Jack Nicholson is truly a character and a beloved one at that. Nicholson received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University at its 243rd commencement. At the ceremony, Ruth Simmons, Brown University’s president, called him “the most skilled actor of our lifetime.

Nicholson was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Nicholson is a fan of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers. He became a Lakers season ticket holder in 1970 and held courtside seats next to the opponent’s benches both at The Forum and Staples Center.

Jack Nicholson’s parents: June Frances Nicholson, Donald Furcillo

John Joseph Nicholson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey, the son of a showgirl, June Frances Nicholson. Nicholson’s mother Donald Furcillo, was of Irish, English, German, and Welsh descent.

Nicholson has identified as Irish, comparing himself to the playwright Eugene O’Neill, whom he played in the film Reds: “I’m not saying I’m as dark as he was, but I am a writer, I am Irish, I have had problems with my family.