Jack Nicholson, 87, Makes a Rare Public Appearance at ‘SNL50,’ Introducing Adam Sandler’s Musical Tribute to the Show

On February 16, 2025, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars stepped out in style to attend “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” in New York. Seated among them in the audience was legendary actor Jack Nicholson, 87, who garnered widescale attention online for his appearance. Many social media users marveled at how long it’s been since they have seen him in public.

“The Shining” star exuded an effortlessly cool vibe as he sat in his seat, dressed in a sleek all-black ensemble that commanded attention.

Sporting a New York Yankees beret, Nicholson completed his signature look with dark, tinted sunglasses and a neatly groomed salt-and-pepper beard. The Academy Award winner radiated a laid-back charisma, smiling as he enjoyed the star-studded celebration of “Saturday Night Live’s” five-decade legacy.

Not only was he there to enjoy the show, but Nicholson also had the pleasure of introducing fellow industry heavy hitter Adam Sandler’s musical tribute.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Sandler,” announced the film icon, which was met by applause from the crowd and Sandler, who shouted, “Let’s hear it for Jack baby! Jack made it out tonight! Love you, brother.”

The “Grown Ups” actor then began strumming his guitar and singing. He sang a comedic song about the history of “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”) filled with humorous anecdotes from stars who have been a part of the popular sketch comedy’s story.

“Everyone in this room has something in common. All of our lives were changed by this show. Everyone in this room has something else in common. None of us were allowed to use the little bathroom in Lauren’s office,” sang Sandler.

His entire performance revealed many more memorable occurrences that have happened throughout “SNL’s” 50 seasons.

Upon seeing Jack Nicholson at the event, social media users flocked to comment sections to express themselves. “Was legit shocked. He looks way better than I thought,” asserted a Reddit user, while another chimed in with, “My jaw dropped! Like…that’s gotta be the first public appearance he’s made in years right?”

Someone else praised, “Good for him. He didn’t look like he was doing well a few years ago and now he looks like he hit the rewind button on age.”

A fellow supporter echoed a similar sentiment, “How glad I am to see him looking healthy! Been trying to check him out in google [sic] once in a while just to make sure he’s alive! Love him!!!!” More comments like this one ensued, with yet another person opining, “Jack looks pretty solid wow.”

“I was happy (and surprised) to see him! Then I looked up how old he is and it became even more special,” added someone else, while an admirer noted, “Jack looks awesome 🙌🏼.” Another fan expressed, “Nice to see Jack Nicholson looking healthy and with-it [sic] in the audience #SNL50.”

As many online viewers pointed out and alluded to, the “As Good as It Gets” talent’s appearance at “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” was particularly noteworthy because it has been quite some time since he stepped into the spotlight.

Reports from 2023 stipulated that Nicholson was so removed from the public eye that he resorted to living a secluded life of solitude in his 3,303-square-foot mansion. The estate is located on the renamed street “Bad Boy Drive,” which, reportedly, got its name from Nicholson, Marlon Brando, and Warren Beatty’s notorious ways.

Brando sold the property to Nicholson for $5 million in a deal completed in 2005. The outside of the home has been captured in viral photos that show the property’s perimeter and sprawling balcony and patio. However, since Nicholson steers clear of social media, very little is known about how the inside of the house looks.

Since his 2021 sighting at a Lakers game, Nicholson was spotted peering out on the balcony of his mansion. In April 2023, the actor was snapped by paparazzi while enjoying some morning air on his balcony. Images show him with messy hair and dressed in a baggy orange T-shirt and blue sweatpants as he sat on a chair looking out toward the sky.

An unnamed close friend of Nicholson’s was worried about his friend never leaving his house. The close source pleaded with Nicholson to at least “pop out” of his home from time to time to reassure his friends and family that he was doing ok.

According to the Daily Mail, the film star would sleep until 1 p.m. and drink milk to “soothe his stomach.” Nicholson also spent his days playing golf and tending to his art collection, which stayed on a property next to his house. At the time of the reports, the “Ironweed” actor remained stationed at his sprawling Mulholland Drive mansion, which he has had since the 70s.

The house boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a pool. Nicholson’s family had repeatedly been attempting to get him to sell his mansion, where he lived alone. The desire had been to get Nicholson to downsize and move to a “more manageable place in Beverly Hills.”

Aside from discussing his secluded life back in 2023, reports had also indicated that Nicholson had allegedly been suffering from dementia. Friends of the Hollywood icon had expressed concern over his reclusive nature, stating they are worried about his deteriorating health.

Sources close to Nicholson had said he did not want to “face reality” concerning his rapidly declining health. “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 Mulholland Drive community is pretty close-knit, and they are all worried about him,” voiced a source at the time.

Another close family friend of Nicholson’s confirmed the star’s youngest son to be a close confidant and dependent for his father.

“Jack’s in touch with certain relatives – especially Ray, his protégé, who he’s so proud of – but his socializing days are long gone. It’s really sad to see such a super-talented actor like Jack go out this way,” divulged the source at the time.

In January 2023, conservative commentator and journalist Bill O’Reilly weighed in on Nicholson’s dementia speculation. In a since-deleted message penned on X, O’Reilly had falsified the claims about Nicholson’s alleged diagnosis, saying that the assertions were nonsense. O’Reilly went even further to vilify the Daily Mail, calling them the worst tabloid.

Nicholson had neither confirmed nor denied the reports that came out about him concerning his health. However, years after they came out, the actor seemingly proved them wrong with his recent appearance on “SNL50,” where he looked sharp and dazzled the crowd and online viewers with his enigmatic energy and charisma.