Title: Pop Quiz With Jack Nicholson.(actor)(Brief Article)(Interview)

Date: 12/17/2001; Publication: People Weekly; Author: Nicholson, Jack

Byline: Jack Nicholson

"Jack is the hippest place on earth, a killer smile and a pair of sunglasses," said Michael Douglas last week at the annual Kennedy Center Honors in D.C., where his friend Jack Nicholson, 64, was honored (with Quincy Jones, Julie Andrews, Van Cliburn and Luciano Pavarotti) for lifetime contributions to American culture. Nicholson, a three-time Oscar winner in a career that spans 40 years, gave Andrews a hug and a kiss, telling the actress, "You're looking groovy," and spoke with Scoop about the honor.

Where were you when you found out that you had been selected for this award?

Where I usually am--in bed.

Who told you?

Quincy [Jones] and I are old friends. He called and told me and told me not to tell anyone because it hadn't been announced yet.

How did it feel?

I was overwhelmed. I'm a World War II baby, so I'm very patriotic. I felt proud and humble.

One might think by now that you had seen it all. Yet you're still impressed?

No American can come into Washington and not feel overwhelmed by it. I've made a couple of movies here, and I like coming here. You never get over the thrill.

Compare D.C. and L.A.

When politicians come to California, we think of them as amateurs; but when actors come to Washington, they're amateurs.

President Bush called you "one of the true greats of this or any other generation of actors." He also said, "Americans cannot resist the mystery, the hint of menace" that you bring to roles. You should be looking forward to your White House visit today.

It's always thrilling, no matter who is the President. But I am a big Democrat.

How does this honor compare to other awards?

All comparisons are odious.

What are you going to do with your medal?

I'll look at it and see if I can't redesign it so it fits a tux better.

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