Jack Nicholson and his Journey Through Germany in Search of the "Perfect Brothel"

Jack Nicholson has always been remembered both for his great film roles and for his reputation as an intense figure off-screen. One of the most curious stories involving the actor happened in 1985, during an international tour to promote "Terms of Endearment". The story was remembered by Debra Winger, her co-star in the film. According to her, the two were traveling to Germany when Nicholson commented on his intention to look for what he called the "perfect brothel". The situation happened in the middle of a conversation on the plane. Winger said she joked about her first visit to the country and how she would be received because she was Jewish. Nicholson tried to reassure her, saying that those fantasies had no relation to modern Germany and suggested that she relax - even inviting her, in a provocative tone, to accompany him on this quest. Debra Winger rejected the idea, and the story became known precisely because of this contrast between the moment when an award-winning film was released and Nicholson's extravagant behavior. "Terms of Endearment" had already become a huge success, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Nicholson. Even so, the trip ended up becoming Hollywood folklore because of this unusual passage. It is unknown whether Nicholson actually found the place he was looking for. But the episode further reinforced the actor's image as one of the most unpredictable and legendary personalities of his generation.