Nicolas Cage once won $20,000 gambling at a casino and gave it all away the same day. One of the most recognized actors of his time, Cage’s formidable career has spanned three decades with roles in iconic films including Adaptation, National Treasure, Face/Off, and Leaving Las Vegas—the film that snagged him an Oscar win.

Noted for his eccentric personality, Cage has developed a reputation for his extreme method acting. Occasions of Cage plunging into experiences to relate to his onscreen characters have included adopting a steak-only diet for months, removing teeth without anesthesia, and snorting saccharin to embrace the mind of a drug addict. The Con Air star’s quirky style of perfecting his craft has also translated to his personal life. To date, Cage has spent a fortune on dinosaur skulls, the first Superman comic, and a pursuit of The Holy Grail. Now, Cage reveals his final experience with gambling, and why he opted to quit.

Speaking with Marilyn Manson for Interview magazine, Cage shared that he once won $20,000 from playing roulette in a casino and donated it all to an orphanage. Cage also reveals he currently lives in Las Vegas with his crow Huginn who the actors believe is "genuinely speaking to you.” Cage said his astounding win 30 years ago was the last time he gambled because it was such a profound experience. Cage shared how an afternoon at a Bahamian casino turned into a life-changing day for a local orphanage:


Of course, Cage appears to tote a catalog of unique experiences over the span of his career. Recollecting his moments of getting into character for the film Wild at Heart, Cage reveals he wore a snakeskin jacket to help him incorporate Marlon Brando from The Fugitive Kind, Andy Warhol, and Elvis Presley into one performance. As it stands, the jacket now belongs to former co-star Laura Dern. Furthermore, Cage is preparing to start production on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which will star Cage as himself in the meta-drama film.

Cage’s career continues to have highs and lows, but there is no denying the actor is constantly looking for his next mark. Currently, Cage has numerous projects in the works, including tackling the role of Joe Exotic in a scripted Tiger King TV show. No doubt the actor continuously surprises fans with shared experiences from his past. Indeed, Cage appears to have a surplus of real-life experiences to incorporate into his characters. While there remains no proof Nicolas Cage handed over his earnings to an orphanage, it would be a fitting experience for the accomplished actor.