Morgan Freeman Reflects On Working With Jack Nicholson In “The Bucket List“
Morgan Freeman isn’t shy about his admiration for Jack Nicholson. Reflecting on their iconic pairing in the 2007 dramedy The Bucket List, Morgan shared hilarious anecdotes and heartfelt insights during his appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard and Monica Padman.
When asked about his experience working with Jack, Morgan didn’t hold back: “I met him prior and told him I’d give him my left testicle,” the 87-year-old actor joked. It was a moment of humor that set the tone for their collaboration.
Morgan explained how Jack came on board for the film. “He was asked if he’d do it, and he said, ‘Send me the script.’ I sent him the script, and he said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ So there we were, me and Jack Nicholson.”
Directed by Rob Reiner, The Bucket List follows two terminally ill men, played by Morgan and Jack, as they break out of their cancer ward to embark on a road trip, checking off items on their ultimate bucket list. The film was a box-office success, grossing $175.4 million on a $45 million budget.
When Dax asked whether Morgan ever felt “self-aware” about working alongside Jack, the actor admitted the reality hit him only after the cameras stopped rolling. “When we were working, we were working at work,” he said. “But then I go home and I go, ‘Jesus f—ing Christ. Jack Nicholson.’”
Monica suggested that Jack might’ve been equally in awe of Morgaan, to which Shepard quipped, “Well, I don’t know if Jack has that gear.” Morgan chuckled and responded, “I don’t think so! But I like that attitude you got there.”
Morgan, who is no stranger to admiration himself, said he approaches such collaborations with humility and mutual respect. “If I’m working with somebody I hold that high up, to me, it’s a ride-along. We ride together,” he explained. “You take your run, I’m in it. I get it. So here comes mine. I just want to compliment what you’re doing.”
When Cas inquired about his interactions with other “strong males” in Hollywood, Freeman was succinct. “Easy,” he said. “Strong males aren’t doing anything but acting.”
