Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson may have stepped away from the spotlight 15 years ago, but filmmaker James L. Brooks believes he still has plenty of acting left in him.
James directed Nicholson in the comedy film “How Do You Know,” and he insists that Nicholson hasn’t “stopped” acting, according to reports from People magazine.
A Timeless Collaboration
Both James and Jack, now 88 years old, share a professional collaboration and a deep friendship that is the stuff of Hollywood legends. They forged this connection through Nicholson’s Oscar-winning performances in Brooks’ acclaimed dramedies “Terms of Endearment” and “As Good as It Gets,” along with a memorable role in “Broadcast News.”
Despite the 15-year gap since Nicholson last appeared on the big screen, Brooks is optimistic that the movie icon will return. “Oh, I don’t think he stopped,” Brooks stated. “I mean, he’s gotten scripts, he’s reading them, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing them.”
An Unwavering Belief
According to People, Brooks has expressed his belief that Nicholson will inevitably feel “itchy and scratch” his interest in acting again. He often refers to Nicholson as “the greatest actor of the generation” while discussing his new film, “Ella McCay,” and his own successful directing career, which contributed to two of Nicholson’s three career Academy Awards.
The duo’s first encounter was facilitated by Debra Winger, who brought Brooks’ script for the 1983 classic “Terms of Endearment” and encouraged Nicholson to co-star alongside her and Shirley MacLaine.
James recounted, “I didn’t have a second choice. I didn’t, because the guy has to have a license from an audience when he walks on, and he was the only one. I was a fledgling director, and I had to get the greatest guy going or not make the movie.”
Pearls of Wisdom
Brooks shared an insightful interaction he had with Nicholson: “I once asked him what to do if you’re in a scene and the other actor isn’t particularly talented.” Nicholson’s response was, “No, no. Whatever the other actor does is perfect.” Brooks noted, “That is not only a gorgeous answer, it’s severely true.”
Brooks’ new film “Ella McCay” is currently in theaters.