Jack Nicholson: the Man, the Actor, the Legend
By proscout • on June 26, 2009
Jack Nicholson is undoubtably one the greatest actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters of all time. Infamous for his unforgettable roles of neurotic characters, Nicholson has just about as fascinating of a life as the characters he portrays in films.
Nicholson was born April 22, 1937 to ambitious stage dancer June Frances Nicholson in Manhattan, New York. Although June’s husband at the time Donald Furcillo agreed to help her with the baby, her mother Ethel insisted on raising Jack on her own so her daughter could continue pursuing her dreams.
He was raised in Neptune, New Jersey, where he was constantly labeled the “class clown”. Immediately after graduating high school Nicholson packed up and headed to Los Angeles to put his god-given talents to good use.
Although it was not exactly as Hollywood glamorous as he had hoped, Nicholson landed his first job as an assistant to animation legends Hanna-Barbera. Instead of chasing his ambitions Jack was stuck fetching coffee and making photo-copies for others who had already achieved theirs. Recognizing his talent as an artist, they quickly offered to promote him up to a starting level position as animation artist; this was just the wake-up call Jack needed to realize just how badly he wanted to be an actor, and instead of accepting he chose to leave.
Jack accepted that you have to start out at the bottom before achieving Hollywood fame, so he began acting in a series of low budget films. His film debut was in a teen drama “The Cry Baby Killer” back in 1958. Shortly after followed a string of amateur films including “The Little Shop of Horrors”, “The Raven”, “The Terror”, “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”, “Ride in the Whirlwind” and “The Shooting”. Although these films continued to fill up his resume, they failed to crowd theaters.
After suffering a bout of bad luck, Nicholson decided to put his acting career on hiatus and see what working behind the camera or even directing would be like.
His first taste of success came from the outstanding writing he did for 1967’s screenplay “The Trip”, which starred Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. The movie encompassed the strange journey and side effects one experiences while using the drug LSD.
He also co-wrote the movie “Head”, which starred music gurus The Monkees. Nicholson’s life drastically changed when he was spontaneously offered a role in the movie “Nightrider”. Although he had just recently given up on becoming an actor after recurring disappointment Jack still chose to accept the role.
Jack delivered a monumental performance playing an alcoholic lawyer in the film and was even nominated for an Oscar that year.
Oscar nominations became somewhat of a habitual experience for Nicholson. He received another one the following year for his work in “Five Easy Pieces”. He did not however win an actual award until 1973’s “The Last Detail” at the Cannes Festival.
His first Oscar was much deserved for the role that changed his life forever in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest” in 1975. After this, he began to take on more and more bizarre, unexpected roles.
Although he did not endure any award nominations or wins for Stanley Kubrick’s film version of Stephen King’s spine-shivering “The Shinning”, it shall forever remain one of Nicholson’s most life changing roles. Nicholson’s portrayal of a tormented writer in “The Shinning” perfectly depicted his genius capabilities as an actor.
Other memorable roles that have helped transform Jack into the Hollywood legend that he is today include: “Terms of Endearment”, “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, “Reds”, “Prizzi’s Honor”, “The Witches of Eastwick”, “Ironweed”, “Batman”, “The Passenger”, “A Few Good Men”, “As Good as it Gets”, “Somethings Gotta Give”, “Departed” and “The Bucket List”.
From someone who started out facing nothing but criticism and setbacks, Jack certainly received the last laugh. Of course, by laugh I mean that shark-like grin that has captured the hearts of movie-goers all over the world.
He was wowed audiences all over the place by playing disturbing murderers, a joker, a psychotic mental patient, an aggressive therapist, an aging playboy, a Boston-based mob boss and a troubled widow, among others.
Through his alluring charm both on and off the camera Jack has managed to land a variety of actresses and models as his real-life leading ladies including Michelle Phillips, Bebe Buell, Lara Flynn Boyle, and his long-term girlfriend Anjelica Huston.
He has four children: Lorraine, Raymond, Jennifer and Honey Hollman. Actress Susan Anspach has also claimed that her son Caleb Goddard was fathered by Jack; however, he has refused to ever comment on the matter.
Nicholson has lived on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, California, for as long as he has been in the spotlight. His neighbors have included both Marlon Brando and Warren Beatty, whom with the help of Jack have all helped to give the street a nickname of “Bad Boy Drive”.
He is perhaps the most passionate Lakers fan who ever lived and has been a season ticket holder since 1970. His work schedule is always based around their schedule, as he refuses to ever miss a home game. Jack has even been known to let his aggression get the best of him and argue with the referees, opposing players, and even walk out on the court once or twice. Talk about a dedicated fan. His love for sports does not stop at the Lakers; he is also a huge fan of the New York Yankees and a lifetime lover of the Manchester United soccer team.
Another favorite pastime of Jack’s is his art collecting. He owns epic pieces from extraordinary artists including Pablo Picasso and Tamara de Lempicka.
All modesty aside, John Joseph Nicholson is hands down one of the most famed and celebrated actors in history. He has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards (eight for Best Actor and four for Best Supporting Actor). Having won three of them, he shares the title for most awards ever with Walter Brennan. He is currently an acting and voting member of the Academy.
In 2008 the dedicated liberal endorsed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and said, “It’s about time we have a prez with a nice tush.” Perhaps that quote perfectly summarizes his charming sense of humor and just exactly why Americans love him so much!
Last year, he became one of only eleven others to be inducted into California’s Hall of Fame.
At 72-years-old, Jack is still at the top of his game.
“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them… I’m fat and seventy.”
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