Jack Nicholson's rare ‘SNL50' appearance stuns fans after actor's dementia rumors: 'King has stepped out'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Living legend Jack Nicholson recently made a rare appearance at 'SNL50: Anniversary Special'.

'The Shining' actor took to the stage to introduce Adam Sandler ahead of his performance at the event, prompting applause from the audience, Variety reported. Nicholson's public outing comes after the actor was rumored to have dementia. 

Jack Nicholson's rare appearance amid dementia rumors

The crowd inside Studio 8H erupted when Jack Nicholson appeared on the stage to introduce Adam Sandler, as per Newsbreak.

Keeping his words brief, the Oscar winner announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Sandler." Despite speaking fewer words, the acting legend's presence spoke volumes.

The 'Anger Management' star has spent years away from the public eye, sometimes going as long as 18 months without being seen. 

But on the night of February 16, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the moment, with many expressing their excitement over seeing the icon on screen.

One fan shared, "Wow, that’s something." Another wrote, "A true legend."

One viewer pointed out, "Growing up and watching him in so many great movies, he is really missed since his retirement. Good to see the old hound out and about."

One follower commented, "Whoa! Nicholson In the flesh Glad he is doing well."

Another stated, "The king has stepped out."

One individual observed, "He is the best we know he was gonna do something like this."

Someone else explained, "Glad to see hes still kickin it, hope he has one more in him to make another movie."

Jack Nicholson's dementia rumors had everyone worried

Jack Nicholson vanished from the public eye in October 2021 and wasn’t seen again until April 2023 when the Daily Mail published photos of him looking disheveled on his Beverly Hills home balcony.

Fans were concerned about his absence. However, the actor reassured them when he appeared courtside at an LA Lakers game with his son Ray in May, Hello reported.

Despite speculation about dementia, reports suggest this isn’t the case.

According to a New York Post report, while neighbors and friends expressed concern about the actor, news commentator and author Bill O’Reilly refuted these claims. 

He said, "I visited Jack Nicholson a few months ago... I had a long conversation with him... he had all kinds of intelligent questions for me." 

"He is 85, okay? But he is more intellectually nimble than the president of the United States," O'Reilly added.

Adam Sandler celebrates 50 years of 'SNL'

Adam Sandler began his performance with a heartfelt sentiment, “Everyone in this room has something in common. All of our lives were changed by the show.”

From there, the comedian launched into a signature musical tribute packed with behind-the-scenes humor and deep-cut 'SNL' references.

He mocked the absurdity of the show’s history and blamed “Drunk Wally” for holding the cue cards upside down.

He also gave a shoutout to the unsung heroes of the set, including “Nurse Teresa” for the many doses of Pepto Bismol.

Sandler also took a playful jab at the notoriously high standards of Hollywood director Steven Spielberg as he said, “50 years of writers seeing Spielberg at Lorne’s monitors, not laughing at one of their sketches that he obviously hated.”

Sandler also roasted the post-show party scene, where disappointed writers tried to reclaim their dignity, “50 years of those same writers getting wasted at the after party and loudly telling everybody that 'Jaws’ was overrated.'”

In a touching moment, Sandler acknowledged the many legendary 'SNL' performers who shaped the show’s history.

“We got four years of Eddie Murphy, eight years of Will Forte, five years of Jan Hooks and Gilda [Radner], six of Victoria [Jackson], 11 of [Michael] Che, three years of Melanie Hutsell, Michael McKean crushed it in two,” the 'Just Go With It' actor said.

Listing even more familiar names, he continued, “One of Billy Crystal, six of Dennis Miller, eight of [Phil] Hartman, the glue.”

The most emotional part of the performance was when Sandler honored those who were no longer alive. “Six years of our boy [Chris] Farley, five of our buddy Norm [Macdonald],” he added. 

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