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Hollywood star Jack Nicholson won the hearts of millions with his decades of work and dedication to his stagecraft. Having several acclaimed projects under his belt, the actor is famously known for his role as DC’s Joker and hailed as Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’sThe Shining.
But here’s a fun fact about the 1980s horror drama, where Jack Nicholson took a break from acting. Apparently, the actor lied to Stanley Kubrick to get away from the set for a few days and enjoy a tennis match, only to get caught on television and infuriate the director.
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Jack Nicholson Fooled Stanley Kubrick to Get Time Off
Shooting back-to-back movies can be hectic even for professional actors. And certainly, Jack Nicholson felt something similar while shooting the 1980s horror dramaThe Shining. Appearing in Stanley Kubrick’s film, the actor undoubtedly delivered a phenomenal performance as Jack Torrance.
However, during filming,Jack Nicholsonhad other plans that led him to lie to the director. Apparently, according toThe Guardian, Nicholson took time off from shooting by lying to Stanley Kubrick about having back pain. But in reality, he lied to get time off so that he could attend a tennis match.
Apparently, when they were shootingThe Shining, the Wimbledon tennis tournament was in full swing in the UK. Being a massive fan of tennis, Jack Nicholson had the urge to witness the match from the front. Thus, the actor lied to the director about his health and sneaked into the crowd.
Also read:“I have learnt my lesson!”: Emily Blunt Was Petrified After Finding Jack Nicholson Staring at Her, Claimed She Even Forgot Her “Bloody Name”
Stanley Kubrick Was Infuriated By Jack Nicholson’s Lie
Stanley Kubrick had no idea about Jack Nicholson’s real intentions. The director honestly felt that the actor was having some back pain due to the constant and grueling filming. And because of Nicholson’s star status, Kubrick granted him the break without having the slightest hint.
Unfortunately, Jack Nicholson’s bad luck got in his way and he eventually got caught for his lie. Apparently,Stanley Kubricksaw the actor on a production TV set, seated in the Wimbledon crowd with two women on each side. Bob Tanswell, an electrician from the set ofThe Shiningshared the story withThe Guardian.
“One time Jack said he had done his back in and needed a few days off. That’s a lot of time when you’re shooting a big film, but Stanley said OK. The next day we were in the sparks room watching Wimbledon when Stanley walks in. He asks what we’re up to and as he turns to look at the telly, there he is: Jack Nicholson sat in the crowd with a girl on either side. Stanley went mad.”
Thereafter, learning about how Jack Nicholson lied to get away from filming and watch the Wimbledon tennis tournament, flanked by two women, Stanley Kubrick went mad. But, eventually, he forgave Nicholson and the shooting resumed. Further,The Shiningturned into a classic horror flick.
The Shiningis available for streaming on AMC.
Read more:“I gave Stanley Kubrick a live grenade”: Stephen King Blasted The Shining Adaptation, Felt Director Butchered His Novel Despite Film’s Cult Status
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3219
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
