Michael Douglas has given a rare update on his longtime friend Jack Nicholson, saying the retired actor is “well” and enjoying a quieter life away from Hollywood.
Douglas, 82, spoke about Nicholson, 89, during an appearance in Swansea, Wales, while promoting his memoir One Helluva Ride. Nicholson, best known for films including The Shining, has largely withdrawn from public life.
Although the pair never acted together, Douglas said he still sees Nicholson and understands his decision to step back after a decades-long career.
“I would have liked to have acted with Jack,” he said. “He’s not working any more. He’s well. He has disappeared. I know that.”
Douglas added: “I still see him, but he is fine. He is up there by his house and walking around in his slippers.”
Michael Douglas and Jack Nicholson’s decades-long friendship
Their professional connection dates back to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the 1975 film produced by Douglas and Saul Zaentz. Nicholson starred as Randle McMurphy and won his first Best Actor Oscar, while the film took five Academy Awards, including Best Picture for its producers.
“It happens. He deserves it,” Douglas said of Nicholson’s retreat from the spotlight.
Nicholson has not appeared in a film since the 2010 romantic comedy How Do You Know, which also starred Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson. He has made only occasional public appearances since, including a surprise appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special in February 2025, when he introduced Adam Sandler’s musical performance.
