Remember that mug shot that seemed to be everywhere back in 2002? It was Nick Nolte, arrested for driving under the influence. That wild-haired booking photo went viral almost instantly. "In 1992, People magazine named me the sexiest man alive," he recalls. "But a decade later, I looked like a madman to the whole world. And honestly, I wasn’t sure which version of me was worse."

The Struggles That Shaped Nick Nolte

In his candid new memoir, Rebel: My Life Outside the Lines, the now 76-year-old actor lays bare the deep torment that led to that infamous moment. Nick reveals how he used alcohol and drugs as crutches to navigate the challenges of life. "I drank to deal with anything hard—relationships, failed projects, you name it," he shares. "Then, I turned to harder drugs, just to shut out the pain of existence. I was running away from life instead of living it." Nick's struggles with unhappiness and self-destruction began early, rooted in a childhood filled with challenges.

A Turbulent Start

nick nole in rich man, poor man getty images

Nick in Rich Man, Poor Man.

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Growing up in Iowa, Nick’s childhood was anything but easy. His dad, a World War II vet suffering from shell shock, and his hot-tempered mom set the tone for a challenging upbringing. Nick threw himself into football, but despite his athletic pursuits, he flunked out of three colleges and got arrested at 20 for selling fake draft cards. "I used physical pain to distract myself from my emotional turmoil," he admits. "I needed clarity to figure out how to build a life for myself." Acting became his obsession, and after moving back home, he experienced a mental breakdown. "My room became my own private sanitarium," he explains. "I had the key, but I locked myself in there, barely stepping outside."

Fame Hits, But the Struggles Remain

After years of struggle, Nick's big break came at 35 with the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man. Suddenly, he was a household name, starring in blockbuster films like North Dallas Forty, 48 HRS, and Down and Out in Beverly Hills. "My acting career soared to heights I never dreamed of," he reflects. "But offstage and away from the cameras, life remained a challenge. Fame didn’t bring the peace I thought it would."

Nick and his family.

Love proved to be one of the toughest battles Nick faced. "Women have always been my greatest passion," he says. "I’m endlessly fascinated by them." Despite his charm, his three marriages ended in divorce. However, his relationship with Rebecca Linger from 1984 to 1994 brought him a son, Brawley, now 31. "Brawley’s birth was the first time I experienced unconditional love, something only a parent can truly understand," he shares. These days, Nick finds joy with Clytie Lane, his former Pilates instructor, and their 10-year-old daughter, Sophie, in their serene Malibu home. "I’ve been married three times, and each time, those forever-after dreams fell apart," he reflects. "This time, I’m devoted to Clytie, but we chose not to marry, and that’s just fine with me."

Finding Purpose Through Parenthood

Nick has discovered the deeper meaning of life through fatherhood. "Loving and protecting your child is the most important work you can offer the world," he emphasizes. "On the day Sophie was born, October 3, 2007, I started my most meaningful work: helping her reach her highest potential, keeping her safe and supported by the love of her family."

For more insights into Nick Nolte's life, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now on newsstands—and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive updates!