DOC American Legends: The Life of Mickey Rooney by Charles River Editors in History

Description

*Includes pictures. *Includes Nicholson's quotes about his life and career. *Includes a bibliography for further reading. "If I go into a restaurant there's a very good chance that I'm going to spend my time being the mayor.” – Jack Nicholson A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures; but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series; readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute; while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In 1994; the American Film Institute gave a Lifetime Achievement Award to Jack Nicholson; who became one of the youngest actors to ever receive the award. It was a fitting choice; given that Nicholson was already one of the most decorated and critically acclaimed actors in the history of Hollywood; but such tributes typically come as a capstone to a star’s career; not when the actor is still in his 50s. In fact; Nicholson would go on to win the Oscar for Best Actor just a few years after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award as a result of As Good As It Gets (1997); and he would earn another Academy Award nomination for About Schmidt (2002). Those two would give him 12 Academy Award nominations; more than any other man in history; and make him one of just two actors to be nominated in every decade between 1960 and 2010. In addition to winning so many awards; many of Nicholson’s roles have become pop culture fixtures; and many of his most famous lines have become part of the lexicon; helping cement his legacy and making him a living legend. Americans of all ages are familiar with the classic movies Nicholson acted in; particularly Easy Rider; Chinatown; The Passenger; The Shining; Batman; A Few Good Men; The Pledge; About Schmidt; and The Departed; and his career has continued into the current decade; thanks to his ability to seamlessly transition into playing different kinds of elderly roles in everything from dramas to comedies. While any actor would be proud to have his resume; Nicholson has transcended Hollywood stardom and has become his own institution; instantly recognizable not just for his past roles and sound bites but also for his prominent status everywhere he goes. Whether he’s sitting courtside at a Lakers game or hanging out with other celebrities; Nicholson has crafted an image unlike anyone else; combining cool with bad boy behavior. From conducting bizarre pranks with Hunter S. Thompson to fighting lawsuits and dating models; the always quotable Nicholson has seemingly reveled in it all; once noting; "Well; I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I haven't been a rogue most of my life.” American Legends: The Life of Jack Nicholson examines the life and career of America’s most critically acclaimed actor. Along with pictures of important people; places; and events; you will learn about Jack Nicholson like never before; in no time at all.