LOS ANGELES -- Nick Nolte's former live-in girlfriend said Wednesday she has dropped a $4.5 million palimony suit in return for the actor's continuing friendship and his agreement to not pursue a cross-complaint.
Karen Eklund, who claimed she dedicated herself to the actor's career only to be kicked out 'in the cold,' said no money was involved in the out-of-court settlement.
'We have reconciled our friendship,' she explained at a news conference. 'It's made me one of the happiest women in the world. I don't think money can buy friendship. There is no money involved.'
In addition to $4.5 million, the suit sought property including two limousines, three motorcE:les, two horses, movie and TV residuals and a share of the 10-acre ranch in the rural Agoura area where the two lived before they split up and she returned home to Excelsior, Minn.
The actor's attorney had no comment on the settlement, but his publicist said, 'Mr. Nolte is pleased that the matter has satisfactorily been terminated.'
When asked what their reconciled friendship might entail, the woman said she did not know and added, 'I don't believe in wrecking a home and he is married.'
Presiding Superior Court Judge Robert Johnson, who had been scheduled to hear the case Tuesday, instead ordered attorneys for Nolte, 42, and Miss Eklund, 37, to try to resolve the matter without a trial.
Miss Eklund filed the suit three years ago, saying the actor 'kicked me out in the cold' after a seven-year relationship.
'I decided long ago that I would be the woman behind the man,' she told reporters outside court Tuesday. 'I think I did a good job and now I think I should be compensated. He kicked me out in the cold.
Miss Eklund said she met Nolte about 10 years ago while performing at a repertory theater in Excelsior. They lived together about 18 months after they met, she said, and they moved to California.
She said Nolte asked her to give up her career.
After struggling for several yers, the actor became an overnight sensation in 1976 when he played Tom Jordache in the blockbuster TV mini-series 'Rich Man, Poor Man.' The role led to a series of starring roles in feature films, including 'Cannery Row' and the recent hit '48 Hrs.'
