Jack Nicholson

John Joseph Nicholson, known professionally as Jack Nicholson, was born on April 22, 1937, in Neptune City, New Jersey. He grew up believing his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister. Nicholson discovered that his sister June was actually his mother in 1974, and this revelation had a profound impact on his life. He attended Manasquan High School but moved to Hollywood in 1954.

'Easy Rider,' directed by Dennis Hopper, was released on July 14, 1969, and became a landmark film of the late 1960s counterculture movement. Jack Nicholson's role as the alcoholic lawyer George Hanson brought him significant attention and acclaim, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film's success helped usher in a new era of filmmaking in Hollywood, often referred to as 'New Hollywood.'

The film 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' starring Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, was released on November 19, 1975. Directed by Miloš Forman, the film was a critical and commercial success. Jack Nicholson's performance was widely acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also won four other Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Louise Fletcher, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Stanley Kubrick's horror film 'The Shining,' based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, was released on May 23, 1980. Jack Nicholson starred as Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, where he descends into madness. The film has become iconic for its dramatic visuals and Nicholson's intense performance, particularly in scenes like the infamous 'Here's Johnny!' moment.

At the 53rd Academy Awards held on March 21, 1981, Jack Nicholson was nominated for the film 'Raging Bull.' While he did not win the award that year, the recognition highlighted his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. He faced competition from acclaimed actors such as Robert De Niro, who ultimately won for his role in 'Raging Bull,' but Nicholson's nomination further cemented his reputation in the industry.

Tim Burton's 'Batman,' featuring Jack Nicholson as the Joker, was released on June 23, 1989. Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker was highly praised and became one of the definitive screen interpretations of the character. His performance was characterized by a mix of menace and humor, bringing a unique depth to the role. The film was a major box office success and reinvigorated the superhero genre.

'As Good as It Gets,' a romantic comedy-drama film directed by James L. Brooks, was released on December 19, 1997. Jack Nicholson stars as Melvin Udall, a misanthropic, obsessive-compulsive novelist. His performance was highly praised, winning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also stars Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear, both of whom received Oscar nominations, with Hunt winning Best Actress.

Rob Reiner's film 'The Bucket List,' starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, was released on January 12, 2007. The film follows two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip to complete a list of things they want to do before they die. Nicholson's performance as the eccentric billionaire Edward Cole was well-received, and the film touched many with its heartwarming exploration of life and friendship.

The famous line 'You can't handle the truth!' is from the movie 'A Few Good Men,' in which Jack Nicholson played the role of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup. Although the film was released on December 11, 1992, the line has become one of the most iconic in film history, often quoted and parodied in various media. Nicholson's performance was critical to the film's success, earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

At the 85th Academy Awards held on February 24, 2013, Jack Nicholson received a special tribute for his extensive career in the film industry. Nicholson is one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, known for his versatility and the depth of his performances in over six decades of acting. The tribute recognized his numerous accolades, including 12 Academy Award nominations and 3 wins, making him one of the most nominated male actors.