Nick Nolte: Fame Is Undesirable, a 'Rough Deal'

Nick Nolte has been acting in films since the 1970s, from 48 Hrs. with Eddie Murphy to Warrior with Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. In his many years in Hollywood, he has been doused with fame, which he says has been an unwelcomed experience for him.

ET's Brooke Anderson caught up with the 71-year-old actor at the premiere of his new film Gangster Squad, where he revealed to her his frank thoughts on being a celebrity.

"It's peculiar, to say the least," Nolte said of being famous throughout the years. "It's not something to be desired. It really isn't, but that won't stop anybody. It's a rough deal. It's not a fun life."

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While he may not appreciate his life of fame after being subjected to the many things that accompany celebrity, many aspiring stars would love to be in his position. Nolte, who began his career as a model, isn't optimistic for others who crave fame.

"That's what I understand," he said when Anderson reminded him that others would "kill" to have the life of a celebrity, "and they probably will end up dead. You know?"

Although he has had his friction with fame over the years, Nolte nevertheless continues acting. After delivering his first award-nominated performance in years in Warrior, he takes on the role of former real-life Los Angeles police chief Bill Parker in Gangster Squad.

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As gangster films have constantly emerged through various film eras, spanning from the '30s to the Godfather series in the '70s and most recently with Public Enemies and Lawless, the film's cast gave their take on Hollywood's fascination with mob films.

"I think it's just the fight of good versus evil [that fascinates people]," said Josh Pence, who plays an LAPD officer. "It's such a basic story. This is a story about justice and routing corruption out of the town. I think [it fascinates people] too because they're...characters that we don't know much about so we want to see a glimpse into their life 'cause it's so unlike ours."

The Hurt Locker's Anthony Mackie, who plays a detective in the film, elaborated on Pence's thoughts on gangster films with an insightful point.

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"Because gangsters have no inhibitions," Mackie offered as a reason for Hollywood's fascination with gangster films. "All of our lives we're told what to do and what not to do, and I feel like we're intrigued by the people who do what they're told not to do 'cause not all of us do that."

Gangster Squad is in theaters this Friday (Jan. 11).