With memorable appearances in The Shining, Chinatown, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Jack Nicholson is largely recognized as one of the finest cinematic performers of his time.
But he was just as well known to LA sports fans for having a regular courtside seat at Lakers games. Basketball fans could always rely on the three-time Oscar winner to be in his normal location, particularly during big games.
Nicholson has faded from public view in recent years, and he hadn’t been spotted at a Laker game in almost a year. But that all altered last weekend, when the actor made a rare public appearance, leaving fans surprised.
Nicholson, who last saw a Los Angeles Lakers game in October 2021, attended game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies. With his kid, he returned to his usual courtside spot.
Fans greeted the icon warmly: when footage from The Shining and Batman aired, Nicholson emerged on the jumbotron to thunderous ovation.
Nicholson, who just turned 86, has been out of the movie business since 2010. He also makes few public appearances these days, which has many admirers worried about his health.
Last month, paparazzi photos taken outside his Beverly Hills home provided a rare look at the actor: some outlets described him as “dishevelled” and “unrecognizable,” but many fans supported him, saying that he appeared good for his age.
Seeing him at a Lakers game shows he’s still going strong—a bit older, but still the same old Jack.
Before the game, NBA legend LeBron James greeted Nicholson.
Maybe it was the presence of their most famous fan, but the Lakers dominated the game, clinching the series.
Jack Nicholson 🤝 LeBron James 🤩 pic.twitter.com/pYDXnhwThR
— NBA Brasil (@NBABrasil) April 29, 2023
For decades, Jack Nicholson has been a die-hard Lakers supporter. Nicholson originally purchased season tickets in 1970 and would even alter his Hollywood filming schedule to attend key games.
The actor has long been a fixture at Lakers home games, wearing his iconic sunglasses. Fans were no doubt overjoyed to see Jack return to the court after such a lengthy hiatus.
There’s no greater Lakers fan than Jack Nicholson, and we’re thrilled he was able to attend this historic game in person.
