Fans frenzy as Jack Nicholson makes ultra-rare public appearance

After spending years hiding away from prying eyes, a Hollywood icon has made a rare public outing. 

The SNL 50: The Anniversary Special drew an epic star-studded guestlist that was packed with some of entertainment's most legendary stars, including one big name we don't often see out and about. 

Jack Nicholson, 87, made a surprise appearance as a member of the audience that sent fans into a frenzy at studio 8H in 30 Rockefeller Center.

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The Shining star was introduced by his good friend and former co-star, Adam Sandler, who said from on stage: "Let's hear it for Jack, baby! Jack baby out tonight." 

Nicholson's arrival to the three-hour special edition episode was broadcast live on TV with a live audience, prompting an eruption of applause. 

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The father of six is occasionally spotted attending basketball games with his youngest son Ray, most recently seen at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena in May 2023.

Nicholson retired from acting in 2010, partially due to his reported dementia diagnosis.

Since then, the star has largely shied away from the public eye in search of a more calm and private life in his old age.

Nicholson's last film role was in the 2010 rom-com How Do You Know?, and aside from a special SNL cameo in 2015, he hasn't appeared in anything since.

In a 2013 interview, Nicholson said he did not consider himself retired but was now less driven to "be out there anymore".

Nicholson's 34-year-old daughter, Lorraine, told Town & Country the advice her dad gave her when she started working in the entertainment business. 

"My dad told me, 'The only goal you should have when you start out is to get people to want to work with you again,' because if you get the opportunities to try, you'll get better,'" Lorraine recalled.

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