Hollywood gasped when Jack Nicholson made a surprise appearance at the SNL 50th Anniversary Special. Dressed in his signature black, sunglasses on, he stepped into the spotlight once more—cool as ever.
But this return also reminded fans that the Nicholson legacy isn’t over. It’s just beginning again—with Ray Nicholson, Jack’s son, moving up fast in the industry.
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Why Does This Actor Look Familiar?
Though he’s been acting since 2006, Ray didn’t fully break through until Smile 2 in 2024. That role gave him serious horror movie cred and drew comparisons to Jack’s bone-chilling performance in The Shining.
Now with Borderline and Novocaine set to drop in 2025, Ray’s got the momentum—and the pressure—to prove he’s more than just the son of a star.
There’s no clear consensus on whether Ray looks like Jack. Some fans are convinced the resemblance is strong—“He’s Jack with a beard,” one user posted.
Others aren’t buying it. “He looks like his mom more than Jack,” one comment read.
Still, side-by-sides of young Jack and present-day Ray make it hard to deny those signature features.
In a twist that no one saw coming, Ray says people constantly think he’s someone else.
“Leo and Sebastian Stan are the two I hear most,” he revealed. Fans weren’t having it. “Leo? Nah. Ray’s got that edge. He’s got that classic Nicholson intensity.”
The misidentification is ironic—especially since Ray’s father has one of the most recognizable faces in cinema history.
Fans are quick to weigh in, and they’re not shy about their opinions.
“He’s Nicholson through and through,” one post read. “People need to revisit One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and then look at Ray. The DNA is screaming.”
As for the DiCaprio and Stan comparisons? Let’s just say people are laughing, not agreeing.
Video:
Jack Nicholson’s Son Stars in ‘Smile 2’—Creepy or Cool?
What’s clear is that Ray Nicholson is earning respect on his own terms. He’s choosing bold projects, staying low-key, and letting the work speak for itself.
That’s a smart move in a town that loves headlines. By staying focused, Ray is making a quiet but powerful impact.
Ray Nicholson may not look exactly like his father—or maybe he does. Either way, he’s bringing a new energy to Hollywood.
He’s not just a reflection of Jack. He’s an actor with real range, carving out a career that stands on its own.
One thing’s certain: the Nicholson legacy isn’t fading. It’s evolving. And Ray? He’s just getting started.