Hollywood legend JACK NICHOLSON has been hailed a hero after courageously rescuing a woman trapped in a car wreck.

The ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST star leapt into action after witnessing the woman's car spinning off the road in Venice, California.

After dragging the crash victim from her battered vehicle, the stunned woman regained her faculties and looked up to notice her rescuer was also her screen idol.

She told him, 'Oh, I'm such a fan.'

Kind-hearted Nicholson then waited with her until the ambulance arrived.