What Former 'Sexiest Man Alive' Nick Nolte Looks Like Today

Since making his on-screen debut in 1969, Nick Nolte has amassed a lengthy list of TV and film credits across genres. Nolte played founding father Thomas Jefferson opposite a young Gwyneth Paltrow in "Jefferson in Paris," starred in action-comedies like "48 Hrs.," and voiced a gorilla in "Zookeeper." However, one of Nolte's most notable roles came when he starred opposite Barbra Streisand in 1992's "The Prince of Tides," based on Pat Conroy's bestselling novel. Although Nolte fell short of winning an Oscar that year, he received plenty of other recognition, including being named People's "Sexiest Man Alive." For the accompanying cover, Nolte sported tousled locks, glasses, and a basic, gray tee. Decades later, however, Nolte looks a bit different but his commanding presence remains.

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In every era, Nolte's sparkling blue eyes are one of his defining features. Although he's often sported long hair, his strands are even longer and curlier now than during his days as a blond. Beyond being a style preference, the added length worked well for his most recent role as a hermit in "Company." 

Nolte's a self-described introvert, so he's not often seen except at the occasional movie-related event like the premiere of the aforementioned film. But his commitment to acting remains, and he has a couple of projects in the works after "Company." "I'm not having much difficulty with age," he told the Saturday Evening Post in 2018. "I'm really kind of comfortable with it, knowing that there's one more big adventure to do."

During his appearance at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, Nick Nolte sported a black suit and matching tie. While Nolte has stepped out in dressy attire for past events, like the 1992 Golden Globes, his daily preference is much more laid back. When Nolte's been photographed going about his off-screen life, the actor frequently wears button-down shirts and cozy lounge pants. Although Nolte was able to let any fashion-related snark roll off his back for a while, eventually he felt compelled to set the record straight that he wasn't wearing PJs. "I got fed up," Nolte recalled to journalist Ariel Leve. "I said, 'Look. These pants are made by Calvin Klein. They're called leisure wear. And this isn't a bathrobe: it's afghan cashmere."

Just as he's choosy about his wardrobe, Nolte's also been discerning about his film projects. Two years after his "Sexiest Man Alive" accolade, Nolte did some soul-searching after "I Love Trouble." "You become what they call 'hot' and these wads of money come at you and this dance, this seduction takes place, and you forget why you act," Nolte told Newsweek in 1999. The film had its share of behind-the-scenes drama, and his co-star, Julia Roberts, vowed never to work with Nolte again.

Decades later, Nolte's found that staying true to himself has kept him comfortable in his own skin. For instance, he's candidly revealed that his youngest child nicknamed him "Grandpa" as a nod to their 60-plus year age difference.