Renowned American actor Jack Nicholson has graced the screen in numerous cinematic masterpieces, from the spine-chilling horror classic “The Shining” by Stanley Kubrick to Martin Scorsese's gripping crime drama “The Departed” in 2006.
With a remarkable 12 Academy Award nominations, Nicholson holds the record for the most nominated male actor in the history of the esteemed institution, with three wins under his belt.
Before evolving into the seasoned actor he is today, Nicholson was infamous for his wild partying ways, reserving a trailer on set solely for indulging in s** and consuming copious amounts of cocaine.
Often hailed as “the man men aspire to be and women desire,” Nicholson has been linked to a plethora of outrageous tales, including instances of drug use in front of his own daughter.
His residence was famously dubbed “the craziest house in Hollywood,” playing host to numerous A-list celebrities and lavishing them with an array of mind-altering substances.
For quite some time, Nicholson resided alongside Marlon Brando and Warren Beatty on Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills, leading to the road acquiring the moniker “Bad Boy Drive.”
Origins rooted in modesty and psychedelic adventures
The journey commenced in the late 1950s and early '60s when Nicholson delved into acting in B-movies, immersing himself in a hedonistic lifestyle alongside Hollywood peers such as Harry Dean Stanton, who recollects, “Whenever I envision Jack from that era, it's always with a cheap red wine on his lips.”
Alongside Stanton and Bruce Dern, Nicholson ventured into the realms of LSD, cocaine, and marijuana.
In his memoir titled “Nicholson,” Marc Eliot recounts, “Jack's encounters with the drug were transformative.
He believed that after his initial intake, he had a glimpse of God's face.
He also experienced castration and homoerotic fantasies, along with revelations about feeling unwanted as an infant.”
No munchies, just milk… and drugs
Nicholson's abode emerged as the epicenter of many Hollywood soirees, featuring a continuous stream of hedonistic revelries.
The actor was well-acquainted with such events, partaking in “orgies” at Harry Dean Stanton's residence and organizing similar gatherings at his own home.
While guests remained discreet about the affairs, some lamented the absence of snacks in Nicholson's extensive refrigerator.
Biographer Eliot reminisces, “The parties involved round-the-clock carousing, alcohol, drugs, s**, plenty of marijuana, and attractive, enthusiastic women who relished getting high alongside the men and enjoying themselves.
The fridge consistently lacked food, stocked only with milk (for Jack's occasionally sensitive stomach), beer, and pot stored in the freezer to maintain its freshness.”
Drug hierarchy
According to Nicholson, there existed a clear division between two categories of drugs: downstairs and upstairs.
The ground floor “supplies” were accessible to all party attendees, while the premium substances were stashed upstairs, reserved for Nicholson's close companions, distinguished guests, and romantic interests.
Anjelica Huston, Nicholson's former partner of over 17 years, refuted claims of Nicholson segregating guests based on drug access, stating to Vulture in 2019, “I'm uncertain about the accuracy of that tale.”
Nonetheless, Huston did acknowledge Nicholson's regular cocaine usage, affirming, “Absolutely.
He didn't indulge excessively; he wasn't a heavy user.
I think Jack utilized it somewhat intelligently, perhaps akin to Freud.
Jack often struggled with physical weariness.
He felt fatigued, and I presume, at a certain age, a slight bump would perk him up.
Like espresso.”
A tale of transgression
Following the tragic loss of his wife and unborn child, director Polanski turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism but spiraled into depths of depravity.
While guest editing the French edition of Vogue in 1977, he preyed upon a 13-year-old girl, coercing her to partake in multiple photoshoots.
During the second shoot at Jack Nicholson's residence, he incapacitated the minor with champagne and a Quaalude before subjecting her to multiple acts of s**ual violation.
Despite being apprehended for the crime and serving 42 days in custody, Polanski became a fugitive, fleeing to France to evade prosecution.
Since then, he has led a life on the run, avoiding countries where extradition back to the US is plausible.
Nicholson's romantic escapades
Nicholson's romantic history precedes him, characterized by a string of relationships with women.
Cher, a close friend of Nicholson, dismissed his conduct, remarking, “The unique aspect about Jack is his profound fondness for women, surpassing any man I've encountered.”
During the writing of his memoir, Marc Eliot unearthed the revelation that Nicholson would apply cocaine on his genitals to heighten his s**ual prowess.
Eliot detailed, “Adopting a practice inspired by Errol Flynn, he discovered that by dabbing a bit on the tip of his member, he could prolong his endurance.
Moreover, due to the reactions elicited from women, he believed it intensified their sensations.”
Has time caught up with Nicholson?
Celebrating his 83rd birthday recently, Nicholson conceded in recent years that his libido has waned due to the inevitable changes brought about by aging.
In 2006, he remarked, “Look, I'm less rowdy these days not because of a shift in character, but due to the alterations in one's physique that accompany old age.
I'm not as fixated.
I still possess the same desire.
However, whether you seek it or not, that aspect of your life undergoes a change.
Throughout the majority of my life, I relished pursuing what I desired.
I have been fortunate because things simply fell into place for me.”
Expressing hope for a final romance at 80 in 2017, Nicholson acknowledged the improbability of such an occurrence.
He stated, “I would cherish one last romance, yet I am not overly optimistic about it materializing.
I can no longer make advances towards women in public – it doesn't feel appropriate at my age…
I wouldn't bemoan my life.
It's not as if I lack companionship.”
