Ray Nicholson took inspiration from his dad's acting for his role in 'Smile 2'
Ray Nicholson is the spitting image of his father, Oscar-winning actor Jack Nicholson.
Jack and actress Rebecca Broussardwelcomed Ray in February 1992. The couple, who were never married and split in 1993 after six years together, also share a daughter named Lorraine.
With actors as parents, it's no surprise that Ray pursued a career in TV and film. The up-and-coming actor has yet to star alongside Jack, but he has studied his dad's work. Fans went wild for Ray's performance in the 2024 horror film Smile 2, where his smirking close-ups were a nod to Jack's wicked grins in The Shining (1980).
Related: Jack Nicholson's 6 Children: All About His Sons and Daughters
"My dad and I don't talk that much about acting. I think I'd probably hang on to his word too much. You know, I think it's important for me to find my way," he told CBS Mornings. "And with the smile, funny enough, my mom says, 'You know Ray, you were such a beautiful boy, and then you started to look like your father.' "
Here's everything to know about Jack Nicholson's youngest son, Ray Nicholson.
He was born in Los Angeles
Ray was born in Los Angeles on Feb. 20, 1992, to Jack and Broussard. He attended Brentwood School where he played football, according to the Santa Monica Mirror.
The budding actor hasn't spoken much about his childhood, but he did tell Deadline in 2024 that he remembers eating dinner with his dad "every night."
He is an actor
The youngest Nicholson son has "always wanted to be an actor," as he told Entertainment Tonight in 2024. Ray landed his first role in The Benchwarmers (2006) and has gone on to star in Promising Young Woman and Prime Video's Panic.
He also played opposite Diane Kruger in Out of the Blue and portrayed Zoey Deutch's love interest in Something from Tiffany's. However, his role in Smile 2, as movie star Paul Hudson, propelled him into the public eye.
"Let me tell you about Ray, he's so incredible," costar Naomi Scott told The Hook. "He's not just a consummate professional, he also brought an energy that was much needed. He lifted my spirits. I think he's so special."
He is a big Los Angeles Lakers fan
Born and raised in L.A., Ray is a devoted Lakers fan and often attends games with his dad.
The father-son duo have been spotted sitting courtside at the Crypto.com Arena on numerous occasions, including during the NBA playoffs in May 2023.
He has five siblings
Jack is the father of six kids, including Ray and his older sister, Lorraine Nicholson. The As Good as It Gets actor's first child, Jennifer Nicholson, was born in 1963. Jack's son Caleb Goddard arrived seven years later and was followed bydaughter Honey Hollman in 1981.
After Lorraine and Ray were born in 1990 and 1992, respectively, Jack had his youngest daughter, Tessa Gourin, in 1994.
Ray has a close relationship with his dad
Jack and Ray have always shared a close bond. While speaking with Deadline in October 2024, the Smile 2 actor called Jack his "inspiration." He added, "I love him. He’s also my hero. I’m the luckiest kid in the world."
The Batman alum previously spoke about raising Ray and Lorraine with AARP The Magazine in 2008.
"We've always gotten along. I want to be inspirational, or some kind of good influence on them without overburdening them," Jack said. "I always read to them, from childhood on. I took them to things I knew they might not love — opera, ballet. And they are very comfortable around show business; they are good set rats."
He is dating model Sara Sampaio
Ray and former Victoria's Secret Angel Sara Sampaio have been linked since the summer of 2023. The couple made their red carpet debut at Vanity Fair's Oscar party in March 2024, and Sampaio isn't shy about sharing their love on social media.
"My valentine ❤️ how did I get so lucky?" she wrote on Instagram alongside several photos of Ray in February 2024.
Ray channeled his dad's iconic acting in Smile 2
Jack's look-alike-son plays a "venomous but charming character" in Smile 2, a 2024 horror film written and directed by Parker Finn, who is a massive fan of The Shining.
"With Ray, he auditioned for that role. The audition was so strong," Finn told Entertainment Weekly in October 2024. "Of course, Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors of all time. I love that Ray has very strong genes, and his smile, instantly, I was like, 'Oh my God, it's like looking at a young Jack.' "
Audiences immediately noticed how Ray's creepy grin in Smile 2 was strikingly similar to the one Jack became famous for after The Shining premiered in 1980.
"Well, our faces do look alike. We're related," Ray joked while speaking to Entertainment Tonight about his eerie smile on display in the film. He also told Deadline, of his father's composure, "I studied it, that’s how I learned to be a human being. So, of course we’re gonna be kind of similar.”
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