Cowell Polished Nicholson's Shining Axe

The American Idol star has forged a lucrative career for himself as a record label executive and a TV judge on talent shows in the U.S. and the U.K.

But he started his career behind the camera - taking on a job as a runner on the scary 1980 film.

Cowell's half-brother Tony tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, He did plenty of menial jobs in those days and worked as a runner on The Shining. I remember him saying he used to clean Jack Nicholsons axe between takes for the most famous scenes.

He took it very seriously and was very proud. It was so shiny you could see your face in it.