One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1975 American drama film · Released 1975
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American psychological comedy-drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as a new patient at a mental institution and Louise Fletcher as the abusive head nurse. Will Sampson, Danny DeVito, Sydney Lassick, William Redfield, Christopher Lloyd, and Brad Dourif play supporting roles, with the latter two making their feature-film debuts and Sampson having never acted before. Originally announced in 1962 with Kirk Douglas starring, the film took 13 years to develop.
Cast ages when filming began (January 13, 1975)
- Jack Nicholson, as Randle Patrick "R.P." McMurphy: 37
- Louise Fletcher, as Nurse Mildred Ratched: 40
- Will Sampson, as "Chief" Bromden: 41
- William Redfield, as Dale Harding: 47
- Brad Dourif, as Billy Bibbit: 24
- Danny DeVito, as Martini: 30
- Sydney Lassick, as Charlie Cheswick: 52
- Christopher Lloyd, as Max Taber: 36
- Scatman Crothers, as Night Guard Turkle: 64
- Michael Berryman, as Ellis: 26
- Nathan George, as Attendant Washington: 38
- Vincent Schiavelli, as Bruce Frederickson: 26
- William Duell, as Jim Sefelt: 51
- Dean Brooks, as Dr. John Spivey: 58
- Peter Brocco, as Col: 71
- Louisa Moritz, as Rose: 28
- Philip Roth, as Woolsey: 44
- Ted Markland, as Hap Arlich: 41
- Mews Small, as Candy: 32
- Saul Zaentz: 53