Jack Nicholson Makes Rare Appearance At Lakers Game After Hiding Out In His Mansion For Months
Jack Nicholson's return to the public for the Los Angeles Lakers' first game of the season is about As Good as It Gets.
The Departed star stepped out for the first time in months on Tuesday, October 19, to the attend the NBA team's game at the Staples Center.
Arriving in a black SUV, Nicholson — who hasn't been to a game in over a year — donned black trousers and a black jacket over a brown Lacoste polo shirt, per photos obtained by Page Six. The 84-year-old was immediately swarmed by a crowd of fans asking for his autograph.
Jack Nicholson attends a Los Angeles Lakers game in 2018
Once the actor got inside the arena, he reportedly made his way to his signature courtside seats, making sure to abide by COVID-19 guidelines and mask up.
The Lakers didn't take home a win on Tuesday night — losing to the Golden State Warriors, 121-114 — but it's safe to assume the retired actor was just happy to be back cheering on his beloved team. (Justin Bieber, Usher, Adele and new beau Rich Paul were also in attendance for the team's opening game.)
Nicholson was last seen at a Lakers game in January 2020, during which he sat beside his son Ray.
Jack Nicholson and son Ray attend a Los Angeles Lakers game in 2016
The Shining star's rare outing comes after Radar exclusively learned his pals feared that he's suffering from dementia, with one insider noting Nicholson "doesn't leave his house anymore."
"I think his son and daughter are looking after him now," the source speculated of his children, whom he shares with four different women. (The Academy Award nominee was often photographed alongside his daughter Lorraine and Ray.)
"Physically he is fine," the source pointed out, "but his mind is gone. It's really sad to see such a super talented actor, like Jack, go out this way.”
Nicholson — who last appeared in 2010's rom-com How Do You Know — was forced to retire from acting in 2018, as the source candidly said: “Jack has memory issues and can no longer remember the lines being asked of him.”
However, the insider insisted the One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest actor had no “intention of retiring from the limelight" and was “not retiring from public life, at all."
Nicholson has reportedly been spending his days at his 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom Beverly Hills, Calif., mansion.
