Some of the most iconic roles and lines in cinematic history are attributed to Jack Nicholson. From the psychotic, hatchet-carrying Jack Torrence in The Shining to the unreliable and violent Marine in A Few Good Men, and finally, to the slick Joker in Batman, Nicholson played film roles that defined his career. After all, who could ever forget, "Here's Johnny!" or "You can't handle the truth?"
However, over the years, different generations and even fans forgot some of the roles Nicholson had, whether it was some of his most minor parts or his biggest ones. His fame from the films he is most known for overshadowed his other roles from the past and in recent years.
Anger Management
Not only is good ol' Jack in this film, but so is Adam Sandler! Nicholson plays the role of therapist, Dr. Buddy Rydell.
As part of Rydell's technique, he accompanies Dave (Sandler) in his daily life in order to help him conquer his deep-seated anger problems. Although it came out just in 2003, not many moviegoers recall the fact that Nicholson had a starring role opposite of Sandler. There was even a TV show named after the film in 2012, which starred Charlie Sheen in Nicholson's original role.
Chinatown
Possibly due to its 1974 premiere date, Nicholson's role in Chinatown isn't remembered as often as it once was. However, this film is labeled as one of the greatest movies of all time and was even selected by the Library of Congress for the U.S. National Film Registry.
Nicholson portrayed J.J. or Jake Gittes, a private investigator. Gittes is tasked with exposing one's infidelity but finds himself in an endless web of lies and even murder. There was even a sequel starring Nicholson, who was also a director, called The Two Jakes.
Carnal Knowledge
This comical drama premiered back in 1971 and is considered one of Nicholson's most notable roles of his career. Nevertheless, many nowadays simply don't recall the three-part cinematic experience this movie offered its audiences.
Nicholson plays one of the two roommates that the film focuses on, highly centering on their sexual encounters throughout their lives.
Terms Of Endearment
Portraying a retired astronaut, Nicholson's role in this family-oriented '80s flick gets him involved in a romance with his neighbor, Aurora, who is widowed.
Being that many audiences didn't (and still don't) associate the actor with a trace of romance, it was interesting to see him in a much sweeter environment in a film. Although this was hugely popular when it was released (earning a significant box office amount), Nicholson isn't remembered for this role by modern viewers.
As Good As It Gets
This is when Nicholson started to grow into more emotional roles since As Good As It Gets came out in the late '90s. Who would have thought they'd see the normally angry-looking guy from intense movies holding up a cute, fluffy puppy? And, it gets better—the character is a romance novelist who is fixated on avoiding stepping on sidewalk cracks and falls for a local waitress.
Well, it turns out Nicholson has the lead role in this film but sadly, his other more aggressively dramatic roles still overshadow this remarkable one.
Easy Rider
This movie isn't one of Nicholson's most remembered now mostly because of its 1969 release. His role is the lawyer who stayed overnight in jail because he drank too much. The character is initially hesitant to try marijuana because he fears getting hooked since he deals with alcoholism anyway. He later relents though.
The character is vital to the storyline because he accompanies the leads, Wyatt and Billy, in their trek to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The Little Shop Of Horrors
All the way back in 1960, a younger Nicholson played Wilbur Force in this horror comedy. His minor role was later shown in home video releases later in time. Most will recognize the film title from the stage musical.
However, many still peruse the film searching long and hard to get a glimpse at Nicholson, which is because of his smaller, less noticeable role.
Head
This movie is one of the smallest roles in Nicholson's career, but he actually produced the satirical musical film. Its prime focus is on the rock band, The Monkees, and the shenanigans they run into throughout the flick.
Nicholson's short cameo is plainly listed as the movie director in the restaurant. Most audiences, even those that have seen the film multiple times, don't recall Nicholson's presence within the plot.
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre
Despite the film's basis on the real events that occurred in 1929, this 1967 action, gangster movie includes Nicholson in a role that isn't as small as a cameo but unfortunately isn't a well-remembered one either.
The movie centers on the real-life American gangster, Al Capone, in the Roaring Twenties era and the war between two Chicago gangs. The big factor here about Nicholson's role is that he's not even credited for his bit-part as a gangster named Gino.
How Do You Know
This box office flop, yet interesting flick, stars the recognizable ensemble of Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, and Nicholson. Anyone who either didn't see the movie or wasn't a fan of the funny romance would not have known that Nicholson is part of the main cast.
Nicholson plays the wealthy businessman, Charles, who faces criminal charges later on after his son, George, is initially accused of being involved in the crime.