A star on a movie set is like a time bomb. That bomb has got to be defused, so people can approach it without fear.

— Jack Nicholson

Beer, it's the best damn drink in the world.

— Jack Nicholson

Early on, if I was alone two three nights in a row, I'd start writing poems about suicide.

— Jack Nicholson

If I go into a restaurant there's a very good chance that I'm going to spend my time being the mayor. If I want to have a good time, I'm happier having dinner here.

— Jack Nicholson

If men are honest, everything they do, and everywhere they go is for a chance to see women.

— Jack Nicholson

I sort of understood that when I first started: that you shouldn't repeat a success. Very often you're going to, and maybe the first time you do, it works. And you love it. But then you're trapped.

— Jack Nicholson

I think that's what distinguishes Schmidt, really. In the movies now, so much of what is appealing to an audience is the dramatic or has to do with science fiction, and Schmidt is simply human. There's no melodrama; there's no device, It's just about a human being.

— Jack Nicholson

It's a slight stretch of the imagination, but most people are alike in most ways, so I've never had any trouble identifying with the character that I'm playing.

— Jack Nicholson

My motto is: more good times.

— Jack Nicholson

The minute that you're not learning I believe you're dead.

— Jack Nicholson