Jack Nicholson | Tessa Gourin | Source: instagram.com/tessadotgourin | Getty Images
- "The Shining" star Jack Nicholson is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional actors in American history.
- Nicholson, who hasn't appeared onscreen in over a decade, has been the subject of reports concerning his alleged health issues.
- After his estranged daughter revealed their non-existent relationship months earlier, the rarely-seen actor was spotted looking disheveled on the balcony of his home in April.
Jack Nicholson, a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter, has an impressive record of three Academy Award wins and twelve nominations. Notably, he shares the distinction with Michael Caine as one of two actors to receive an Oscar nomination in each decade from the 1960s to the 2000s.
Born on April 22, 1937, in Neptune, New Jersey, Nicholson had a unique upbringing, initially unaware that his mother, June Frances Nicholson, was his actual mother and was raised to believe she was his older sister.
Jack Nicholson is seen in New York on February 12, 1975. | Source: Getty Images
The truth came to light in 1974 when Time magazine revealed the secret. Despite the revelation, Nicholson went on to have an illustrious career, starring in over 70 roles in significant films and television shows, including "The Departed," "As Good as It Gets," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Chinatown," and many more.
She described her childhood as being kept a secret, with her mother instructing her not to reveal who her dad is.
Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston surrounded by female police, circa 1970, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his reputation as a confirmed bachelor, Nicholson has fathered six children with five different women. His first child, Jennifer Nicholson, was born in 1963 during his marriage to Sandra Knight. Seven years later, he had a son named Caleb Goddard with Susan Anspach, his co-star in the film "Five Easy Pieces."
In 1981, Nicholson welcomed his third child, Honey Hollman, with model Winnie Hollman, although Honey was primarily raised by her mother in Denmark. He shares two children, Lorraine and Ray, with actress Rebecca Broussard.
In 1994, his youngest daughter, Tessa Gourin, was born to Jennine Gourin, but their relationship has been allegedly estranged for most of Tessa's life.
Actor Jack Nicholson with his children Loraine and Raymond, arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Something's Gotta Give" at the Mann Village on December 8, 2003, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The "A Few Good Men" alum was rumored to have retired in 2013 amidst speculation and reports about possible dementia. However, NBC anchor Maria Shriver dispelled the rumors, stating that Nicholson was not suffering from any memory-related illness or dementia.
Jack Nicholson's First Appearance in 18 Months
In April, Nicholson, then 85, made a rare public appearance after an 18-month absence from the spotlight. He was pictured on the balcony of his $10 million Beverly Hills compound, looking disheveled. The sighting came amidst concerns from friends about his reclusive lifestyle and rumors of possible dementia.
Nicholson, an award-winning actor, is known for his remarkable career in Hollywood. His last onscreen performance was in the 2010 movie, "How Do You Know," where he starred alongside Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon.
Actor Jack Nicholson (R) with daughter Jennifer Nicholson (L) and her children at the premiere of Columbia Pictures' "How Do You Know" at the Regency Village Theatre on December 13, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite rumors of retirement and alleged battles with dementia affecting his ability to remember lines, Nicholson's intellectual sharpness was vouched for by his longtime friend Bill O'Reilly, who stated that the actor followed current events closely and engaged in intelligent conversations.
During his recent appearance, the "Something's Gotta Give" alum appeared unkempt, wearing a loose-fitting pale orange shirt and baggy sweatpants while leaning against the balcony railing. He was seen enjoying the morning air and observing a helicopter flying overhead. Video footage from a media outlet showcased his moments of relaxation on the balcony, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds.
Jack Nicholson and his son Ray attend a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 19, 2021, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images
According to sources, Nicholson's friends have expressed concerns about his reclusive lifestyle, fearing that he may die alone. The "Blood and Wine" actor is known to avoid the spotlight and keeps a low profile, having adopted a reclusive lifestyle in recent years.
There are speculations about his mental state, with claims that his mind may be deteriorating due to probable dementia. However, Nicholson was seen in October 2021 at a Los Angeles Lakers game at the Staples Center, accompanied by his son Ray.
More recently, in May, he was spotted alongside Ray enjoying a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles.
Jack Nicholson and Ray Nicholson attend a playoff basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite spending most of his time in his Beverly Hills mansion, Nicholson maintains contact with certain relatives, particularly his son Ray. Friends and insiders have expressed worry about his increasing reclusiveness, drawing comparisons to the late Marlon Brando.
The Mulholland Drive community, where Nicholson resides, is reportedly concerned about his well-being. While physically fine, there are concerns about his mental health. This situation is reportedly deemed unfortunate for a talented actor like Nicholson. Despite having six kids, he's currently single and living alone.
Jack Nicholson's Relationship with Estranged Daughter
Tessa, Nicholson's estranged daughter, spoke about her unique upbringing and her conflicted feelings toward her famous father on a few occasions. In two of her interviews, she revealed that the "Hoffa" alum wasn't interested in having a relationship with her when she was a child, despite her mother's efforts. She claimed:
"One of the most influential actors happens to be my biological father, and for whatever reason, he isn't interested in having a relationship."
She described her childhood as being kept a secret, with her mother instructing her not to reveal who her dad is. She mentioned that their encounters were sporadic and short-lived. While Nicholson provided financial support for her education, their relationship remained distant.
Tessa, who has a passion for acting, expressed frustration at the challenges she faced in the industry and how her connection to Nicholson might affect her career. She acknowledged her admiration for her father's acting skills while emphasizing the distinction between his art and his role as a parent.
"I knew he was powerful and Daddy Warbucks-level rich, so I kind of equated my life to being like Orphan Annie's," added Tessa.
Nicholson, 86, a father to five other children, hasn't reportedly acknowledged Tessa as his daughter or taken steps to build a relationship with her.
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