Resembling his father, Oscar-winning actor Jack Nicholson, Ray Nicholson has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Born in February 1992, Ray is the son of Jack and actress Rebecca Broussard. Although Jack and Rebecca were never married, they had a six-year relationship before parting ways in 1993. Together, they also have a daughter, Lorraine.
Growing up in a family of performers, it was natural for Ray to gravitate toward acting. While he hasn’t yet shared the screen with his father, he has studied Jack’s iconic performances. His breakout role in the 2024 horror film Smile 2 delighted fans, particularly his menacing close-ups, reminiscent of Jack’s sinister smiles in The Shining (1980).
Raised in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, Ray played football during high school, reflecting a well-rounded upbringing beyond acting
In an interview with CBS Mornings, Ray shared, “My dad and I don’t discuss acting much. I worry I might overanalyze his advice. I must carve my own path.” He added with a laugh, “Interestingly, my mom often remarks, ‘You were such a handsome boy, then you started looking like your father.’”
Ray Nicholson’s life and career offer a fascinating quick look into the world of Jack Nicholson’s youngest son. Ray was born on February 20, 1992, in Los Angeles. He grew up in the Brentwood neighborhood, where he played football during his time at Brentwood School, as reported by the Santa Monica Mirror.
Though he hasn’t elaborated much on his upbringing, Ray did mention to Deadline in 2024 that he fondly recalls having dinner with his father “every night.” Aspiring to be an actor from a young age, Ray disclosed to Entertainment Tonight in 2024 that his dream has always been to act. He secured his first role in The Benchwarmers (2006) and has since appeared in Promising Young Woman and Panic on Prime Video.
His acting credits include roles alongside Diane Kruger in Out of the Blue and as Zoey Deutch’s love interest in Something from Tiffany’s. However, it was his performance in Smile 2 as the movie star Paul Hudson that truly brought him into the spotlight.
Co-star Naomi Scott praised Ray’s talent to The Hook, stating, “He’s incredible, bringing not just professionalism but also a much-needed energy that lifted my spirits. He’s truly special.” Being a native Angeleno, Ray passionately supports the Lakers and frequently attends games with his father.
The father-son pair have been spotted courtside at the Crypto.com Arena on multiple occasions, including during the NBA playoffs in May 2023. With Jack Nicholson as a father, Ray is one of six siblings, including his older sister Lorraine.
Jack’s first child, Jennifer Nicholson, was born in 1963, followed by son Caleb Goddard in 1970 and daughter Honey Hollman in 1981. After Lorraine and Ray’s births in 1990 and 1992, respectively, Jack welcomed his youngest daughter, Tessa Gourin, in 1994.
A strong bond exists between Jack and Ray. In an October 2024 interview with Deadline, Ray described Jack as his “inspiration” and expressed, “I love him; he’s my hero. I feel like the luckiest kid in the world.”
In a past conversation with AARP The Magazine in 2008, Jack reflected on parenting Ray and Lorraine, saying, “We’ve always had a great relationship. I aim to be a positive influence without overwhelming them. I enjoyed reading to them from an early age and introducing them to experiences like opera and ballet. They are comfortable in show business and have adapted well.”
Ray is currently in a relationship with model Sara Sampaio, having been linked since the summer of 2023. They made their public debut together at Vanity Fair’s Oscar party in March 2024, where Sampaio openly shared her affection for Ray on social media. “My valentine ❤️ how did I get so lucky?” she posted alongside several photos of the couple in February 2024.
In Smile 2, Ray channels his father’s legendary acting style through his portrayal of a “venomous but charming character.” The 2024 horror film was crafted by Parker Finn, an ardent admirer of The Shining.
In an October 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Finn remarked, “Ray delivered a powerful audition. I’ve always been a fan of Jack Nicholson, and it’s striking how Ray’s strong genes shine through—his smile instantly reminded me of a young Jack.” Viewers quickly recognized the similarity between Ray’s eerie grin in Smile 2 and Jack’s infamous expression from The Shining.
With a touch of humor, Ray acknowledged their resemblance while speaking to Entertainment Tonight, saying, “Of course, we look alike; we’re related.” He elaborated to Deadline about studying his father’s composure, stating, “That’s how I learned to be a human being. Naturally, we share some similarities.”
