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Nick Noltehas nearly six decades in Hollywood under his belt.
The three-timeOscarnominee, who turns 85 on Feb. 8, 2026, has starred opposite the likes ofKatharine Hepburn,Barbra Streisand,Sissy Spacekand more. He became one of the 20th century's most established leading men in drama and romance films with his range and trademark gravelly voice.
Off the screen, Nolte is the proud father of son Brawley, whom he shares with ex-wife Rebecca Linger, and daughter Sophie, whom he welcomed with wifeClytie Lanein 2007.
On his 85th birthday, look back at theGolden Globewinner's life and career in photos.
Nick Nolte's Childhood
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Nicholas King Nolte was born on Feb. 8, 1941, to veteran Franklin and antique dealer Helen Nolte.
In high school and college, Nick took after his father, who played football for Iowa State University. He attended Arizona State University on a football scholarship and later received a letterman in football, basketball and baseball at Eastern Arizona College, but never earned his degree.
Nick Nolte's Breakthrough
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His breakout role, after minor appearances on television shows and uncredited spots in movies, came in 1976 with the miniseriesRich Man, Poor Man. Nolte played a rebellious poor man who turns to boxing to survive.
For his performance as Tom Jordache, he earned anEmmynomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Nick Nolte in 'Grace Quigley'
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Following his Emmy nod, Nolte booked significant roles in movies like 1977'sThe Deepwith Jacqueline Bisset,1982'sCannery Rowwith Debra Winger,48 Hrs.with Eddie Murphy and 1983'sUnder Firewith Gene Hackman.
In 1985, he starred with Katharine Hepburn in the black comedyGrace Quigley, one of the legendary actress' final movies.
Nick Nolte's Marriage to Rebecca Linger
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Previously married twice, Nolte tied the knot with Rebecca Linger in 1984. The couple welcomed their only child, son Brawley, in 1986. They separated in 1990 before reconciling, but eventually divorced in 1994.
"We're totally friends, communicating and everything else," Nolte toldEntertainment Weeklyin 1992. "It's just not working out, in a classic clichéd way of two people in a marriage in the same house."
In response to the divorce news, a publicist for Nolte said: "It was an amicable divorce. Both of them wanted it. Both of them are very close friends and will remain close friends."
Nick Nolte in 'The Prince of Tides'
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Nolte starred with Barbra Streisand andBlythe Dannerin the 1991 romantic dramaThe Prince of Tides, for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. He would nab two more nods throughout his career, for 1998'sAfflictionand 2011'sWarrior.
Nick Nolte Is PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive
PEOPLE named Nolte the Sexiest Man Alive of 1992, on the heels of his swoon-worthyPrince of Tidesperformance, for which he won his first Golden Globe for Best Actor — Motion Picture Drama.
In the cover story, stars likeChristina Applegate,Shannen Doherty,Luke PerryandWarren Beattysang the actor's praises.
Nick Nolte's Marriage to Clytie Lane
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He found love again with musician and actress Clytie Lane, whom he married in 2016 after more than a decade of dating. They also welcomed their daughter, Sophia, in 2007.
Nick Nolte's 2 Kids, Brawley and Sophia
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On fatherhood, Nolte toldGQin 2015: "I love being a father, but life can be really busy and you have to make time to spend with your kids, which isn't always easy. Really, the greatest thing about marriage is not marriage, it's the children.
His adult son Brawley is now married toThe O.C.actress Navi Rawat, and through the pair, Nolte is a proud granddad to granddaughter Grayson.
"We've had a close relationship all my life, but now that he's gotten married and has his own family, he's much more secretive," Nolte added.
Meanwhile, his daughter Sophia costarred with him inHead Full of Honey, portraying his granddaughter.
"She calls me Grandpa, anyway," he joked to PEOPLE. "I asked her why and she said, 'Because you're twice the age of most of my friends' parents!' "
Nick Nolte's Struggles with Addiction
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Throughout his life, Nolte struggled with alcohol and drugs, and aDUI arrest in 2002prompted him to go to rehab.
In his memoirRebel, Nolte recalled feeling the effects of taking GHB while going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Forgoing the meeting, he drove off and was arrested after police pulled him over. Shortly after, an infamous mugshot of the disheveled star went public.
He quit drugs, alcohol and smoking years before his memoir, explaining to PEOPLE: "I was just worn out. Just worn out."
Nick Nolte's Life Now
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Nolte continues to act, most recently appearing in the 2026 filmCrime 101withChris Hemsworth,Halle BerryandMark Ruffalo. In 2025, he also appeared inDie My LovewithRobert PattinsonandJennifer Lawrence, and he starred in the dramaThe Golden Voice.
Asked whether he ever plans on retiring, the seasoned actor toldSenior Planet: "No. I'm not putting that in my category. If I come down with some aging disease and can't do anything about it, then I will have to think about it."
Read the original article onPeople
