Michael Douglas offers rare update on Jack Nicholson. 'He has disappeared' - USA Today
Michael Douglas is shedding some light on how Jack Nicholson is faring following his unofficial exodus from Hollywood.
During a recent appearance in Swansea, Wales, tied to the release of his first memoir, "One Helluva Ride," the 82-year-old actor opened up about his bond with Nicholson, 89, whom he considers a dear friend.
"I would have liked to have acted with Jack. He’s not working any more. He’s well. He has disappeared. I know that," Douglas, according to The Independent, said of Nicholson, who once starred in the 1975 Douglas-produced classic "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest."
"I still see him, but he is fine. He is up there by his house and walking around in his slippers," Douglas said, adding that retirement "happens" and that the Nicholson "deserves" a break after such an illustrious career.
He continued: "I understand. He is a few years older than me, but I understand."
USA TODAY has reached out to Nicholson's reps for comment.
While Nicholson has never publicly announced his retirement, the three-time Oscar winner has maintained a relatively low profile since starring in the 2010 rom-com "How Do You Know."
In February 2025, Nicholson made a brief cameo at Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary show, quickly appearing on camera to introduce Adam Sandler's musical performance. Nicholson's daughter Lorraine shared a rare photo of her Hollywood titan father the following April to commemorate his 89th birthday.
Nicholson offered clarity on his choice to step away from the movie biz after an unconfirmed report alleged that his retirement stemmed from memory problems. Speaking with The Sun in 2013, Nicholson explained that if he was taking fewer film roles as of late, it was simply because he was less driven to "be out there any more," Vanity Fair reported.
"[The] movie business is the greatest business, but I only want to do films that move people, films about emotions and people," he told the publication then.
Nicholson, however, did confirm he was retiring from dating. "The Shining" actor told the publication that he was careful about which women he approaches because it "doesn’t feel right" to "hit on" women at his age.
"There were points in my life when I felt oddly irresistible to women," he said. "I’m not in that state now, which makes me sad."
Nicholson added: "Now I don’t have any hair below my sock line, and that means you’re getting old, Jackie boy. It comes out of my ears instead. I mean, how many times have I slashed my earlobes?"
The "Batman" actor said he "would love" one last romance, a real one, but he isn't too optimistic it will happen. Nicholson was married for to actor and painter Sandra Knight for six years, divorcing in 1968.
"I’m not very realistic about it happening. What I can’t deny is my yearning," he told the Daily Mail in 2011.
