Ray Nicholson takes after his father, Jack Nicholson, in the looks department.
Jack, 87, of course, starred in the cult classic horror movie The Shining back in 1980, and fans have pointed out the similarities between the father and son duo after seeing a promotional poster featuring Ray, 32, for his new movie Smile 2. The actor hit the red carpet on Monday, October 14, for the film’s premiere, and spoke with Deadline about his famous father.
Ray Nicholson attends the U.S. Premiere of Paramount’s “SMILE 2” at Paramount Theatre on October 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. The son of ‘The Shining’ actor addressed the family resemblance during a red carpet appearance.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
In the interview posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ray acknowledged the likeness between the pair, while making it clear he is a different person from his dad. “You know, we’re very different people. I was born in 1992. He was born in 1937. The things that affect me don’t necessarily affect him,” the Los Angeles native began. “Obviously, I love him. He’s my inspiration. I ate dinner with him every night, you know? I studied it. That’s how I learned how to be a human being. So, of course, we’re going to be kind of similar.”
The Panic alum shared that what made sense for his dad might have been different for him. “But as far as talking about it, if he ever did tell me something, I probably wouldn’t investigate it for myself because I’d be like, ‘You’re the best, of course. That’s right,’ and it might not work for me,” Ray explained.
The Out of the Blue actor also expressed his love and admiration for the man who raised him. “So, I’m just glad. I love him. He’s my hero. I’m the luckiest kid in the world. That’s all I would say about it,” Ray gushed.
In September, fans took to X to comment on the striking resemblance between the two men.
The actor featured on the new ‘SMILE 2’ poster is Ray Nicholson, the son of legendary actor Jack Nicholson.
In theaters on October 18, 2024. pic.twitter.com/zZ2lkLq2Ka
— Creepy.org (@creepydotorg) September 9, 2024
“not [a] DNA test needed here. Fantastic,” one person commented.
“The villain who smiles just HAS to be played by a name named Nicholson LMAO,” someone posted.
“his eyes look so much like his dad and the smile omg lol. I wish him the best of luck!,” another person wrote on the platform.
Smile 2 hits theaters on Friday, October 18.
