Reclusive Jack Nicholson, 88, Spotted for First Time in Nearly a Year Walking With a Cane
Jack Nicholson made a rare public appearance this week, nearly a year after fans last spotted the Hollywood legend in public. The 88-year-old actor was seen in New York City, moving with the help of a cane as he stepped out briefly.
According to reports, Nicholson paused to greet fans and even signed a few autographs. The moment quickly drew a crowd, and excitement grew fast. His security team soon stepped in and guided him away, saying it was no longer safe to stay.
Jack Nicholson, 88, was seen using a cane during a very rare sighting in New York City.
— Victor Bigham 🇺🇸 (@Ravious101) December 14, 2025
He agreed to sign autographs for fans who had lined up along the sidewalk, but they became so excited that his security team decided it wasn’t safe and quickly escorted him away. pic.twitter.com/uQn0nI8Kna
This sighting comes almost a year after Nicholson appeared at the SNL 50 celebration in February, which marked one of his few public outings in recent years. Before that, he was seen in Beverly Hills in 2024, also using a cane. One of his most talked-about appearances came in 2021, when he attended a Los Angeles Lakers game with his son Ray, surprising fans in the stands.
Nicholson has stayed away from acting for a long time now. His final movie role was in the 2010 film How Do You Know, where he starred alongside Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. Since then, he has chosen a very private life.
Despite his absence from the spotlight, those close to him say he is doing well. In July, his longtime friend Danny DeVito shared an update while speaking to People.
DeVito said he had recently spent time with Nicholson and reassured fans about his health. “I just saw Jack a couple of weeks ago. It was his birthday a month ago, and he’s great,” DeVito said.
The two actors have known each other for decades, dating back to their work on One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. DeVito also reflected on Nicholson’s personality, saying fame never changed him. “There was no need for an icebreaker. He was immediately just so embracing,” he explained, adding that Nicholson always stayed open and genuine, even as his career took off.
Nicholson’s rare appearance reminded fans just how much he is missed. Seeing him out, even briefly, sparked a wave of excitement and concern at the same time.
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