Most people know Jack Nicholson as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. From The Shining to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, he’s been in movies that everyone remembers. But did you know he has a son that many people have never even heard of?
His name is Caleb James Goddard, and his life is very different from what you’d expect. While other celebrity kids are in the spotlight, Caleb chose to live quietly. For years, even his own father didn’t publicly admit he was his son.
In this article, we’ll take a clear and friendly look at Caleb’s life — his childhood, family story, career, and what he’s doing today. You’ll see how Jack Nicholson’s son found peace outside of Hollywood fame.
Caleb James Goddard Quick Bio
| Full Name | Caleb James Goddard |
| Born | September 26, 1970 |
| Age (2026) | 55 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Parents | Jack Nicholson, Susan Anspach |
| Stepfather | Mark Goddard |
| Profession | Writer, Producer, Film Crew |
| Known For | Jack Nicholson’s son |
| Movies | The Slap Maxwell Story, Guilty as Charged |
| Wife | Katerine Pouget |
| Children | Two (son and daughter) |
| Net Worth | $700K – $2 million (est.) |
| Current Life | Private family life |
Who Is Caleb James Goddard?
Caleb James Goddard is the son of Jack Nicholson and actress Susan Anspach. He was born on September 26, 1970, in Los Angeles, California. Even though he’s part of a very famous Hollywood family, most people didn’t even know he existed for a long time.
Why? Because Jack Nicholson didn’t claim Caleb as his son publicly. Caleb grew up with a different last name and without the spotlight. He lived quietly while his father became one of the most well-known stars in the world.
Today, Caleb is known as a writer, producer, and quiet family man. He never chased fame — he built his own peaceful life instead.
Caleb James Goddard’s Birth and Family Secret
Caleb was born while his parents were working on the 1970 film Five Easy Pieces. His mother, Susan Anspach, and Jack Nicholson were close at that time. But things quickly got complicated.
That same year, Susan married actor Mark Goddard (known for Lost in Space), and Caleb took his last name. Jack Nicholson, even though he was the biological father, stayed silent. He didn’t talk about Caleb publicly or accept him as a son for many years.
Susan, however, always said Jack was the father. She even wrote to Vanity Fair in the 1990s to explain the truth. That letter caused a stir. Jack was angry and told her they had agreed to keep it private.
This secret left Caleb stuck in the middle — raised with his stepfather’s name, but carrying the truth of being Jack Nicholson’s hidden son.
Growing Up Without Jack Nicholson as a Father
Caleb’s early life was very different from most celebrity kids. His father wasn’t around. He wasn’t taken to movie sets or red-carpet events. Instead, he was raised by his mother, Susan Anspach, who gave him love and stability.
Susan kept him away from Hollywood’s chaos. Caleb went to regular schools and grew up like any other child — just without the fame. But deep down, he knew the truth. He knew who his father was. That knowledge brought confusion and sadness, especially as he watched his father raise other children publicly.
Still, Caleb didn’t let that stop him. He stayed focused on his own path and tried to live with peace, even without his father’s open love.
Caleb James Goddard and His Mother, Susan Anspach
Susan Anspach wasn’t just Caleb’s mom — she was his biggest supporter and protector. She was a well-known actress herself, but when it came to raising her son, she chose a more private life.
She told Caleb the truth about his father from an early age. She also gave him strength, education, and a safe home. When others doubted him, she stood up for him. She even risked her own reputation by speaking out about Jack Nicholson in public.
Susan passed away in 2018 from heart failure. When she died, Caleb shared a message that said, “I will miss you forever, Mom.” He also asked people to donate to Amnesty International in her honor — showing that his mother’s values had become his own.
Did Jack Nicholson Ever Accept Caleb James Goddard?
The story between Jack and Caleb is not simple. For most of Caleb’s life, Jack never talked about him publicly. He even denied being his father at one point. But behind the scenes, there were signs of quiet support.
One big moment came when Caleb was in college. He studied at Georgetown University, and Jack Nicholson paid for his tuition. That action said a lot, even if Jack still kept things private.
Later, during a tense phone call with Susan, Jack finally called Caleb “my son”. It wasn’t a perfect moment. But for Caleb, hearing those words for the first time was meaningful. It was a small step toward truth — even if it came late.
Caleb James Goddard’s Education and College Life
After a quiet childhood, Caleb worked hard in school and got into Georgetown University. It’s one of the top schools in the U.S., and Caleb made the most of it.
At college, he didn’t act like a celebrity kid. He focused on his studies and kept a low profile. He didn’t try to use his father’s fame. Instead, he was determined to be his own person.
College gave him the chance to build something for himself. It helped him grow into a thoughtful, private man — someone who values real life over red carpets.
Caleb James Goddard’s Career in Film and Writing
After school, Caleb stepped into the world of film — but not the way you might expect. He didn’t want to be a star like Jack. Instead, he worked behind the scenes.
He acted once in The Slap Maxwell Story and later worked as a location manager on the movie Guilty as Charged. He also did writing and producing. These jobs may not be flashy, but they show his talent and quiet strength.
He didn’t chase big roles or headlines. Caleb wanted to create, not compete. He proved that you can work in Hollywood without becoming part of the Hollywood machine.
Caleb James Goddard’s Wife and Children
After working in film, Caleb James Goddard chose to live a quiet life. He didn’t stay in Hollywood or chase fame. Instead, he focused on something more important — family.
Caleb married a kind woman named Katerine Pouget. Together, they have two children, a son and a daughter. Caleb loves spending time with them and often shares happy little moments on social media. In one post, his daughter was riding a hoverboard while their dog chased her around the living room. In another, he smiled with his kids while enjoying a ride at an amusement park.
These small joys show who Caleb really is. Not a celebrity. Not a star. Just a loving dad who enjoys simple, fun moments with his family.
Where Is Caleb James Goddard Now?
Today, Caleb James Goddard lives a peaceful life away from the spotlight. He doesn’t attend Hollywood parties. He doesn’t walk red carpets. Instead, he enjoys a quiet home life with his wife and children.
He sometimes shares updates online, but only with close friends. He doesn’t seek fame or attention. Caleb lives a life full of love, calm, and real happiness — the kind you find when you focus on the people who truly care about you.
Many people are surprised when they learn he is Jack Nicholson’s son, because he acts nothing like a celebrity kid. And that’s what makes his story special.
Caleb James Goddard’s Net Worth and Income
You might wonder how much money Caleb has. Unlike his father, who is worth hundreds of millions, Caleb James Goddard has built his own success quietly. His net worth is estimated to be between $700,000 and $2 million as of 2026.
Most of his money came from working in film as a writer, producer, and location manager. He didn’t use his father’s name to get ahead. He worked for what he earned. That’s something to respect.
While he doesn’t live a flashy lifestyle, Caleb has enough to enjoy a simple, happy life with his family.
Caleb James Goddard and Jack Nicholson’s Other Children
Many people don’t know this, but Jack Nicholson has at least six children. Caleb is one of them, though he stayed hidden for a long time.
His half-siblings include:
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Jennifer Nicholson – a fashion designer and Jack’s first child
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Honey Hollman – lives in Denmark, also keeps a private life
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Lorraine Nicholson – an actress and director
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Ray Nicholson – an actor who is often seen with Jack
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Tessa Gourin – a young actress who Jack has never publicly claimed
Tessa’s story is a lot like Caleb’s. She wrote about feeling left out and growing up without a real relationship with her father. Caleb never said much about his siblings, but it’s clear he understands what it’s like to feel left in the shadows.
Even though Caleb and some of his siblings didn’t grow up close, they share the same struggle — being connected to a famous man, but not always included in his life.
Final Thoughts
The story of Caleb James Goddard is powerful and honest. He was born into fame but didn’t grow up with it. He lived through pain, silence, and rejection. But instead of giving up, he made his own path.
He went to college, worked hard, and started a family. He didn’t ask for the spotlight. He found happiness in quiet places — with his wife, his children, and a life he built on love, not fame.
Many people chase attention, especially when they have a famous last name. But Caleb James Goddard reminds us that success doesn’t always mean being seen. Sometimes, the strongest people are the ones who live quietly, love deeply, and keep going no matter what.
And that’s what makes Caleb’s story one worth telling — not because he’s Jack Nicholson’s son, but because he became his own person anyway.
(FAQs)
What movies did Caleb James Goddard appear in?
Surprise! Caleb acted in The Slap Maxwell Story and worked behind the scenes on Guilty as Charged — but then vanished from Hollywood!
Who are Caleb James Goddard’s real parents?
He’s the secret son of Jack Nicholson and actress Susan Anspach — but Jack denied it publicly for years!
What is Caleb James Goddard’s net worth?
Even without his dad’s help, Caleb earned between $700,000 and $2 million on his own!
Is Caleb James Goddard close to Ray Nicholson?
No one knows for sure — but unlike Ray, who grew up close to Jack, Caleb stayed far from the spotlight.
How old is Caleb James Goddard, and when was he born?
Caleb was born on September 26, 1970 — he’s now 54 years old and still lives a very private life.
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