Jack Nicholson Has ‘Disappeared’ but Is ‘Well,’ Says Michael Douglas: ‘I Still See Him’

While promoting his new memoir, “One Helluva Ride,” at a recent event, Douglas was asked about Nicholson and his relationship with the “Something’s Gotta Give” actor.

“I would have liked to have acted with Jack,” Douglas said. “He’s not working anymore. He’s well. He has disappeared. I know that.” He continued: “I still see him, but he is fine. He is up there by his house and walking around in his slippers. It happens. He deserves it. I understand. He is a few years older than me, but I understand.” (Douglas is 82, while Nicholson is 89.)

While the two never shared the screen, Douglas produced the 1975 film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” in which Nicholson starred as Randle McMurphy. The film earned nine Oscar nominations and won five, including best actor for Nicholson and best picture.

Though Nicholson’s never made a formal statement announcing his retirement, the Oscar-winner hasn’t appeared in a film since “How Do You Know” in 2010. He’s also infrequently photographed, though his daughter, Lorraine, shared a snap of the star for his birthday in April.

The photo, posted on her Instagram story, shows Nicholson clapping and smiling while sitting next to Joni Mitchell. Lorraine didn’t indicate when the photo was taken, but simply wrote on the photo, “¡¡ 89 !!” after posting a photo of a younger Jack in a Coca-Cola shirt with, “89?”

Nicholson’s last public appearance was during the “Saturday Night Live” 50^th anniversary television special on NBC in February 2025, which he attended with his daughter.