Inside Jack Nicholson's reclusive life - early retirement and dementia struggles

09 May 2023 , 15:05
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Jack Nicholson (Image: Getty Images)
Jack Nicholson (Image: Getty Images)

Jack Nicholson used to be the life of the party but now he is a rarely seen Hollywood legend who went as long as 18 months without being seen by his friends and the public.

The star rose to fame back in the 1970s and is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time.

His life in the spotlight included multiple flings, earning himself the title of a ladies man, and led a wild, drug and sex-fuelled lifestyle during his formative years in Hollywood.

He was labelled as "the man no woman could resist" and has been tied to the likes of Sandra Knight, Mamas & the Papas singer Michelle Phillips, Joni Mitchell and has been on-again, off-again with Angelica Huston.

Jack has six children - Ray Nicholson, Lorraine Nicholson, Tessa Gourin, Jennifer Nicholson, Caleb James Goddard, Honey Hollman - and regularly sees his eldest children Lorraine and his protege, Ray.

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Inside Jack Nicholson's reclusive life - early retirement and dementia strugglesJack led a wild life in his formative years (Channel 4)

Despite claiming to have bedded 20,000 women, some have claimed that the 86-year-old had "paid the price for treating women like dirt" and leads a lonely life filled with health struggles and no companionship.

Jack's last movie appearance was in a 2010 rom-com called How Do You Know, and while he hasn't officially announced his retirement, a source and close pal has claimed that the actor was forced into quitting due to his dementia.

They told Radar at the time: "There is a simple reason behind his decision – it's memory loss, quite frankly, at 76, Jack has memory issues and can no longer remember the lines being asked of him."

At the same time, the source added that Jack had no intention of "retiring from the limelight or public life".

Inside Jack Nicholson's reclusive life - early retirement and dementia strugglesAt the time, sources said Jack had "no intention of retiring from public life" (Getty Images)

"He just doesn't want a tribute. He's happy to tacitly join the retirees' club, like Sean Connery," they added. However, in October 2021, the actor was seen for the last time until 18 months later when he re-emerged from his home.

A source said that his community were "worried about him" and that he'd been taken care of by his children.

"Jack and I have been friends for years and he doesn't leave his house anymore... I think his son and daughter are looking after him now," they said.

"The Mulholland Drive community is pretty close-knit, and they are all worried about him. Physically he is fine — but his mind is gone. It's really sad to see such a super talented actor, like Jack, go out this way."

Inside Jack Nicholson's reclusive life - early retirement and dementia strugglesJack made his return to courtside (Getty Images)

Other close friend's of Jack pleaded with him to at least leave his house so that they could see that he was well, as they began to worry that the A-Lister would "die alone" as his old pal Marlon Brando did.

Recently, Jack has been seen making his return to courtside at LA Lakers' basketball games, thanks to his season tickets. His recent sightings come after he was spotted looking worse for wear outside his Beverly Hills home.

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The Shining star appeared on his balcony with unbrushed hair that stood up and his usual unshaven look, while wearing a misshapen peach coloured t-shirt and baggy navy trousers.

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Lauren Gordon

Dementia, Mental health, Mamas and the Papas, Jack Nicholson, Michelle Phillips, Joni Mitchell

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