Anjelica Huston found herself in an unexpected situation when she fled the Los Angeles wildfires in January alongside her housekeeper and pets. During this tense escape, she received a call from her former partner, Jack Nicholson, offering comfort and a place to stay. Huston, now 73, shared with PEOPLE, “The phone just rang out of nowhere, and it was him. It’s always a comfort when he calls.” Their conversation revealed a tender gesture from Nicholson, whom Huston dated intermittently from 1973 to 1990, inquiring about her well-being and extending a heartfelt invitation.
Recalling the moment, Huston describes it as “heartbreakingly sweet” and expressed that she might accept such an offer in the future. Although she evacuated to her ranch near the Sierra Nevada mountains, her friendship with Nicholson remains valuable, if infrequently visited due to life’s various intrusions.
Their initial meeting dates back to 1973 during a party at Nicholson’s home, shortly after Huston’s relationship with photographer Bob Richardson ended. A professional highlight of their relationship was their collaborative work on the film Prizzi’s Honor, directed by Huston’s father, John Huston. She reflected on the significance of working alongside her father and Nicholson, acknowledging how they surmounted challenges to achieve success. Her role in the film as Maerose earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, establishing her as the third generation in her family to win an Academy Award.
For further details of Anjelica Huston’s exclusive account, the latest PEOPLE issue is available on newsstands. “I’m still pinching myself,” Huston remarked, recalling how she once practiced acceptance speeches as a child.
Huston’s romantic journey with Nicholson reached its conclusion in 1990 after his extramarital affair resulted in a child with actress Rebecca Broussard. Subsequently, Huston married sculptor Robert Graham, whom she described as “very special and very irreplaceable,” until his passing in 2008.
The following years presented challenges, including a cancer diagnosis shortly after the 2019 release of her film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. “That was a very serious moment for me,” Huston admitted. The diagnosis prompted a shift in perspective, encouraging her to appreciate life more, laugh often, and avoid unnecessary solemnity.
Upon her recovery, Huston recounted the joy of reclaiming her health, strolling through her garden, and savoring the simple pleasure of smelling roses. Her next project, starring in BritBox’s Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero, promises to engage audiences over its three-night premiere starting April 16.
