Jack Nicholson has 'disappeared' from Hollywood: Michael Douglas reveals why the Oscar winner is no longer working. 'It happens. I understand'

his performances in films such as The Shining, Chinatown and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Whether on screen or at a public event, the three-time Oscar winner was rarely been away from the spotlight. But over the past decade, the actor has mostly withdrawn himself from public life.

Now, Michael Douglas, who has known Nicholson for decades, has offered a rare update on his life away from Hollywood. According to Douglas, the 89-year-old actor is doing well but has no plans to return to work.

As per The Independent, speaking at an event in Swansea, Wales, while discussing his memoir One Helluva Ride, Douglas was asked about his friendship with Nicholson. The two first worked together on the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which Douglas produced.


“He’s not working any more. He’s well. He has disappeared. I know that,” Douglas said, as reported by The Independent.

He also revealed that he still meets Nicholson occasionally and that the actor is comfortable spending time at home.

“I still see him, but he is fine. He is up there by his house and walking around in his slippers,” Douglas said.

The Wall Street actor admitted that he would have liked to work alongside Nicholson on screen. However, he appeared to understand why his friend had chosen to step away from the industry.

“It happens. He deserves it. I understand. He is a few years older than me, but I understand,” he added.

Why Jack Nicholson stopped appearing in films

Nicholson has not starred in a film since his performance in the 2010 romantic comedy How Do You Know, directed by James L. Brooks. Although he has never formally announced his retirement, his absence has led to speculation about his future in the film industry.

He had offered some insight into his changing relationship with Hollywood in a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair. “The movie business is the greatest business, but I only want to do films that move people, films about emotions and people,” Nicholson said.

His appearances outside films have also become increasingly rare. In February 2025, he had surprised the audiences by appearing in the SNL50: The Anniversary Special, where he introduced Adam Sandler. Another public appearance before that was at a Los Angeles Lakers playoff game in April 2023, where he was seen talking with LeBron James.

Friendship with Michael Douglas

Douglas and Nicholson's association dates back to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Douglas acquired the rights to Ken Kesey's novel from his father, Kirk Douglas, who had originally hoped to play the lead character, Randle McMurphy, in the film.

Nicholson eventually took the role, delivering a performance that earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.