Jack Nicholson’s Son, Ray Nicholson, Is the ‘Spitting Image’ of His Legendary Dad – Photos
A fan comments on the strong resemblance between Ray Nicholson and his father Jack Nicholson, on a post dated October 21, 2024 | Source: Facebook/FoxNews
The director of “Smile 2,” Parker Finn, revealed that he cast Ray as a nod to his father’s iconic horror film, “The Shining,” which Parker considers his favorite movie of all time. He even incorporated tributes to the 1980 classic throughout the sequel.
Ray Nicholson attends the U.S. Premiere of Paramount’s “Smile 2” at Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on October 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Jack Nicholson peering through the door in lobby card for the film “The Shining,” in 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Parker noted that he was impressed by how seamlessly Ray embodied the character’s blend of charm and menace in the film, evoking in the director both anxiety and amusement.
Ray Nicholson attends the U.S. Premiere of Paramount’s “Smile 2” on October 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Jack Nicholson in New York City on February 12, 1975 | Source: Getty Images
Ray Nicholson in Los Angeles, California, on October 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The admiration continued as one viewer noted, “He is so good-looking, just like his dad was when he was young. I love anything that Jack Nicholson is in, he’s amazing.”
Jack Nicholson and Ray Nicholson attend Apollo in the Hamptons at The Creeks in East Hampton, New York, on August 16, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Jack Nicholson and Ray Nicholson prior to game 6 of a Western Conference Semifinals NBA playoff basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles on Friday, May 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Others were quick to notice the similarities as well, with one stating, “Goodness! I thought that was Jack Nicholson when he was young!” An observant fan echoed this, “They also share that intense look in the eyes as well!” One viewer even pointed out, “He looks even more sinister than his dad!”
Jack Nicholson in “The Shining,” in 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Jack Nicholson and Ray Nicholson attend a playoff basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, California, on May 8, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Ray landing a role in “Smile 2” is significant as it is a highly anticipated sequel after the original film was so successful that it grossed $200 million globally.
Ray Nicholson attends the U.S. Premiere of Paramount’s “Smile 2” at Paramount Theatre | Source: Getty Images
Ray Nicholson, Peter Jacobson, Kyle Gallner, Naomi Scott, Parker Finn, Dylan Gelula, Miles Gutierrez, Raul Castillo, and Iván Carlo at the “Smile 2” premiere in Los Angeles, California, on October 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ray, who stars as Skye’s boyfriend, emphasized while promoting “Smile 2” that watching a horror film in theaters creates a shared experience, as viewers generally prefer not to face fear alone.
Ray Nicholson at the “Smile 2” premiere on October 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“Smile 2,” featuring Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, and Kyle Gallner reprising his role from the first film, is currently showing in theaters across the country.
