When people hear the name Jack Nicholson, they often think of a Hollywood legend. He starred in many big movies and became one of the most famous actors in the world. But behind the fame, there are family stories that many people don’t know.
One of those stories is about Caleb James Goddard — a quiet man who stayed far away from the spotlight. Even though he is connected to one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Caleb chose a simple life. In this article, we will learn everything about Caleb James Goddard — who he is, how he grew up, and what his life looks like now.
Caleb James Goddard Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Caleb James Goddard |
| Birth Year | 1970 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 55 years old |
| Mother | Susan Anspach (Actress) |
| Biological Father | Jack Nicholson (Actor) |
| Stepfather | Mark Goddard |
| Famous For | Being Jack Nicholson’s son (unacknowledged publicly) |
| College | Georgetown University |
| Career | Writer, producer, former location assistant & actor |
| Acting Credit | The Slap Maxwell Story (TV show) |
| Crew Credit | Guilty as Charged (1991, location management) |
| Wife | Katerine Pouget |
| Children | 2 (one son and one daughter) |
| Lives | Quiet, private life outside Hollywood |
Who Is Caleb James Goddard
Caleb James Goddard is the son of actress Susan Anspach. He was born in 1970, during the time his mother was filming a movie with Jack Nicholson. Over the years, people have been curious about him because of his famous parents.
Even though Caleb James Goddard has a strong Hollywood connection, he lives a private and peaceful life. He is not a celebrity, and he doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight. That’s what makes his story special — he chose a different path.
Caleb’s Birth and Early Story
Caleb was born while his mother and Jack Nicholson were working together on a movie called Five Easy Pieces. It was 1970, and they were both young actors with big dreams. Their relationship was brief, but it changed everything.
Later that year, Susan married another actor named Mark Goddard. Because of this marriage, Caleb James Goddard was given the last name Goddard, even though Jack Nicholson was his biological father. This part of his life made things a bit confusing — for Caleb and for the public.
Caleb’s Parents: Susan Anspach and Jack Nicholson
Caleb’s mother, Susan Anspach, was a well-known actress. She was strong, talented, and loved her son very much. She always told people that Caleb was Jack Nicholson’s child.
But Jack Nicholson didn’t speak about it the same way. For many years, he denied being Caleb’s father in public. He didn’t talk much about Caleb James Goddard in interviews, and that led to many rumors and questions.
Even though their relationship was never simple, both Susan and Jack had strong personalities. Sadly, their disagreements affected Caleb’s childhood.
Why Caleb Has the Goddard Last Name
When Susan married Mark Goddard, she was already pregnant with Caleb. Mark accepted Caleb James Goddard and gave him his last name. That’s why people know him as Caleb James Goddard.
This choice made it look like Mark was Caleb’s father. For many years, the truth was not clear to the public. But later, Susan shared the truth — that Jack Nicholson was Caleb’s real father.
This also caused problems. Jack got upset when Susan spoke openly about it. He believed that they had agreed to keep it private. Their fight even turned into a phone call filled with angry words.
Caleb and His Relationship with Jack Nicholson

This part of Caleb’s life was very hard. Jack didn’t speak about him as a son in public, but in private, things were different. He paid for Caleb’s college tuition at Georgetown University, and sometimes helped behind the scenes.
In a private phone call, even during an argument, Jack called Caleb “his son” for the first time. That moment meant a lot. Even though it came with anger, it was still a step toward recognition.
But their relationship was never strong. Caleb grew up without a full father figure. He had to face the pain of being known — but not fully accepted — by one of the world’s biggest stars.
Caleb’s Quiet Childhood
While many Hollywood kids grow up in front of cameras, Caleb’s childhood was the opposite. He lived quietly, far from flashing lights and loud headlines. His mother protected him from the fame that surrounded Jack.
Caleb stayed out of the spotlight. He didn’t go to events or pose for photos. He was raised to focus on education, peace, and a simple life — not red carpets and movie sets.
This kind of childhood made him different. While his half-siblings went to games, parties, and events with Jack, Caleb James Goddard spent most of his early years just trying to live a normal life.
Caleb’s Work and Career
After college, Caleb James Goddard started working in the film world. But unlike his father, he stayed behind the scenes. He did not want to become a big star or be in the spotlight.
He worked on a few projects. Caleb James Goddard acted in a TV show called The Slap Maxwell Story. He also helped behind the camera as part of the location team for a movie called Guilty as Charged in 1991. Later, he also worked as a writer and producer. He followed the path of his parents but kept things small and quiet.
Caleb’s Private Life
Caleb did not want to be famous. He chose a calm and private life, away from the loud world of Hollywood. He was happy to build his own life, his own way.
He focused on what really mattered to him — peace, family, and simple joys. You won’t find him in big magazines or walking red carpets. Instead, he lives quietly, surrounded by people he loves.
His Wife and Children
Caleb married a woman named Katerine Pouget. They have two children — a son and a daughter. They keep their family life very private, but sometimes Caleb shares small moments on Facebook and Twitter.
One time, he posted a video of his daughter riding a hoverboard while their dog followed behind. Another time, he shared a photo of him and his kids enjoying a ride at an amusement park. These simple posts show a man who loves being a dad and enjoys his family life.
The Loss of His Mother
Caleb’s mother, Susan Anspach, passed away from coronary failure. It was a very sad time for him. He posted a short and touching message online:
“I will miss you forever, Mom.”
He also shared a way to honor her memory. He asked people to donate to Amnesty International, a group she cared about. This shows how much he respected and loved her.
Why Caleb’s Story Is Important
Caleb’s life is very different from most Hollywood kids. He was not in the news. He didn’t chase fame. He didn’t want to be known just because of his father.
His story shows that not everyone wants fame. Some people want peace. Caleb James Goddard built a life that was quiet, honest, and his own. He didn’t let the drama define him.
Final Thoughts
Now we know the full story of Caleb James Goddard. He is the son of two Hollywood stars, but he chose a different life. He focused on learning, working quietly, and being a good father and husband.
Even though he had a hard start and faced big family issues, Caleb made a life that feels calm and strong. He reminds us that fame is not everything — sometimes, a quiet life is the best kind of life.
p Caleb in a real way.
After graduating, Caleb didn’t rush into fame. He used his education to build his own life — slowly, quietly, and on his own terms.
(FAQs)
Is Jack Nicholson really his father?
Yes, Susan Anspach always said Jack Nicholson was Caleb’s father. Jack denied it publicly, but he supported Caleb privately and even paid for his college. He once called Caleb “his son” in a private phone call.
Why is his last name Goddard?
Caleb’s mother married actor Mark Goddard while she was pregnant. Caleb took Mark’s last name, even though Mark was not his biological father.
Did Caleb grow up with Jack Nicholson?
No, Caleb did not grow up with Jack. Their relationship was distant. Caleb was mostly raised by his mother, and he did not live in the spotlight like Jack’s other kids.
What does Caleb James Goddard do for a living?
Caleb worked quietly in the film industry. He had a small acting role in a TV show and also worked behind the scenes. He later became a writer and producer.
Where did Caleb go to college?
He studied at Georgetown University, a top university. Jack Nicholson helped pay for his tuition, even though they were not close.
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