STILLER AND NICHOLSON BATTLE TOM HANKS

Hollywood stars Ben Stiller and icon Jack Nicholson are taking on Tom Hanks as all the Hollywood stars pick sides in the battle between the two leading acting unions. Actors are threatening to have walkouts at the end of this month if talks between the unions and major film studios fail to resolve a dispute over pay and working conditions. Hanks recently signed an e-mail petition urging members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) to accept a "solid deal" offered by studio heads. But fellow Hollywood actors Stiller and Nicholson are encouraging AFTRA members to turn down the proposal after siding with rival union, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), whose members are negotiating a separate contract. Stiller and Nicholson are set to appear in print ads today that urge union members to reject the proposal - siding instead with SAG, which claims the contract would set a precedent that could potentially harm their negotiating power with movie studio bosses.The ad was signed by the pair and states: "We are not finished… We believe there are issues that are at the heart of every actor’s career that remain unresolved by AFTRA." The current contract for both unions will expire on Monday. Among negotiating points for both unions are daily minimum compensation for actors and DVD and Internet fees. AFTRA bosses have warned that turning down their proposed deal with the studios could spark a strike similar to the The Writers Guild of America strike, which brought Hollywood to a standstill from November (07) until February (08), and cost the California economy a projected 37,700 jobs and $2.1 billion in lost output, according to reports.

DEBRA WINGER RATS ON JACK NICHOLSON

Wild Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson's alleged liking for prostitutes has been outlined in former co-star Debra Winger's new autobiography Undiscovered. Winger joined Nicholson in the 1983 Oscar-winning movie Terms of Endearment, co-starring Danny DeVito and Shirley MacLaine. And among her own intimate revelations, the actress recalls a shocking encounter with Nicholson after the pair landed in Germany to promote the movie. She writes, "I had never been there (to Germany) and was relentlessly joking with Jack (Nicholson) about how I, as a Jew, would be treated. He finally told me to stop, that these paranoid fantasies had little to do with modern Germany and that I should relax and enjoy the trip - and perhaps join him on his search for the perfect brothel." Winger’s book is slated for release next month.

JACK NICHOLSON VOTED TOP HELLRAISER

Jack Nicholson

Superstar Jack Nicholson has been named Hollywood’s top hellraiser in a poll of British film fans. Nicholson, 71, won over 24 per cent of the votes, outmatching former drug abuser and Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. in a survey of more than 1,300 people by LoveFilm.com.Braveheart star and convicted drunk driver Mel Gibson came third, while Kiefer Sutherland, who spent 48 days in prison for drink driving earlier this year, was ranked fourth.Former wild child Drew Barrymore was the highest-placed woman on the list, coming in at fifth with 10 per cent of votes.

JACK NICHOLSON WANTS LIFETIME AWARD

Jack Nicholson

Hollywood star Jack Nicholson who has won three Academy Awards during his huge and wild career, would love to add a Lifetime Achievement Award to his already large collection of prizes. He said: "I wouldn’t mind winning another Oscar. Even one of those sentimental ones for being a pain in the a** for so long." Jack, who is presenting a prize at the prestigious Los Angeles ceremony this Sunday, admits he loves to use the Oscars to hit on sexy women. He added: "What can I say. I’m an Oscar man. What are you going to do, not enjoy the beauties in the room". The Icon has also revealed he was almost blinded by all the photographers flashes when he attended his first ever Academy Awards in 1970 where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Easy Rider’. He told the USA Today newspaper: "There were so many of them, it blinded you. I just stood there, trying to count them all. And I thought, Jesus, I’m really here. I really made it".

JACK NICHOLSON IS WARNING YOUNG STARS

Jack Nicholson is warning young celebrities to create a "safety zone" to protect them from the temptations of fame following the sudden death of Hollywood star Heath Ledger.The actor was saddened by the death of Ledger last month, amid nasty rumors the sexy Australian actor was caught up in Hollywood’s drug culture, as well as the problems of Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, who have all suffered the averse affects of alcohol and drug use. Nicholson, at 70, has been a party animal in the past, but he insists he always protected himself.The Oscar winner warns, "You can get anything out there if you are young and famous. Any woman. Any drug. But you have to build up your safety zone."

JACK NICHOLSON WARNED HEATH LEDGER

Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson is hinting he warned Heath Ledger against taking on the role of The Joker in the new Batman film. Ledger, 28 was declared dead yesterday at his New York City apartment, publicly declared himself exhausted and sleep deprived in November following the gruelling shoot for The Dark Knight. He also told the New York Times in a interview he’d resorted to taking sleeping pills and an overdose is believed to be the cause of his death. Nicholson, who famously portrayed the menacing Joker in Tim Burton’s 1989 movie Batman, implied to the waiting crowd outside the plush London restaurant Wolesley on Tuesday night, that he spoke to Ledger about his role in The Dark Knight - and warned him about the pitfalls of taking on such a demanding challenge.When asked by the London crowds for his reaction to Ledger’s untimely demise, a sad Nicholson simply replied, "I told him so." Batman Begins prequel The Dark Knight is due to be released in the summer.

STAR JACK NICHOLSON'S FEAR OF AIDS

Jack Nicholson

Hollywpood star Jack Nicholson gave up one night stands over fears he would catch AIDS.The screen legend - who is famous for his womanising ways - was terrified of catching the potentially deadly STD when it emerged and admits he became far more careful about sleeping with strangers.Jack said: "In my lifetime, from World War II on, life got freer and freer until herpes, then AIDS. That was the end, ask any bar owner. Things moved to the right."Once this idea that you can die from sex got into people's heads, it became a weapon in the hands of stiff, erect, martinet father/parent fascists to suppress sensuality. When you start doing that, society gets rigid, and social life as I knew it was over, fast. I loved that era, and it's gone."Jack also says he pities young people because they have been warned about the dangers of promiscuity.He explained: "Everything is about infections now. Anybody under 30 has never known the freedom I knew. They're frightened, they have no idea about alternative lifestyles."Freedom has never been part of the air they breathe. Naturally, I reacted differently to this fear of freedom, because it is a fear of feeling. I'm not talking about being profligate with sex and drugs. Fear of freedom is a with holding of love, and it's unyielding."

Editors Note: Jack Nicholson is always right on the money !

JACK NICHOLSON WAS BEATEN BY ANJELICA

Fun loving Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson was beaten up by ex-girlfriend Anjelica Houston when she discovered he had got another woman pregnant.The Oscar-winning actor was dating the 'Addams Family Values' star Anjelica when his affair with American actress Rebecca Broussard led to her falling pregnant.He said: "I knew having a child was a boon to my life, but I was in a wonderful relationship with Anjelica. It was as good as it gets. I immediately told her what was up, and she made the decision for us."Anjelica's first response was, 'You have to support this woman.' Her second response was to come down to my job and beat the hell out of me. She really beat me up, I tell you. Anjelica can punch!"The 70-year-old actor, who is renowned for his womanising ways, also explained why he can't resist the lure of beautiful girls.He told Parade magazine: "I'm such a wag! I'm a scamp. I don't deny it. I like myself. I grew up in a beauty parlor my family ran, so I'm used to getting along with ladies."I prefer their company, for the most part. I was pampered and spoiled from the very beginning."

INDIANA JONES AND JOKER BEST VILLAINS

The Best 'Joker' Jack Nicholson

Indiana Jones and Batman's Joker have topped a list of the Greatest Heroes and Villains of all time.The list, compiled by Total Film magazine writers, reveals the "50 icons we idolise and 50 badfellas we loathe".Harrison Ford's portrayal of archaeologist Indiana Jones landed him the top spot on the Heroes list.Harrison will reprise the role for the fourth instalment of the adventure series, 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', next year.Batman, the 'Caped Crusader', followed Indiana Jones in second place, closely tailed by Sylvester Stallone's brave boxer Rocky Balboa.British spy James Bond came in fourth - proving the latest 007, Daniel Craig, still has what it takes, while Superman rounded off the top five.Batman's arch nemesis The Joker, who first appeared on the big screen when he was played by Cesar Romero in the 1966 film 'Batman: The Movie', topped the Villains list.The evil character has since been played by Jack Nicholson in 1989's 'Batman', and will be portrayed by Australian actor Heath Ledger in the next instalment, 'The Dark Knight' - due out next year.'Star Wars' villain Darth Vader came second in the list, closely followed by cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter from 'The Silence of the Lambs'.Chainsaw-wielding Leatherface of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' was right behind Hannibal in fourth place, while dream-stalking disfigured murderer Freddy Krueger finished in fifth place.'To Kill a Mockingbird' hero Atticus Finch rounded off the 50 Heroes, and 'It's a Wonderful Life' villain Mr. Potter came in 50th place of the Villains list.

JACK NICHOLSON HELPING CANCER VICTIMS

Jack Nicholson is not joking !

Jack Nicholson has been comforting and consoling cancer victims at a Los Angeles hospital.The Hollywood legend has been visiting the dying patients at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, and cheering them up with card games and stories of his film career. A hospital source said: "He jokes, plays cards and treats patients like long-lost friends."He tries to see as many beds as possible and he brings in DVDs of his movies and talks hem through what happened behind the scenes."The Oscar-winning actor first went to the hospital to research his role in new movie 'The Bucket List', in which he plays a dying man. However, Jack became so touched and moved by the patients he has carried on his visits despite finishing filming. Hospital workers say his visits raise the patients' spirits immensely and they look forward to seeing him. But Jack, 69, finds it hard to leave the hospital because he worries who will still be alive when he next visits.The source added: "He feels terrible leaving, knowing he's maybe seen some of them for the last time."

DIANE KEATON LOVES JACK NICHOLSON

Diane Keaton has confessed she loves kissing Jack Nicholson.The couple starred together in 'Something's Gotta Give' and though Diane claims Jack invented their real life fling to boost box office takings, she admits she does love him. She told Britain's Independent newspaper : "I loved kissing Jack. And I loved telling him how upset I was that he didn't love me as much as I loved him."Falling in love feels much better, less frightening in the movies."I fell in love with Jack when we were making 'Reds'."Not in that way, but I have always loved him."Look at him! He's the greatest. That smile!"The 61-year-old actress is the US senior face of L'Oreal cosmetics and is proud to be. She said: "People my age do buy makeup. Give me some lipstick! Give me some powder!"I need to be authentic. My face needs to look the way I feel."