Was Danny Devito in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest? Actor reflects on his close bond with star Jack Nicholson

More than half a century ago, Danny DeVito joined Jack Nicholson on the set of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, a moment that would mark the beginning of both a career milestone and a lasting friendship. In an interview shared by People, Danny DeVito reflected on the early days of filming, describing how castmates Christopher Lloyd and Brad Dourif were in awe of Nicholson.

At the time, Nicholson’s star was on the rise, and his performance in Cuckoo’s Nest would eventually bring him his first Oscar win for Best Actor.

“We're in the presence of this guy who's really at his moment, where he was breaking out into the big time,” DeVito remembered.

Despite his fast-growing status, Nicholson maintained a down-to-earth approach that set the tone for the cast.

"There was no need for an icebreaker, he was immediately just so embracing…He started out exactly the way everybody else did, where he couldn't get a job. It was like he came to Hollywood and he was going to just write and direct, and then Easy Rider comes along after the Corman stuff… So he was in our milieu, and he was always just as open and genuine, and we all felt it immediately." DeVito recalled.

Danny DeVito reflects on shared roots with Jack Nicholson:

Long before they shared screen time in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Danny DeVito already had Jack Nicholson on his radar. In fact, admiration had quietly taken root years earlier, though DeVito chose not to reveal it right away when filming began.

Danny DeVito shared more about their unlikely hometown connection.

“He and I have a little history, because we were born in the same hospital in New Jersey,”

The actor went on to share a childhood memory that stuck with him: his sisters and Nicholson’s older sister moved in the same hairdressing circles.

“When I was a kid, I always heard about this really handsome guy from Neptune who went out to California and became a movie star,” he said.

Danny DeVito says Jack Nicholson is doing well following concerns over a public sighting:

According to a report from The Blast, Jack Nicholson sparked concern among fans after making a rare public appearance. The actor, who has kept largely out of the spotlight in recent years, was seen leaving his hotel to attend Saturday Night Live.

Footage from the outing showed the 88-year-old star stopping briefly to greet fans and sign autographs. While Nicholson was dressed in his usual polished style, he appeared noticeably frail and was seen using a cane for support. His daughter, Lorraine Nicholson, accompanied him and appeared to offer assistance as they made their way out.

The moment led to speculation about Nicholson’s health, but longtime friend Danny DeVito was quick to offer reassurance. Speaking to People, DeVito said,

“I just saw Jack a couple weeks ago — it was his birthday a month ago, and he's great.”

Jack Nicholson almost skipped the Oscars the night he made history:

Jack Nicholson almost skipped the night that changed everything.

As per The Albertan, in 1976, despite being nominated for Best Actor for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Nicholson didn’t want to go to the Oscars. He’d been nominated five times already in five years and lost every time. According to producer Michael Douglas, Nicholson didn’t see the point in putting himself through another loss.

“I remember how hard I had to persuade Jack to come to the ceremony. He was so reluctant, but we got him there,” Douglas shared.

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The early part of the night seemed to confirm Nicholson’s doubts. The film lost four awards in a row. Douglas remembered Nicholson turning to him and saying, “Oh, Mikey D, Mikey D, I told you, man.” Douglas’s response? “Hang in there.”

The tide turned soon after. Cuckoo’s Nest went on to make history, winning all five major categories: screenplay, director, actor, actress, and picture.

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