Let’s talk about Jack Nicholson, the Hollywood legend who’s been lighting up screens for decades. At 87, Jack may have stepped back from the spotlight, but he's still as proud as ever of his son Ray. The 32-year-old actor has been making waves in Hollywood on his own terms, and Jack couldn’t be prouder. A source close to the family exclusively tells Closer that Jack is thrilled with Ray's achievements, all earned through sheer hard work and determination.
Ray Nicholson: Walking His Own Path
“Jack’s so proud of Ray for blazing his own trail. Sure, being Jack Nicholson’s son probably opened some doors faster, but Ray had to put in the extra effort to prove himself,” the source reveals. It's not just about the name; Ray has shown time and again that he's got the talent to back it up. This kind of work ethic is something Jack himself can relate to, having carved out his own legendary career through grit and determination.
From Dad’s Legacy to Ray’s Own Spotlight
Ray Nicholson isn’t just following in his father’s footsteps; he's blazing his own trail in Hollywood. The young actor bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Jack, especially during his iconic days in The Shining. Ray embraced his father's horror legacy in Smile 2, delivering a chilling performance that mirrors Jack's famous portrayal of Jack Torrance in the Stanley Kubrick masterpiece. Whether intentional or not, Ray captured the essence of a character unraveling, much like his dad’s classic role.
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In fact, the director of Smile 2, Parker Finn, admitted to Entertainment Weekly that casting Ray was a nod to his all-time favorite film. “It was totally an homage,” Finn said. The resemblance between father and son is undeniable, and Ray seems to wear it as a badge of honor. Speaking to Deadline in October 2024, Ray shared, “Jack’s my inspiration. I ate dinner with him every night growing up. I studied him, that’s how I learned to be a human being. Of course, we’re bound to be similar.”
A Rising Star in Hollywood
Ray’s career is on the rise, and he’s doing it his way. To date, he’s amassed 22 movie roles, many of them small parts, but each one a step toward bigger things. He’s not relying on his father’s star power to land leading roles; instead, he's proving himself one role at a time. Ray has a knack for playing morally complex characters, a trait he shares with his dad. In a November 2022 interview with Variety, Ray explained, “I’m always on the lookout for the classic anti-hero. I love playing people who you might not like but that you can’t help but admire. I want to connect with the material on a personal level.”
Despite his growing fame, Ray remains grounded and close to his family. He’s got two exciting projects in the works—Novocaine and Borderline—but he still makes time for his dad. “Ray visits Jack whenever he can. He’s so grateful for all the guidance and encouragement his father has given him over the years,” the source shares. “Jack helped Ray stay true to himself and avoid the pitfalls that often come with Hollywood success.”
“They have a really close bond, father and son,” the source adds. “People admire Ray for being down-to-earth and not letting fame go to his head. Jack isn’t the only one who believes Ray’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Ray himself is optimistic about what’s to come. “I feel ready for whatever the future holds. I don’t shy away from challenges. I love the process of making films and the community it brings. I’m naturally a bit fearful, but when I dive into something creative, I just want to keep going,” Ray said. It’s clear that Ray is not only following in his father’s footsteps but carving out his own path in Hollywood, one step at a time.
