Friends of Jack Nicholson are sounding the alarm over the 85-year-old's reclusive lifestyle. They are worried that the legendary actor will die alone, much like his long-time friend, the late Hollywood icon Marlon Brando. Rumors are even circulating that dementia may be behind Jack's sudden decline.
The beloved actor used to be a staple at Lakers games.
There was a time when you couldn't think about the California basketball team without picturing their No. 1 fan holding court in the stands. But according to the Daily Mail, Jack has only appeared courtside twice since 2020, seeming to confirm rumors about his failing health. And from the sounds of it, he's been holed up alone inside his Los Angeles home.
A source shared some insight into why Jack may be missing so many games.
"Jack's in touch with certain relatives — especially Ray, his protégé, who he's so proud of — but his socializing days are long gone," the anonymous insider told RadarOnline.
It sounds like they think Jack is destined to follow the same path as Marlon, who famously stepped away from the limelight and moved to Tahiti, where his rapid weight gain became fodder for cruel jokes.
Jack has six kids with five different women.
"Brando died a virtual recluse after leading such a colorful life, and Jack's friends are drawing the comparisons," the insider continued. "His kids will visit, but they're his only connection to the world. It's like he doesn't want to face reality anymore — and that's just sad."
In addition to Ray, Jack is the father of Lorraine, Jennifer, Caleb, Tessa, and Honey, although Jack hasn't acknowledged paternity for every member of his large brood.
Some of Jack's friends shared their fears that the actor is suffering from dementia.
In a separate RadarOnline report, a source said Ray and Lorraine have been taking care of Jack because he's showing signs of cognitive decline.
"Jack and I have been friends for years, and he doesn't leave his house anymore. I think his son and daughter are looking after him now," the person revealed in September 2021.
"The Mulholland Drive community [where Jack lives] is pretty close-knit, and they are all worried about him," the source added, saying that "physically he is fine — but his mind is gone."
Hollywood hasn't been the same without the star.
Jack's last IMDB.com credits are from 2010, which means the one-time A-lister has effectively been retired for nearly 13 years. It's sad to see such a massive legacy come to a bleak end.
Hopefully Jack's health isn't as bad as reports have made out and he's just taking some time off from his massive career to appreciate how all of his hard work has paid off.
