Nick Nolte: From Heartthrob to Hollywood Icon
These days, Nick Nolte is best known for his tough-guy roles, but once upon a time, he was a huge sex symbol. Now at 82, he looks very different from the charming heartthrob of the 1970s.
I have immense respect for Nick Nolte—he’s truly one of the greatest actors in American cinema. His strong features, square jaw, and wild hair make him look like a powerful character straight out of a Shakespeare play. There’s an intensity and pain in his eyes that draws you in, making his performances raw and captivating.
In 1991, Nick won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in The Prince of Tides. He also received nominations for his powerful performances in Affliction and Warrior. However, the years have changed him quite a bit since those Golden Globe-winning days.
In 2002, Nick’s infamous mug shot caused a major scandal, damaging much of his reputation. His legal troubles and personal issues didn’t help either. For younger audiences, it might be surprising to learn that he was once the face of the all-American hero, even being named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.
So, how did Nick Nolte become such a famous name? Surprisingly, he wasn’t a standout actor in high school. His football coach described him as a “skinny, awkward kid with a crew cut.” Nick himself shared that he was very shy and never felt comfortable in groups. He struggled in school and was only diagnosed with dyslexia later in life.
Born on February 8, 1941, in Omaha, Nebraska, Nick got his big break in the TV miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man in 1976. After that, he became a household name and a true heartthrob.
Before his acting career took off, he worked as a model in the 1960s, famously appearing alongside Sigourney Weaver in a Clairol hair dye commercial—one of the only times a man has graced the box of women’s products.
Before Rich Man, Poor Man, Nick was relatively unknown. But once he was cast as Tom Jordache, he captivated audiences. “I remember the different stages I went through for Rich Man, Poor Man,” he said. “That was the biggest expanse in age.
It went from 16 to 45. I dropped down to 150 pounds to get that boy body back. I ran around that Hollywood reservoir day and night.”
After the success of Rich Man, Poor Man, Nolte continued to impress. In 1982, he became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars after starring in the groundbreaking action-comedy 48 Hrs., alongside Eddie Murphy.
“The thing about 48 Hrs. that really isn’t thought about much is that’s the first film where the black and the white criticize each other,” Nick explained. “After Civil Rights, it was very awkward for whites and blacks. We didn’t know how to talk to each other.”
In the 1990s, Nick’s career hit its peak. He became a true A-lister, earning millions and gaining respect in the industry. But by the 2000s, his life took a different turn. Known for his wild side, Nick faced personal problems, went through three divorces, and had several run-ins with the law.
He went from being Hollywood’s ‘sexiest man alive’ to making headlines for his mug shot.
Despite these struggles, Nick found a way to turn his life around. Since 2002, he has been sober. “I was at a low point and I got slack,” he admitted. “I drank to cope with difficult situations—relationships, failed projects—using alcohol as a tonic against loneliness.”
In recent years, Nick has mostly taken on smaller roles and looks much different from his Hollywood days. He now lives in a treehouse he built himself in beautiful Malibu, California, with his wife, Clytie Lane. He enjoys spending time with his children, Brawley and Sophia, and loves reading and being outdoors.
Both of his kids have dabbled in acting. Sophia even played his granddaughter in Honey in the Head. “She is kinda like this little grown-up,” he shared. “Sometimes she calls me Grandpa instead of Daddy because all of her friends’ fathers are young. I’m pushing 80. My son Brawley is in his 30s. He did some acting, but now he’s studying to be a doctor.”
Even after all these years, Nick still has that cheeky smile and charming personality. At 82, he looks great and continues to pursue his passion for acting. He has a healthy outlook on aging, saying, “As for being old, I don’t regret it at all.
I’m really comfortable with it, knowing there’s one more big adventure to do. It’s kind of spooky, but I accept it. You fight like hell right up until the last. I think you just have to keep moving and keep doing it.”
Nick Nolte remains a fascinating figure in Hollywood, proving that talent and resilience can keep you shining bright for a lifetime.