Michael Douglas Gives Update on Jack Nicholson: He’s ‘Well’ But Has ‘Disappeared’

Michael Douglas has provided an update on his friend Jack Nicholson, saying the legendary actor — who hasn't appeared on the big screen in 16 years — is "well" but has "disappeared."

Douglas and Nicholson's friendship began in the mid-1970s, when Douglas served as producer on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest , starring Nicholson in an Oscar-winning role.

Speaking in Swansea, Wales while promoting his memoir One Helluva Ride , Douglas said that he wished he and Nicholson shared the screen together. I would have liked to have acted with Jack," Douglas said ( via People ). "He's not working any more. He's well. He has disappeared. I know that."

Nicholson last appeared on the big screen in 2010's How Do You Know .

"I still see him, but he is fine," Douglas added. "He is up there by his house and walking around in his slippers. It happens. He deserves it. I understand. He is a few years older than me, but I understand."

Nicholson has dramatically cut back on public appearances in recent years, only attending the rare Los Angeles Lakers game now and then . However, the actor made a surprise onscreen appearance in 2025 to introduce Adam Sandler on Saturday Night Live 's 50th anniversary episode; Nicholson previously served in a similar capacity during the SNL 40 show in 2015.