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Jack Nicholson -

John Joseph Nicholson was born on April 22, 1937, in Neptune City, New Jersey. He first came to Hollywood in 1954, and later recalled that his first day as a working actor was May 5, 1955. 

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'The Cry Baby Killer' (1958) -

This film noir crime thriller marked Nicholson's screen acting debut and the first of several films throughout the 1960s where the actor worked with producer-director Roger Corman. 

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'The Wild Ride' (1960) -

An early road racing movie, Nicholson plays a rebellious punk who spends his time driving, partying, and troublemaking. Today it's considered a minor cult classic. 

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'The Little Shop of Horrors' (1960) -

The actor had a small role in this horror comedy film playing a character called Wilbur Force. 

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'The Raven' (1963) -

Produced and directed by Roger Corman, 'The Raven' had Nicholson playing the son of Peter Lorre's character, Dr. Adolphus Bedlo. The movie is not particularly memorable, but allowed the burgeoning actor to tread the boards with some of cinema's greatest exponents of horror.  

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'The Terror' (1963) -

And Nicholson once more delved into the world of horror in this film, which again starred Boris Karloff. Interestingly, due to production problems, Francis Ford Coppola directed some of the scenes, taking over from Roger Corman, as did Nicholson himself. And another bit of trivia is that the uniform worn by Nicholson in the film (pictured) was adapted from the one used by Marlon Brando in 'Désirée' (1954).

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'Easy Rider' (1969) -

Nicholson's standout performance in 'Easy Rider' signaled his arrival as a movie star. His supporting role was nominated for an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.     

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'Five Easy Pieces' (1970) -

His role as surly oil rig worker Bobby Dupea garnered Nicholson both Academy Award and Golden Globe Best Actor nominations.

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'Carnal Knowledge' (1971) -

A comedy-drama directed by Mike Nichols, Nicholson's portrayal of a tough and aggressive womanizer was nominated for a Golden Globe Best Actor award. 

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'The Last Detail' (1973) -

The actor again picked up Academy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance in this tale about two Navy personnel escorting a young offender to prison, but who then decide to show him one last good time along the way. He won the BAFTA for Best Film Actor in a Leading Role. 

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'Chinatown' (1974) -

Roman Polanski's neo-noir mystery (the director's last film made in the United States) won Nicholson BAFTA and Golden Globe Best Actor awards. He was also nominated for an Academy Award. 

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'The Passenger' (1975) -

Michelangelo Antonioni directed Nicholson in this often overlooked gem. Widely praised for its acting and cinematography, 'The Passenger' competed for the Palme d'Or award at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.

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'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975) -

Considered by some to be one of the greatest films ever made, 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' won Nicholson his first Best Actor Oscar. He also picked up BAFTA and Golden Globe awards in the same category. 

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First Oscar win -

Nicholson clutches his Oscar backstage after winning the Best Actor award for 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.'

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'The Shining' (1980) -

No awards, but one of the most chilling performances of any actor as Nicholson's Jack Torrance develops murderous intentions towards his family in a remote hotel in the middle of winter. "Here's Johnny!"

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'Reds' (1981) -

The actor received the BAFTA Best Film Actor in a Supporting Role award in Warren Beatty's epic historical drama, as well as an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination.

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'Terms of Endearment' (1983) -

The actor picked up the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in this comedy-drama, a major critical and commercial success.

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'Prizzi's Honor' (1985) -

A Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy, plus an Academy nomination, followed Nicholson's performance in this black comedy directed by John Huston. 

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'The Witches of Eastwick' (1987) -

'The Witches of Eastwick' received positive reviews, with many critics seeing the film as a showcase for Nicholson's considerable comic talents.

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'Ironweed' (1988) -

Nicholson and Meryl Streep both turned in sterling performances in this drama. The Academy offered up Nicholson a Best Actor nomination. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Drama award. 

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'Batman' (1989) -

Nicholson's 'Joker' in this first Batman movie caught the imagination of critics and public alike and garnered the actor a Golden Globe Best Actor–Musical or Comedy nomination, plus a BAFTA Best Supporting Actor nomination. 

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'A Few Good Men' (1992) -

His dynamic turn as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup saw the actor nominated by the Academy and Golden Globe for best supporting actor awards. 

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'Hoffa' (1992) -

The actor's excellent portrayal of Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Drama. 

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'The Crossing Guard' (1995) -

This Sean Penn-directed independent drama failed at the box office, but was reviewed positively by critics. Nicholson plays a tormented man out to revenge the death of his daughter, who dies in a car wreck.  

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'Blood and Wine' (1996) -

Strong performances from Nicholson and costar Michael Caine garnered favorable reviews by critics, though the film fared less at the box office. 

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'As Good as It Gets' (1997) -

The Academy Award for Best Actor went to Nicholson for his role as uncouth Melvin Udall in this romantic comedy—his third Oscar win! He also took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy. 

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It just got better -

The actor is all smiles after winning the Oscar for 'As Good as It Gets.' 

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Cecil B. DeMille Award -

A proud Jack Nicholson holds aloft his Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement at the 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, held in 1999.  

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Kennedy Center Honor (2001) -

In 2001, Nicholson received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contribution to American culture. He's pictured with fellow honorees Van Cliburn, Julie Andrews, Luciano Pavarotti, and Quincy Jones during a dinner at the State Department in Washington, D.C. 

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'About Schmidt' (2002) -

Another huge critical and commercial success, 'About Schmidt' saw Nicholson nominated for a Best Actor Oscar and BAFTA award. He won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Drama (pictured). 

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'Something's Gotta Give' (2003) -

A box-office hit, 'Something's Gotta Give' earned Nicholson a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy. He's pictured on the red carpet with Diane Keaton and and Amanda Peet.  

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'The Departed' (2006) -

Martin Scorsese's gripping crime drama won praise from critics. Nicholson's role as Francis "Frank" Costello earned him best supporting actor nods from BAFTA and the Golden Globes.  

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Hollywood Walk of Fame -

Jack Nicholson's star can be found and admired at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 

See also: The most shocking moments in Oscars history

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