Jack Nicholson
Actor, director, producer
Born
April 22, 1937
Birthplace
Neptune City, New Jersey, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$400 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Easy Rider; One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; The Shining; Batman; As Good as It Gets
Jack Nicholson Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | John Joseph Nicholson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1937 |
| Age | 89 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Neptune City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 1956-2010 (semi-retired) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to Sandra Knight (1962-1968); long-term partner Anjelica Huston (1973-1990) |
| Children | 6 |
| Net Worth | ~$400 million |
| Known For | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, Batman, As Good as It Gets |
Early Life & Background
Nicholson was raised by his grandparents, believing them to be his parents until Time magazine revealed the truth in 1974. He moved to Los Angeles at 17, working as an office assistant at MGM and taking acting classes with the Players Ring Theatre. Early roles in Roger Corman B-movies developed his improvisational skills.
Career Journey
Breakthrough & New Hollywood Era
Nicholson's screenplay for Head (1968) and acting in Easy Rider (1969) launched him into the New Hollywood movement. He delivered powerhouse performances in Five Easy Pieces, The Last Detail, and Chinatown, earning multiple Oscar nominations.
Oscar Glory
He won Best Actor for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1976) and As Good as It Gets (1997), plus Best Supporting Actor for Terms of Endearment (1983). Nicholson embraced iconic roles like Jack Torrance in The Shining, the Joker in Tim Burton's Batman, and Frank Costello in The Departed (2006). Known for his devilish grin and sunglasses, he became synonymous with Hollywood cool.
Later Career & Semi-Retirement
Nicholson slowed his output after 2010's How Do You Know, opting for Lakers courtside appearances and art collecting. He reportedly considered remakes of Toni Erdmann and stage projects but has remained out of the public eye, focusing on family and charitable work.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Easy Rider | George Hanson | Academy Award nomination |
| 1970 | Five Easy Pieces | Bobby Dupea | Iconic diner scene |
| 1975 | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest | R.P. McMurphy | Won Best Actor |
| 1980 | The Shining | Jack Torrance | Stanley Kubrick classic |
| 1989 | Batman | Joker | Groundbreaking comic-book performance |
| 1997 | As Good as It Gets | Melvin Udall | Won Best Actor |
| 2002 | About Schmidt | Warren Schmidt | Oscar nomination |
| 2006 | The Departed | Frank Costello | Martin Scorsese thriller |
Awards & Honors
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest | Won |
| 1984 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Terms of Endearment | Won |
| 1998 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | As Good as It Gets | Won |
| 1994 | American Film Institute | Life Achievement Award | Career | Honored |
| 2001 | Kennedy Center Honors | Lifetime Achievement | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$400 million (2026)
Nicholson earned massive paydays through profit participation in films like Batman and savvy investments in Los Angeles real estate and contemporary art. He collects Picasso, Warhol, and Basquiat pieces and owns Malibu oceanfront property.
Personal Life
Nicholson is a lifelong Los Angeles Lakers fan, holding courtside seats since 1970. He maintains close friendships with Warren Beatty, Lou Adler, and musicians like Bob Dylan. Nicholson has six children, including actress Lorraine Nicholson and designer Jennifer Nicholson.
Philanthropy & Interests
He supports the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and arts education in Los Angeles. Nicholson quietly funds film-restoration projects and scholarships for young directors at his alma mater, the Players Ring Theatre.
Social Media Presence
Nicholson does not use social media. News appears via reputable outlets, Lakers broadcasts, or family statements.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Nicholson declined leading roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.
- He draws storyboards in notebooks for his characters' emotional arcs.
- Nicholson introduced the Lakers' classic "Beat LA" chant in the 1980s rivalry with the Celtics.
- He is an avid poker player who once hosted weekly games attended by Marlon Brando and producer Robert Evans.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Nicholson remains largely retired but consulted on restorations of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for a 50th-anniversary 4K release. He plans to record an oral-history interview for the Academy Museum later in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jack Nicholson?
Jack Nicholson is an American actor celebrated for more than five decades of influential film roles, earning three Academy Awards.
What is Jack Nicholson most famous for?
He is most famous for starring in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, Chinatown, Batman, and As Good as It Gets.
Is Jack Nicholson active on social media?
No. Nicholson values privacy, so updates come from interviews, official retrospectives, or NBA sightings rather than social media.