Jack Nicholson fans defend reclusive actor after he is spotted for first time in 18 months

Fans have been quick to defend an ageing Jack Nicholson after he was seen in public for the first time in 18 months.

Fans have spoken about their fears of him becoming a 'recluse', as the once-red-carpet-regular reaches his mid-eighties.

It's been nearly two years since the 85-year-old star of The Shining was last spotted out in public – with friends and fans alike worrying that he will 'die alone'.

Nicholson was last seen at an LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors game in October 2021.

Reports claim that the multiple Oscar winner has kept a very low profile, since his 2010 appearance in How Do You Know, his last film to date.

Rumours have long done the rounds that he’s retired from the acting world, but the esteemed actor refused to comment.

Furious fans were quick to defend the octogenarian with one tweeting: “When you’re Jack Nicholson, 85, you can look however the f*ck you want to look.”

“He’s 85. Why not leave Jack Nicholson alone?” one fan asked.

“I looked like this when I woke up this morning… I’m 37,” quipped another.

A forth said: “Jack Nicholson is still alive. He’s 85. I identify with this look. This look is my spirit animal.”

The consensus was that, however he might look in his mid eighties, Nicholson is still 'cooler than most of us.'

Eagle-eyed fans may have spotted that his IMDb page mentions an upcoming project for the three-time Academy Award winner.

The mini-series called Napoleon has iconic director, Steven Spielberg on board but, after numerous delays, it's unclear whether Nicholson still intends to feature in it.

Fears emerged in January that 'his socialising days are long gone' with an unnamed source telling Radar Online that 'his mind is gone' despite his physical health remaining intact.

The anonymous source and friend of the As Good As It Gets star told the site: “He's made it clear his home is his castle.

"But people just wish he'd come out of the house and pop up to tell them how — or at least reassure folks he's OK."

While he's swerving his friends, it seems the father is still in touch with his kids.

The source continued: “Jack's in touch with certain relatives — especially [his son] Ray, his protégé, who he's so proud of — but his socialising days are long gone.”

Fox News anchor, Bill O’Reilly, was quick to diss the rumour, claiming they're simply 'bull'.

“I visited Jack Nicholson a few months ago. I had a long conversation with him and he follows the No Spin News very closely and had all kinds of intelligent questions for me," O'Reilly said.