Jack Nicholson's 'SNL50' Appearance Delights Fans After Friends Feared He Had Become Too 'Reclusive'

Jack Nicholson made a rare appearance at the "SNL" 50th anniversary special, where he introduced Adam Sandler's performance.

The actor's rare outing surprised fans, with many sharing online that they were delighted to see the iconic actor again.

This comes months after friends of Jack Nicholson revealed they were worried about the actor and feared he was becoming "reclusive."

Nicholson made a rare outing for "Saturday Night Live" 's 50th anniversary special on Sunday, February 16, surprising fans with his return to the spotlight.

The 87-year-old Hollywood icon, who is seldom seen in public, was last spotted in a rare family photo In January.

This time, he joined a star-studded audience to celebrate the milestone anniversary of the legendary sketch comedy show.

Seated alongside his daughter, Rebecca Broussard, 34, Nicholson introduced Adam Sandler's performance.

Dressed in a New York Yankees beret and signature purple-tinted shades, Nicholson, speaking to the camera, said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Sandler."

Sandler, clearly moved by the moment, responded enthusiastically: "Yeah, baby! Let's hear it for Jack, baby."

Before launching into his tribute song for "SNL," Sandler added, "Jack made it out tonight. Love you, brother."

Over on social media, fans of Nicholson shared comments of how excited they were to see the actor again after seemingly staying out of the public eye for years.

Someone wrote, "Can't believe he's 87. Aging like Fine," while another noted, "I thought Jack was half dead, but he looks pretty damn good here!"

A third person commented, "Such a legendary moment. Love the energy between them both," referencing Nicholson and Sandler's interaction.

Another fan said, "I miss seeing Jack Nicholson at the Academy Awards I wish he'd come back."

According to Radar Online, Nicholson's friends previously admitted that they were worried he would pass away alone like his late friend and neighbor, Hollywood icon Marlon Brando.

"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," a source told the news outlet in 2023.

The insider also claimed that the "Carnal Knowledge" star has successfully maintained contact with his relatives, especially his son, Ray, but that he's given up on socializing.

"Brando died a virtual recluse after leading such a colorful life, and Jack's friends are drawing comparisons," the source noted at the time. "His kids will visit, but they're his only connection to the world."

"It's like he doesn't want to face reality anymore, and that's just sad," they added.

Taking the spotlight after Nicholson's introduction, Sandler reflected on the show's incredible legacy, acknowledging how it had shaped the lives of everyone in the room.

A former cast member from 1991 to 1995, the "Big Daddy" infused his performance with nostalgia.

He playfully called out behind-the-scenes mishaps, mentioning "Drunk Wally" for holding the cue cards upside down and giving a nod to "Nurse Teresa," who kept the cast fueled with endless Pepto Bismol.

As he sang, his lyrics poked fun at the show's writers: "50 years of writers seeing Spielberg at Lorne's monitors, not laughing at one of their sketches that he obviously hated."

He continued: "50 years of those same writers getting wasted at the after party and loudly telling everybody that 'Jaws' was overrated."

Sandler also joked about how every generation of "SNL" believes they were the golden era, only to conclude: "We know that the first cast was the best."

The "Grown-ups" actor then paid tribute to the countless comedians who have graced the SNL stage over the years, celebrating their contributions in song.

"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," he sang.

The actor continued, name-checking more icons: "One of Billy Crystal, six of Dennis Miller, eight of [Phil] Hartman, the glue."

After recognizing even more cast members, he closed with a heartfelt nod: "Six years of our boy [Chris] Farley, five of our buddy Norm [Macdonald]."

Sandler was one of many "Saturday Night Live" veterans who returned to Studio 8H in New York City for the milestone celebration.