Jack Nicholson
“A grinning rebel of the New Hollywood era who became one of the most decorated actors in film history.”
After a decade of low-budget films, Jack Nicholson stole 1969's 'Easy Rider' as a boozy small-town lawyer, earning an Oscar nomination and overnight stardom as a hero of the counterculture. The role launched him into a run of iconic anti-heroes that would make him one of the most acclaimed actors in film history.
A Decade in the Wilderness
Nicholson spent the 1960s in B-movies and Roger Corman quickies, even writing and producing, before stardom arrived. His patient apprenticeship gave him a fearless, improvisational edge.
The Great Anti-Hero
From 'Easy Rider' through 'Chinatown' and 'Cuckoo's Nest,' Nicholson defined the rebellious leading man of New Hollywood. His arched eyebrow and devilish grin became instantly recognizable.
Icon Status
With three Oscars and a record 12 nominations, Nicholson stands among the most honored actors ever. Roles like the Joker and Jack Torrance turned him into a pop-culture legend even beyond awards.
Career Timeline
- 1937Born in Neptune City, New Jersey
- 1958Film debut in 'The Cry Baby Killer'
- 1969Breakout supporting role in 'Easy Rider'
- 1974Stars as detective Jake Gittes in 'Chinatown'
- 1975Wins first Oscar for 'Cuckoo's Nest'
- 1980Terrifies audiences in 'The Shining'
- 1983Wins Supporting Oscar for 'Terms of Endearment'
- 1989Plays the Joker in Tim Burton's 'Batman'
- 1997Wins third Oscar for 'As Good as It Gets'
- 2010Final film role in 'How Do You Know'
Biggest Hits
- He holds the record for the most Oscar nominations of any male actor, with 12 across his career.
- He grew up believing his grandmother was his mother; he learned the truth from a journalist in 1974.
The Moment You Remember
Few moments unsettle like his grinning face splintering through a bathroom door in The Shining, snarling "Here's Johnny!" in an ad-libbed line that became one of horror cinema's most famous.
Portrait: Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons