Nicholson: I think about death all the time
This Hollywood icon is a three-time Oscar winner and is remembered for his masterful roles in some of the best films in the history of Hollywood.
Hollywood actors, at least most of them, have always been considered charismatic, charming, and, above all, cool men. But, if we had to choose the one who is perhaps the greatest connoisseur in terms of attitude and behavior, there is a good chance that most of us would agree on the choice. It would be Jack Nicholson.
This Hollywood icon is a three-time Oscar winner and is remembered for his masterful roles in some of the best films in the history of Hollywood. We know him as one of the best Jokers (the other is definitely the Joker Heath Ledger), haunted us in nightmares after watching "Shine", and completely blew us away in "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest".
There is no person who was not happy to watch the grumpy guy from the movie "As good as it gets" show his more vulnerable, good-natured side. To be honest, we also loved him in films that were not the greatest achievements, but his characters were impressive enough that we like those films as well.
Although he is now retired from acting due to memory problems, Nicholson is present among the audience through his roles in cult films whose reruns are always gladly seen on small screens.
He is in the film industry for over 60 years, he started his career in low-budget films (primarily horror), and besides Michael Kane, he is the only actor who was nominated for an Oscar at least once every decade from the 1960s to the 2000s.
Always smiling and in good spirits, despite family traumas (June, whom he believed to be his sister all his life, was actually his mother, which Nicholson discovered only after both June and her mother and Nicholson's grandmother passed away).
A loyal fan of the Lakers, an eternal seducer and Casanova, and yet the personification of a gentleman and a truly modern guru since we could learn how to approach life casually, but also how to enjoy it.
But, if there is any doubt about how inspiring Jack is, here is an opportunity to eliminate it. This eternally likable actor, who turned 85 this year, during his career gave various statements that hint at the true nature of his personality, but also from which we can learn useful lessons about life.
When he was asked in 1975 about how difficult it is for him to identify with his characters:
“It's a little hard to imagine, but most people are similar in most things. I've never had a problem identifying with the character I'm playing.”
He had only one thing to say about his life philosophy in 1984:
“My religion, in essence, is to be direct, to live in the present moment. It’s an old cliché, I know, but it’s my cliché.”
Later, in 1998, Nicholson had another important piece of advice about life:
“My motto is: Have a good time.”
He was also short and specific on the subject of death:
“I'm Irish. I think about death all the time.”
About the secrets of your job:
“I have directed a lot of films with actors who have never acted in a film before, and what I have learned to advise them is: If you feel any urge in the scene, no matter how wrong it may seem, follow it.”
However, he discovered the biggest secret only 20 years ago:
“Always try to avoid interviews!”
About the truth… and women:
“You only lie to two people in your life: your girlfriend and a police officer. Tell the truth to everyone else.”
He discovered something key about his personality 25 years ago:
“When I wear sunglasses, I'm Jack Nicholson. When I’m not wearing them, I’m fat and I’m 60 years old.”
