If you're looking for the image to illustrate the definition of "complete comfort in one's skin," you need not look any further. These rare photos from the archives of LIFE Magazine show an individual so uniquely at ease with himself, we're surprised that his name isn't synonymous with this level of confidence. That person, of course, is Jack Nicholson.
These photos were taken in 1969, shortly after his role in Easy Rider. Writer Judy Fayard notes one particularly memorable moment from the shoot, when Nicholson rolled up in a convertible Volkswagen Bug and declared, “anyone out here who doesn’t drive a Volks is either ostentatious or stupid.”
We wouldn't expect anything less than a strong opinion from the actor. Check out Nicholson hanging out with his daughter, enjoying his record collection and learning to play the piano in the photos, below. And for more fabulous glimpses into vintage Hollywood (and beyond), visit LIFE.com.
