Jack Nicholson, 85, unrecognisable as he's seen for first time in 18 months

Hollywood veteran Jack Nicholson looked totally unrecognisable as he was seen in public for the first time in 18 months.

The Shining legend, 85, hasn’t been seen out in public for nearly two years – with fears that he has become a “recluse” and friends worrying that he would “die alone”.

But this week, the actor stepped out of his $10million compound in Beverly Hills, California, and could be seen standing in his socked feet on a wooden balcony.

READ MORE:Ashley Roberts, 41, branded ‘pretty in pink’ as she strips to tiniest bikini yet

The actor wore a baggy peach T-shirt and navy blue sweatpants, with his grey socks visible on his feet, and sported long grey hair and a fuzzy matching beard.

The 85-year-old still looked younger than his years as he enjoyed a sit out on the balcony, overlooking Franklin Canyon Reservoir.

But in January, fears emerged that the actor has become a “recluse”, as his “socialising days are long gone”.

One anonymous friend told Radar Online in January 2023: “He’s made it clear his home is his castle.

But people just wish he’d come out of the house and pop up to tell them how — or at least reassure folks he’s OK.

“Jack’s in touch with certain relatives — especially [son] Ray, his protégé, who he’s so proud of — but his socialising days are long gone.”

The last time Jack was seen out in public was at an LA Lakers game in October 2021, wearing a mask and sunglasses as he sat beside his son.

He watched the match against the Golden State Warriors after keeping a very low profile since his last movie appearance back in 2010, when he starred in How Do You Know.

However, his IMDb page does list one upcoming project for the three-time Academy Award winner – a part in a mini-series called Napoleon, which involves iconic director Steven Spielberg.

It is yet unclear as to whether Jack still intends to star in the project after numerous delays. He’s long since dodged rumours that he’s retired from the acting world.

However, the unnamed source told Radar that “his mind is gone”, although the actor is still doing well physically.

But those claims have been disputed, with Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly branding the rumours “bull”.

For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

He said: “I visited Jack Nicholson a few months ago. I had a long conversation with him and he follows the No Spin News very closely and had all kinds of intelligent questions for me.”

A bachelor, Nicholson has only been married once, to Sandra Knight from 1962 until 1968 – before he entered Hollywood. But he’s had numerous partners since; his last being Lara Flynn Boyle who he split from in 2004.

READ NEXT:

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk