in cinema for more than 10 years ...

2021-05-01 10:05:30
Felicia Stewart

I agree with the opinion that Nicholson is just a great Batman. But how many women and numerous novels this actor had, I`m just shocked. I think even his status does not allow him to behave like that, not like a gentleman.

2021-04-21 18:38:22
William Anderson

To find out that you are not really the son of grandparents, as he thought, but considered his own mother to be a sister, from journalists... This is a huge shock. I hope Jack has dealt with this childhood trauma long ago...

2021-04-16 15:49:29
Valerie Jones

Wow, 12 Oscar nominations !! That`s what I understand talent! I respect Nicholson in general

2021-03-13 19:46:09
Steven Watts

The Shining with Nicholson is a masterpiece and legend, of course. No wonder it is included in the list of the 250 best films

2021-01-08 15:20:47