Jack Nicholson Throwback Photos from the 1960s and 1970s

Jack Nicholson Is 87: 15 Candid Photos from His Smoldering Early Years That Prove No One Had More Charisma

Celebrate the Oscar winner's latest milestone with a look back at some of his best throwback photos

Published on April 22, 2024 10:11AM EDT

American actor Jack Nicholson smiles with his arms outstretched, wearing overalls and sunglasses, while attending the Motion Picture Relief Fund Auction at Columbia Ranch, California, June 4, 1972. — Jack Nicholson in 1972. Photo:
Pictorial Parade/Getty

Could Jack Nicholson be any cooler?

The Oscar-winning actor turns 87 years old on April 22, 2024, and though newer fans might know him for his horror hits and his near-permanent spot at Lakers games, he's been in the actual game for decades, picking up his first feature film at just 21 years old and not slowing down since.

In honor of the actor's latest milestone, we're throwing it back to those early days and roles, when Nicholson's ever-present charm was fully on display at all times. Check out some of his best vintage photos from his early career and red carpets.

01 of 15

1958

Jack Nicholson and Carolyn Mitchell in a publicity still for The Cry Baby Killer. — Jack Nicholson in 1958.
Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty

Jack Nicholson was just 21 when his film The Cry Baby Killer — costarring Carolyn Mitchell, pictured — was released in 1958.

02 of 15

1964

Actor Jack Nicholson strumming a guitar and singing during filming of Ensign Pulver. — Jack Nicholson in 1964's Ensign Pulver.
John Swope/Getty

Did you know Jack Nicholson played guitar? Well, he did at least in 1964's Ensign Pulver.

03 of 15

1967

Richard Rush, Susan Strasberg and Jack Nicholson shined in their trippy 1967 film Psych-Out.

04 of 15

1967

Jack Nicholson in Hells Angels on Wheels — Jack Nicholson in 1967's Hells Angels on Wheels.
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Wanna ride? Jack Nicholson's charm was on full display in 1967's Hells Angels on Wheels.

05 of 15

1970

Kino. Five Easy Pieces - Ein Mann Sucht Sich Selbst, Five Easy Pieces, Five Easy Pieces - Ein Mann Sucht Sich Selbst, Five Easy Pieces, Jack Nicholson Als ihm seine Freundin Rayette Dipesto (Karen Black) erzaehlt, dass sie schwanger ist, stellt Robert (Jack Nicholson) sie seiner Familie vor. Schliesslich verlaesst er sie jedoch, um in Alaska ein ganz neues Leben zu beginnen. , 1970. — Jack Nicholson in 1970's Five Easy Pieces.
FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty

Often a romantic lead, Jack Nicholson shared the screen with Karen Black in 1970's Five Easy Pieces.

06 of 15

1970

Jack Nicholson was ready for his closeup in 1970's Easy Rider.

07 of 15

1972

Actor Jack Nicholson wearing a white three-piece suit at a rally for Senator George McGovern at Madison Square Garden in New York ( — Jack Nicholson in 1972.
Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty

Jack Nicholson had all the right vibes during a star-studded 1972 rally for Senator George McGovern at N.Y.C.'s Madison Square Garden.

08 of 15

1972

Jack Nicholson's spirit was on display as he arrived to the Motion Picture Relief Fund auction at Columbia Ranch in California in the summer of 1972.

09 of 15

1972

American actor Jack Nicholson attends the Academy Awards with singer and actor Michelle Phillips (left) and actor Sally Kellerman, Los Angeles, California, April 1972 — Jack Nicholson in 1972.
Max Miller/Fotos International/Getty

Jack Nicholson walked the 1972 Academy Awards red carpet with singer/actress Michelle Phillips (left) and actress Sally Kellerman.

10 of 15

1973

Ann Marshall (L) and Jack Nicholson attend the opening of Jill Gibson's exhibit at the De Vorzon Gallery in Los Angeles, California, on December 11, 1973. — Jack Nicholson in 1973.
Frank Diernhammer/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

Ann Marshall, Jack Nicholson's assistant, accompanied the dressed-up star to the opening of an art exhibition at the De Vorzon Gallery in L.A. in December of 1973.

11 of 15

1973

For 1974's Chinatown, Jack Nicholson donned a three-piece suit and cap while shooting in Los Angeles the year prior.

12 of 15

1974

His part in 1974's Chinatown also found him entangled with none other than Faye Dunaway.

13 of 15

1976

Actor Jack Nicholson with partner Anjelica Huston at Yankee Stadium for the Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton boxing match in New York — Jack Nicholson in 1976.
Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty

Anjelica Huston and Jack Nicholson were one cool couple at the 1976 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton at N.Y.C.'s Yankee Stadium.

14 of 15

1976

UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Jack Nicholson — Jack Nicholson 1976.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

An elated Jack Nicholson picked up his first Best Actor Oscar at the 1976 awards for his work in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

15 of 15

1976

Actor Jack Nicholson waves his Oscar which he received for best actor in the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at the 48th Annual Academy Awards. — Jack Nicholson in 1976. Bettmann Archive

In his acceptance speech, Jack Nicholson in part thanked his agent, joking, "Who about 10 years ago advised me that I had no business being an actor. Thank you."

Jack Nicholson Is 87: 15 Candid Photos from His Smoldering Early Years That Prove No One Had More Charisma

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