Jack Nicholson is a legendary Hollywood actor and pop culture icon, but he's been retired from the screen since 2010, and here's a look at why. An active Hollywood performer from 1954 to 2010, Nicholson carved out a career that would merit envy from most other actors. Nicholson is not only a legend in the eyes of moviegoers, but also the industry itself, with him earning a massive 12 Oscar nominations, winning three times. Were there an official movie star hall of fame, Nicholson would surely be one of the first inductees.
Nicholson also became an object of fascination for his off-camera exploits, being a famous ladies man, and constantly exuding cool whenever seen in public. His love for the Los Angeles Lakers NBA team is also well-known, and he would often appear courtside for games. Now 83-years-old, Nicholson is no longer the man about town he once was, but that's to be expected. He's certainly led a very interesting and successful life all things considered.
Nicholson is an actor who tends to steal any movie he appears in, whether that be playing the lead or a small supporting role. All the various phases of his career proved interesting to watch, and there's definitely millions of movie fans who would love to see him headline a project again. At this point though, that seems highly unlikely.
Why Jack Nicholson Retired From Acting After 2010
To be clear, Jack Nicholson has never officially announced his retirement from acting. That said, it's been 11 years since he last appeared in a film, so retirement is certainly the logical conclusion. Similarly, Nicholson has never spelled out exact reasons for his disappearance from the big screen. One obvious likely factor though is the abject failure of 2010 romantic comedy How Do You Know, which is currently his last film. Reuniting Nicholson with As Good As It Gets director James L. Brooks, How Do You Know was a huge bomb, both critically and commercially. It seems likely this didn't sit well with Nicholson.
Beyond that, there have been various rumors spread since 2010 that Nicholson stopped acting due to being in failing health or mental decline, although he and those close to him have unequivocally denied those claims. In various interviews, Nicholson has made it known that he's enjoying the freedom of not working, doesn't miss the spotlight, and that age has helped him temper some of his worst personality traits. He's by no means a recluse, still being seen in public at awards shows, Lakers games, and other events. He may not have explicitly said it, but it would appear Nicholson is happy being retired.
However, that doesn't mean he won't ever act again, and he's come close here and there since 2010. Nicholson almost starred in 2014 legal drama The Judge, which concerned a Chicago lawyer who heads back to his hometown after his mother's death, only to end up defending his judge father against a murder charge. Nicholson was up for the title role, but demanded changes be made to the script before he would sign on, and Robert Duvall ultimately got the part. In 2017, Nicholson fans got new hope when he signed on to star in an American remake of the acclaimed German dramedy Toni Erdmann. By 2018 though, he had second thoughts and backed out. If he never acts again, he definitely has nothing to be ashamed of.