Nick Nolte's probation ends

MALIBU, Calif., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Actor Nick Nolte's probation for a 2002 DUI conviction has ended.

Judge Lawrence Mira in Malibu, Calif., Wednesday praised Nolte's efforts during the past four years and said told the actor he "really earned the motion that's going to be made here," TMZ.com reported.

Nolte, 64, pleaded no contest to one count of driving under the influence of drugs and was placed on probation.

Wednesday's hearing had been delayed from Dec. 9 because Nolte had the flu.

"It's been a good year, I learned a lot ... in situations like this, we grow and it's necessary," Nolte told journalists outside the courtroom. "The lesson is: Don't drink and drive."

Nolte said he was getting ready to film "Pride and Glory" with Colin Farrell, who is just getting out of rehab.

Farrell will "have a lot of support," Nolte noted.