Actor Danny DeVito recently offered a rare glimpse into the health and life of his longtime friend Jack Nicholson. The two first collaborated on the classic film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest fifty years ago and have maintained their friendship ever since. DeVito’s update comes as the film’s 50th anniversary approaches, highlighting the enduring bond between the actors.
Jack Nicholson’s Current Public Presence and Recent Sightings
Now 88 years old, Nicholson has largely withdrawn from public view, drastically reducing his appearances at events and basketball games in Los Angeles where he was once frequently spotted courtside. Despite this, he made a notable return to the spotlight during the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live earlier this year. DeVito confirmed he recently saw Nicholson in person, commenting,
“I just saw Jack a couple weeks ago—it was his birthday a month ago, and he’s great.”
Ongoing Collaborations and Mutual Respect
Beyond their initial collaboration, DeVito and Nicholson appeared together in several films including 1978’s Goin’ South, the 1983 Oscar-winning drama Terms of Endearment, 1992’s Hoffa, and Tim Burton’s 1996 sci-fi comedy Mars Attacks!. DeVito spoke about the respect and admiration the cast had for Nicholson during the filming of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, recalling their awe at his early rise in Hollywood. He stated,
“We’re in the presence of this guy who’s really at his moment, where he was breaking out into the big time.”
He also described Nicholson as approachable and genuine, saying,
“He started out exactly the way everybody else did, where he couldn’t get a job. It was like he came to Hollywood and he was going to just write and direct, and then Easy Rider comes along after the Corman stuff… So he was in our milieu, and he was always just as open and genuine, and we all felt it immediately.”
The Lasting Impact of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The film they worked on together has a distinguished history, being one of only three movies to win all five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. This milestone underscores the extraordinary talent involved in the project and the lasting legacy that continues to surround these artists and their work. As the 50th anniversary approaches, fans and industry insiders alike reflect on the significant influence of both Nicholson and DeVito’s careers.
