10 Greatest Jack Nicholson Performances Of All Time

Jack Nicholson's role in the rise of New Hollywood makes him one of cinema's most influential and renowned actors to ever step foot in front of a camera. Charismatic, passionate and never deterred by genre or subject, when Nicholson comes on screen he is destined to steal the show - and probably be nominated for an Oscar in the process.

The second most nominated actor in history (beaten only by Meryl Streep and tying with Katharine Hepburn), Nicholson has won three Academy statues for his many defining roles out of a monumental 12 nominations.

But his skill and influence exceeds his various accolades. Starring in some of Hollywood's most iconic and imitated movies, the mark Nicholson has left on the big world of film is second to none. Though he has now retired (though he won't label his lack of work since 2010 as retirement), his impact on cinema speaks for itself and cannot be overstated.

Before the list of his greatest performances kicks off, some honourable mentions are in order for his roles in films such as Carnal Knowledge, The Last Detail, Reds, The Pledge and The Departed, all of which perfectly exemplify the actor's immeasurable talent and versatility, but they just miss out...

In the later years of his career, Jack Nicholson's roles became much less frequent. Between the turn of the century and his last on-screen role in the rom-com How Do You Know, the esteemed actor starred in only six movies. The most critically lauded of these later roles came in 2002's comedy-drama About Schmidt.

Directed by Alexander Payne, the film follows Warren Schmidt as he retires from the job that gave him structure and must deal with his wife's death. He then decides to travel across country in an RV to attend the wedding of his estranged daughter.

A simple yet effective story, About Schmidt is elevated to greatness thanks to Nicholson's quiet and thoughtful portrayal of the titular protagonist. The events of the film move slowly, but do so with grace and a deep focus on Schmidt's contemplation of life and what it all means now that he has nothing connecting himself to it.

Nicholson is at once tragic, curious and at odds with himself, and Schmidt's journey - both physically and emotionally - is one for the ages thanks to the actor's deep understanding of the character and his isolation.