When I spoke with Jack Nicholson a few weeks back the conversation at one point veered into the latest generation of talented thespians. When asked about this new crop of actors, I expected Jack to cite the work of a Leonardo DiCaprio perhaps but what I got instead was something altogether surprising.
"I've been watching a TV show called 'Mad Men' [that has] an actress on it that I had cast in 'Anger Management,' January Jones," Nicholson said. "I think she's very talented." Alright, fine. I'm into "Mad Men" too, but no, Jack was just getting started: "I've been watching this series on TIVO, right? I didn't read the credits. I didn't know it was her! When I saw the name I said 'are you kidding me'?!?"
Enthusing that "this girl not only can act but knows how to do the work," Nicholson clearly couldn't say enough. When I called Jones to tell her what Jack thought of her performance as Betty on the AMC show, she clearly was thrilled. "It's immensely flattering," she said, "I admire him very much. It's really cool."
Nicholson, Jones recalls, was always very friendly and eager to chat with the young actress (perhaps best known previously from "American Wedding") on the set of "Anger Management." "I'd be sitting in my chair and he'd come over and say 'the funny thing about jockeys...' He has the greatest stories," she laughed.
Nicholson and Jones are far from close despite the mutual admiration. The legendary actor was quick to add amidst the effusive praise that "I barely know this girl incidentally." Still, that hasn't stopped Jack from looking out for her. Jones recalled that, after auditioning for the Amanda Peet role in "Something's Gotta Give,' Nicholson clearly made a push for her with the makers of the film. "I think he tried to get them to hire me. It was a huge compliment," she said.
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