Friends had recently voiced their worries about Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, fearing he might meet a lonely end similar to that of his former neighbor, Marlon Brando. The three-time Oscar winner, now 85, has lived a relatively secluded life, stirring concerns among his close circle.
Nicholson, one of Hollywood’s most iconic bachelors, has been married only once for a brief period before his star rose in the entertainment industry. Among his notable relationships, his romance with Angelica Houston, which ended nearly 25 years ago, stands out.
The legendary actor was last spotted in October 2021, enjoying a Los Angeles Lakers game alongside his son Ray, who bears a striking resemblance to him. According to reports, Ray, 31, is one of the few people Nicholson maintains regular contact with.
Recently, Nicholson was seen soaking in some fresh air as he overlooked Franklin Canyon Reservoir. He was dressed casually in a loose-fitting pale orange shirt and baggy sweatpants, leaning against a balcony railing during his morning outing.
His appearance marked the first time in 18 months that the public had seen Nicholson. The actor was photographed at his Mullholland Drive compound in Beverly Hills, leaning on the balcony railing and seemingly enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Reports had previously suggested that Nicholson had become a recluse. Video footage obtained by DailyMail.com captured him enjoying the morning, with birds chirping in the background as he tapped on the balcony railings.
At one point, the One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest star was seen keenly watching a helicopter fly overhead.
“He’s made it clear his home is his castle, but people just wish he’d come out once in a while, even just to reassure everyone he’s doing okay,” an unnamed friend shared with Radar Online in January.
“Jack stays connected with certain relatives, especially Ray, who he’s very proud of, but his days of socializing are long behind him,” said the friend. Nicholson’s last on-screen role was in the 2010 film, How Do You Know, where he starred alongside Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon.
For years, there have been rumors that the New Jersey-native had retired due to dementia and was having trouble remembering his lines.
In January, an unnamed friend told Radar Online that while Nicholson was physically in good shape, “his mind is gone.”
However, shortly after these reports, former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly challenged these claims during his No Spin News broadcast. “I visited Jack Nicholson a few months ago. We had an intelligent conversation, and he follows the No Spin News very closely. He is sharp and has all kinds of intelligent questions,” O’Reilly said. “I’ve known him for decades. He is 85, but he’s more intellectually agile than the president of the United States,” O’Reilly added.
Despite his renowned bachelor status, Nicholson is a father of six children from five different women. He has faced criticism for not acknowledging his alleged daughter, Tessa Gourin, born from his brief affair with waitress Jeanine Gourin.
Nicholson began acquiring land around his Mulholland Drive home back in the 1970s, turning it into a sprawling compound.
In February, Tessa, a budding actress, published an essay in Newsweek titled, “I’m Jack Nicholson’s Daughter – I Wish People Could Call Me a Nepo Baby.” In her essay, she expressed her frustrations on missing out on opportunities that other celebrity children have seemingly received effortlessly. “Having grown up without my father, it’s been frustrating to watch other celebrity kids easily land roles or sign with prominent agencies,” she wrote. “Recently, I’ve been even more frustrated by the missed opportunity for these ‘nepo babies’ to embrace their unique positions instead of complaining,” Tessa added.
Nicholson discovered a significant family secret in 1974 when Time magazine revealed that the woman he thought was his sibling was actually his mother. Reflecting on the revelation, Nicholson once described it as “the most messed-up thing” he had ever heard, though he also acknowledged the family’s ability to keep the secret. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he expressed admiration for their secrecy and said it had ultimately benefited him.
