Candid Photos of Jack Nicholson at Home in Los Angeles, 1969

Before the Joker and the shining, there was just Jack.  In 1969, Jack Nicholson was on the verge of superstardom. He had just captured hearts with his laid-back performance in “Easy Rider,” and the world was eager to know more about this rising star. LIFE magazine sent photographer Arthur Schatz to Nicholson’s new home on Mulholland Drive to capture a glimpse of his life.

These photos, many of which were never published in the magazine, offer a fascinating look at the actor in his element. Nicholson, then 32, had a relaxed, almost bohemian vibe.  His home, with its stunning views of Franklin Canyon, reflected his free-spirited personality.

Schatz’s photos show Nicholson in various settings around his house. We see him lounging on his deck, enjoying the California sunshine. He’s playing with his daughter Jennifer, their bond evident in the playful interactions.  In another shot, he’s deep in conversation with Bob Rafelson, the director of his upcoming film “Five Easy Pieces.” 

Nicholson’s passion for music is also apparent. He’s pictured listening to records, his face reflecting the music’s emotion.  He even sits at the piano, taking lessons to prepare for his role as a pianist in “Five Easy Pieces.” 

#1 Jack Nicholson at home in Los Angeles, 1969. In an issue of LIFE from March 1970, the magazine noted that Nicholson “is a rock fan who enjoys his music with a headset.”

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#2 Jack Nicholson at home in Los Angeles, 1969.

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#3 Jack Nicholson at home, 1969.

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#4 Jack Nicholson plays with his daughter, Jennifer, on the deck of his home overlooking Franklin Canyon, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#5 Jack Nicholson and his daughter, Jennifer, on the deck of his home overlooking Franklin Canyon, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#6 Jack Nicholson and his daughter, Jennifer, on the deck of his home overlooking Franklin Canyon, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#7 Jack Nicholson and director Bob Rafelson chat on the deck of Nicholson’s home, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#8 Jack Nicholson looks at film negatives at his home, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#9 Jack Nicholson clowns around at his home with a picture of his friend, the film director Bob Rafelson, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#10 Jack Nicholson at home in 1969, taking his first piano lesson with teacher Josef Pacholczyk, prior to starring as a classical pianist-turned-roughneck in the 1970 classic, Five Easy Pieces.

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#11 Jack Nicholson at home in 1969, taking his first piano lesson with teacher Josef Pacholczyk, prior to starring in the 1970 classic, Five Easy Pieces.

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#12 Jack Nicholson at home in 1969, taking his first piano lesson with teacher Josef Pacholczyk, prior to starring in the 1970 classic, Five Easy Pieces.

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#13 Jack Nicholson in his beloved Volkswagen convertible, Los Angeles, 1969. According to notes by writer Judy Fayard that accompanied Arthur Schatz’s film when it was sent to LIFE’s offices in New York, Nicholson said that “anyone out here who doesn’t drive a Volks is either ostentatious or stupid.”

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#14 Jack Nicholson — wearing what typewritten notes by writer Judy Fayard called “his standard driving regalia: peaked cap, Grand Prix medallion and yellow shades — in his yellow Volkswagen convertible, Los Angeles, 1969.

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#15 Jack Nicholson drives his yellow Volkswagen convertible, Los Angeles, 1969.

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