Douglas Says Nicholson Is Well But Retired From Work

The film industry has seen a quiet shift in its veteran ranks, and Michael Douglas offered a concrete look at one such change on Friday. Speaking in Swansea to promote his memoir One Helluva Ride, Douglas addressed the current status of his longtime friend Jack Nicholson.

Douglas stated that Nicholson is no longer working but is in good health. He described the 89-year-old actor as having effectively disappeared from the professional spotlight. Douglas noted that he still sees Nicholson regularly and confirmed that his friend is doing well.

The producer provided specific details about Nicholson’s daily routine. He said Nicholson spends his time at his house and walks around in his slippers. Douglas acknowledged that Nicholson is a few years older than him and expressed an understanding of his decision to step back. He added that he would have liked to act alongside Nicholson in a future project.

Nicholson’s last major film appearance was in 2010’s How Do You Know, which starred Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson. His most recent high-profile public moment was a February 2025 appearance on the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special. In April, his daughter Lorraine Nicholson shared a photo of him on Instagram for his 89th birthday.

Douglas and Nicholson previously worked together on the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which Douglas produced. Douglas’s recent press tour has generated significant media attention, largely due to his disclosure of a secret relationship with Kathleen Turner during the filming of Romancing the Stone in 1984. Turner responded to the news by telling People that she loves Douglas and looks forward to reading the book.

The two actors have maintained a personal connection despite Nicholson’s reduced public activity. Douglas’s comments provide a direct update on the health and lifestyle of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures at 89.