10 Vintage Photos of Jack Nicholson and His Iconic A-List Friends in the ‘70s

The actor, who rose to prominence in the ‘70s with films such as ‘Chinatown’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,”now lives a quiet life away from Hollywood

With three acting Oscars to his name — two for Best Actor (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and As Good As It Gets) and one for Best Supporting Actor (Terms of Endearment) — Jack Nicholson has had one of the most successful and enduring Hollywood careers.

The actor first broke through with his role in Dennis Hopper’s Easy Rider back in 1969. His career snowballed throughout the ‘70s as he delivered stellar performances in Chinatown, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Last Tycoon and more. He kept the momentum going for decades before retreating from the spotlight in the 2010s.

His last performance came in 2010, when he played Charles Madison in the James L. Brook rom-com How Do You Know. He’s infrequently seen in public these days; he most recently made a rare appearance in February 2025, introducing Adam Sandler from the audience at the SNL50: The Anniversary Special event. Before that, he was spotted at an April 2023 Los Angeles Lakers playoff game, alongside his son Ray.

On Oct. 26, his longtime friend Michael Douglas gave fans some insight on Nicholson’s life in retirement. According to The Independent, Douglas told attendees at an event in Swansea, Wales, “I would have liked to have acted with Jack … He’s not working any more. 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.”

Ahead, check out vintage photos of Jack Nicholson in the ‘70s with A-list pals such as Warren Beatty, Anjelica Huston, Robert De Niro, Douglas and more.

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Ladies and a Gentleman

Nicholson was pictured regaling then-girlfriend Michelle Phillips (l) and actress Sally Kellerman as they headed into the Academy Awards in 1972.

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Playing the Part

The actor is pictured filming a scene for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest alongside Danny DeVito in 1975.

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Deux Hommes

Nicholson and Douglas hit the streets of Paris in some very chic outerwear in 1976. The two became lifelong friends after working together on One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on which Douglas served as a producer.

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Hollywood Couple

Nicholson and actress Anjelica Huston arrived together to the 1976 Oscars. The couple were on and off for 17 years, from 1973, until they broke up for a final time in 1990, after he fathered a child outside of their relationship with Rebecca Broussard. They have remained good friends, with Nicholson offering the actress a place to stay after the L.A. fires broke out in 2025.

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Jolly Fellows

Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty were spotted having a laugh while out and about in California in 1976.

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So Cheeky

Nicholson flashed one of his famous grins while getting a playful squeeze from Lauren Bacall (with Warren Beatty) at the CBS Inaugural Gala in 1977.

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Critics Awards

It was double date night for Nicholson and Huston, who sat with Robert De Niro and his then-wife Diahnne Abbot at the New York Film Critic’s Awards in 1977.

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Charmed, I’m Sure

Ever the charmer, Nicholson bowed to give Janet Gaynor’s hand a kiss at the Academy Awards in 1978.

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For a Lifetime

Nicholson and Diane Keaton looked like the quintessential movie stars in this candid photo captured the same night.

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Cool Guys Club

Nicholson, in his signature dark shades, hit the town with Dustin Hoffman in this ultra-cool shot taken circa 1977.