Nicholson Update: Douglas Says Star Is Retired and Well

Jack Nicholson, 89, is living a private life and remains in good health, according to Michael Douglas. The Basic Instinct actor provided the update while promoting his memoir, One Helluva Ride, in Swansea. Douglas stated that Nicholson has effectively retired from acting and is spending his time walking around his home in slippers.

The two actors have known each other since the mid-1970s when Douglas produced and Nicholson starred in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Their only other professional collaboration was in 1975, though Douglas expressed a wish to have acted alongside him in other projects. Nicholson has not appeared in a film since 2010’s How Do You Know, which featured Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson.

Nicholson has kept a low profile in recent years, with few public sightings. His daughter, Lorraine Nicholson, shared an Instagram photo of her father in January 2025. He appeared in person at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special in February 2025. Lorraine also marked his 89th birthday on Instagram in April.

Douglas, 82, said he still sees Nicholson regularly. He described the older actor’s current routine as a deserved break from the industry. Douglas acknowledged the age gap between the two men but expressed understanding regarding Nicholson’s decision to step back from work.

The update came during a press tour for Douglas’s memoir that has generated significant media attention. An excerpt from the book revealed a secret romantic relationship between Douglas and Kathleen Turner during the filming of Romancing the Stone in 1984. Turner responded to the news in a statement to People magazine, calling the revelation a fuss about an event from 40 years ago.

Douglas said he looks forward to the book being enjoyed by readers. The memoir tour continues with further appearances scheduled as the book launches this month.