Jack Nicholson is one of the greatest and most charismatic actors of all time.
On April 22, 2026, Nicholson will celebrate his 89th birthday. His career began in 1955 during the last phases of the entertainment industry’s Golden Era and culminated in 2010. He can still be spotted around Los Angeles and supporting his favorite team, the NBA’s Lakers, courtside at their games.
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During his career, he has won three Academy Awards, including two for best actor (“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “As Good as It Gets”); six Golden Globe awards; and a Grammy.
Nicholson has appeared in several iconic films, including “Chinatown,” “Easy Rider,” “Batman,” and “A Few Good Men.” A couple of decades ago, he put his life in perspective.
“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson,” he said. “Without them, I’m fat and 70.”
Serving in the Air National Guard
Before he hit the big time, Nicholson served in the California Air National Guard. He joined in 1957 and attended Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Nicholson then did weekend drills with his two-week annual training at the Van Nuys Airport. He served as a firefighter on base at a unit and did time on active duty during the Berlin crisis of 1961.
Nicholson finished his tour in 1962. While on his way up in Hollywood and in service, he looked to the greats for inspiration.
“There’s no one before or since like Marlon Brando,” Nicholson said. “The gift was enormous and flawless, like [Pablo Picasso]. Brando was a genius who was the beginning and end of his own revolution. You didn’t rush him. He had a tremendous gift just in his stillness.
“I was in high school when I saw ‘The Wild One’ [1953]. He changed my life forever… a monumental artist. There was no way to follow in his footsteps. He was just too large and just too far out of sight. He truly shook the world, and his influence will be there long into the future.”
A Longtime Partnership
During his reserve duties, Nicholson appeared in “The Cry Baby Killer,” “The Little Shop of Horrors,” and “The Broken Land.” His career took flight with “Easy Rider” to close out the 1960s.
During that decade, Nicholson reconnected with fellow California National Guard veteran Sandy Bresler, whom he met while in service. Bresler signed him as a client in 1961 while Bresler worked at the William Morris Agency. Bresler launched his own firm in the late 1960s and continued to represent Nicholson until Bresler’s death in 2024.
Their partnership lasted more than 60 years.
While accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 1999, Nicholson paid homage to Bresler.
“There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior and so forth. His name escapes me,” Nicholson jested. “Sandy Bresler, my pal and comrade in arms.”
The Quintessential Lakers Fan
Nicholson’s love of the Lakers began in 1970 when he became a season-ticket holder. Over the years, he frequently could be seen at courtside.
He also loves the New York Yankees and collects art from artists Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Jack Vettriano. He is a constant student of life.
“The minute you’re not learning, I believe you’re dead,” Nicholson said.
Through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, Nicholson cruised through life and the industry. He starred in many films, including “Terms of Endearment,” “Hoffa,” “About Schmidt,” “Anger Management,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and “The Bucket List.”
Nicholson, who has largely been retired from acting since 2010, is philosophical about getting older.
“One of the toughest parts of aging is losing your friends. At first, it starts quietly, then pretty soon, it’s every month, and you can’t help but think, “When is that bell going to go off for me?” Nicholson told the Daily Mail in 2011. “And on top of that, you feel this constant loss.
“At this time of life, you feel just a sword’s point from death. It’s frightening. Who wants to face God and the clear white light? I know I definitely don’t. Yet.”
