In Brief:
- Jack Nicholson, 89, is back in the spotlight after recent comments from friend and actor Michael Douglas.
- Nicholson won three Oscars, including for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and As Good as It Gets.
- His career spans The Shining, Batman, The Departed, A Few Good Men and Chinatown.
Jack Nicholson: Jack Nicholson is making headlines again.
The 89-year-old Hollywood legend is back in the conversation after recent comments from his close friend and fellow actor Michael Douglas.
Nicholson has been away from the screen for some time. His body of work still speaks loudly.
The Roles That Defined a Legend
A Terrifying Turn in The Shining
Nicholson became a horror icon as Jack Torrance in the 1980 film The Shining. His wild-eyed stare through a splintered door remains one of cinema's most chilling images.
Rebel With a Cause in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
He played Randle P. McMurphy, a defiant man committed to a mental institution. The film swept the Oscars in 1976.
It became one of only three movies to win the "big five" awards. Those are best picture, best actor, best actress, best director and best screenplay.
A Third Oscar for As Good as It Gets
Nicholson earned his third Academy Award in 1997. He played Melvin Udall, a misanthropic author.
The role cemented his reputation as a master of difficult characters.
Villains, Mobsters and Military Men
The Joker in Batman
Nicholson took on the Joker in Tim Burton's Batman. His villain remains a fan favorite.
Crime Boss in The Departed
In 2006, he played mob boss Frank Costello. Matt Damon portrays a mole in the state police.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Billy Costigan, an undercover trooper who infiltrates Costello's crew. Costello shares his worldview with Billy.
I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.
Courtroom Fireworks in A Few Good Men
Nicholson played Col. Nathan R. Jessup in the 1992 drama. His speech became one of the most memorable in film history.
You can't handle the truth. He argued that walls must be guarded by men with guns. He also said his responsibility was greater than anyone could fathom.
Comedy, Romance and Heart
Mixing It Up in Anger Management
In 2003, he played Dr. Buddy Rydell. The boundary-pushing therapist was paired with Adam Sandler.
Love Late in Life in Something's Gotta Give
Also in 2003, Nicholson starred as Harry Sanborn opposite Diane Keaton's Erica Barry.
The romantic comedy gave him a memorable line mid-argument. I have never lied to you; I have always told you some version of the truth.
Chasing Time in The Bucket List
Nicholson teamed with Morgan Freeman in 2007. They played terminally ill men determined to complete their life missions.
Classic Dramas
Mystery in Chinatown
In 1974, Nicholson played private eye J.J. Gittes. Faye Dunaway co-starred as Evelyn Mulwray. His character quickly finds himself in over his head.
An Astronaut With Commitment Issues in Terms of Endearment
He played Garrett Breedlove, a former astronaut who fears commitment. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger co-starred.
His character becomes involved with MacLaine's Aurora Greenway.
A Quiet Journey in About Schmidt
Director Alexander Payne cast Nicholson in this 2002 drama. He played Warren Schmidt, an overlooked man on a trailer journey.
Schmidt's bleak outlook is summed up in a haunting reflection. He believes that once he and everyone who knew him are gone, it will be as though he never existed.
He asks what difference his life made to anyone. His answer is that he can think of none.
A Career Still Celebrated
Nicholson's career spans horror, comedy, romance and crime. Fans keep returning to these performances.
With his friend's comments sparking fresh interest, his legacy is front and center once again.
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