Jack Nicholson's Life in Photos: Movies, 3 Oscars and More (2025)

Jack Nicholson has been a force in Hollywood since landing his breakout role in 1969’s Easy Rider.The New York native first appeared on the silver screen in 1958, playing Jimmy Wallace in The Cry Baby Killer. He went on to star in several of the century’s most notable pictures, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — for which he won the 1975 Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role — as well as Terms of Endearment and A Few Good Men, among many others. After scoring his first award from the Academy, the Anger Management star later earned two more Oscar statues.Nicholson’s final film, 2010’s How Do You Know, costarred Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. While the acclaimed actor never publicly confirmed his retirement, he has not starred in another movie since How Do You Know and has since taken a step back from the spotlight.In his personal life, Nicholson — who had a longtime relationship with Anjelica Hustonbefore their 1990 split — is a father of five. He and his ex-wife Sandra Knight welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, in 1963 before splitting five years later. The actor later welcomed son Caleb in 1971 with Susan Anspach and daughter Honey in 1981 with Winnie Hollman. Nicholson and ex Rebecca Broussard share daughter Lorraine and son Ray, born in 1990 and 1992, respectively.Nicholason has never publicly acknowledged if he is the father of Tessa Gourin, whom he reportedly welcomed with Jennine Gourin.Scroll below to see Nicholson’s life in photos:

Jack Nicholson has been a force in Hollywood since landing his breakout role in 1969’s Easy Rider.The New York native first appeared on the silver screen in 1958, playing Jimmy Wallace in The Cry Baby Killer. He went on to star in several of the century’s most notable pictures, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — for which he won the 1975 Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role — as well as Terms of Endearment and A Few Good Men, among many others. After scoring his first award from the Academy, the Anger Management star later earned two more Oscar statues.Nicholson’s final film, 2010’s How Do You Know, costarred Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. While the acclaimed actor never publicly confirmed his retirement, he has not starred in another movie since How Do You Know and has since taken a step back from the spotlight.In his personal life, Nicholson — who had a longtime relationship with Anjelica Hustonbefore their 1990 split — is a father of five. He and his ex-wife Sandra Knight welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, in 1963 before splitting five years later. The actor later welcomed son Caleb in 1971 with Susan Anspach and daughter Honey in 1981 with Winnie Hollman. Nicholson and ex Rebecca Broussard share daughter Lorraine and son Ray, born in 1990 and 1992, respectively.Nicholason has never publicly acknowledged if he is the father of Tessa Gourin, whom he reportedly welcomed with Jennine Gourin.Scroll below to see Nicholson’s life in photos:

The Cry Baby Killer marked the legendary actor’s feature film debut.

The Broken Land actor married Sandra Knight in 1962 after meeting on the set of The Terror. They separated nearly four years later.

Nicholson's role as George Hanson in Easy Rider propelled him to superstardom.

The Batman star started dating fellow actress Huston in 1973. After a 17-year relationship, they ultimately split in 1990.

“The subject of marriage arose at various points in my relationship with Jack, but neither of us ever seemed to feel the urge at the same moment,” the Ever After actress recalled in a 2014 interview with Vanity Fair. “At various times over the years, Jack’s business manager and his lawyer encouraged us to get married, possibly because they saw this as a way to save Jack a lot of money in taxes. I found this idea strictly unromantic. Also, I was a child of the ‘60s and to a degree regarded marriage as a form of bondage. Sometimes I liked the idea, but more often I feared it.”

Nicholson won his first Oscar — a Best Actor in a Leading Role trophy — for his portrayal of Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Based on Stephen King’s 1977 novel The Shining, the A Few Good Men actor brought protagonist Jack Torrence to life on the big screen.

Nicholson starred opposite Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winder, Jeff Daniels and Danny DeVito in 1983’s Terms of Endearment.

Nicholson portrayed legendary DC villain The Joker in Michael Keaton’s Batman flick.

Nicholson, who has won six Golden Globes throughout his career, was later honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award.

“I’ve come to the Golden Globes forever, before I was invited, before it was on television and before television it was wild,” he quipped in his 1999 speech. “I saw Joan Crawford, the legend, [who was] an idol of my own mother and sisters. … I’ve worked with 50 directors, 3,000 actors, over 150 producers and executive producers [over the course of my career].”

Nicholson teamed up with Diane Keaton for their 2003 rom-com, Something’s Gotta Give.

The Bucket List actor starred as Rudd’s movie father in How Do You Know?

“I didn't see enough of my eldest daughter because I was trying to make a career,” he confessed to the Sun. “I have a daughter, Lorraine, and a son, Raymond, with whom I was able to spend much more time. I give out advice all the time. I say, 'Do not lie, do not steal and do not be afraid.' Especially, the last one. Fear stops us doing things. I also say it's the things that you do not do in life that cause regret.”

Nicholson made a rare public appearance when he attended the L.A. Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game in May 2023, donning an all-black ensemble while watching the exciting match. This marked his second courtside appearance at the Crypto.com Arena in two months; he previously watched the Lakers take on the Memphis Grizzlies one week prior, in April.

Lorraine included a sweet snap of herself and her father while sharing Instagram photos from the holiday season in January 2025. She wrapped her arms around her dad as he gave a small smile while looking at the camera.

The following month, Nicholason made a surprise appearance during Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special to introduce Adam Sandler’s song about the show’s long-running history. “Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Sandler,” he said after getting a round of applause of his own.

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