In September 2002, he checked himself into Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut for counseling after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Malibu, California, a few days earlier. Tests later showed that he was under the influence of GHB, the "date rape" drug.
Is of German, Swedish, Irish descent.
Lives in Malibu, California.
Nolte gained 50 pounds for his role in Q & A (1990).
Nolte was a heavy drinker until 1990. When Katharine Hepburn accused him of falling down drunk in every gutter in town, he replied: "I've got a few to go yet."
Nolte's father, Franklin A. Nolte, was an All-American candidate at Iowa State in 1934. He served in the Pacific Theater in World War II, with the elite US Marine Raiders. When he was discharged, he went home to his family, but according to Nick Nolte, he was a different man and didn't speak often. Nolte consulted his father while preparing for Who'll Stop the Rain (1978) where he played a Vietnam veteran.
One of Nolte's closest friends is writer-director Alan Rudolph. They have worked together on four films.
Played college football for Arizona State University.
There is a long-standing misconception that Dr. Charles Nolte, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, is Nick Nolte's father.
Turned down the role of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).
Visited Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia, 8/2006)
Was cast in Pride and Glory (2008), but just before shooting began, an old knee injury flared up from his footballing days and he had to drop out.
Was considered for the role of "Rick Deckard" in Blade Runner (1982), one of three roles that ultimately went to Harrison Ford.
Was considered for the role of Jeffrey Goines in Twelve Monkeys (1995).
Was considered for the role of Superman/Clark Kent in Superman (1978).
Was set to star in Tequila Sunrise (1988), but dropped out. Kurt Russell got the part.
Was supposed to host "Saturday Night Live" (1975) back in 1982 as part of the promotional tour for 48 Hrs. (1982), which was the film debut of then "Saturday Night Live" (1975) star Eddie Murphy, but fell ill at the last minute and had to drop out, so Murphy hosted in his place.