Ray Nicholson: The Mirror Image of His Iconic Father, Jack Nicholson – See the Photos

Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson, closely resembles his father, which helped him land a role in the new film “Smile 2.” Following his recent appearance in a horror movie, many fans took to social media to express their amazement at their striking similarities.

Parker Finn, the director of “Smile 2,” revealed that he cast Ray Nicholson as a tribute to his father’s iconic horror film, “The Shining,” which Finn considers his favorite movie of all time. He included various nods to the 1980 classic throughout the sequel.

Parker Finn expressed his excitement when Ray Nicholson auditioned for the role, stating that the audition was impressive. He mentioned, “Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors of all time. I love that Ray has very strong genes, and his smile made me think, ‘Oh my God, it’s like looking at a young Jack.'”

Parker Finn remarked on how impressed he was with Ray Nicholson’s ability to seamlessly embody the character’s mix of charm and menace in the film, eliciting both anxiety and amusement from the director.

Although Parker Finn didn’t originally write the role for Ray Nicholson, he acknowledged that their connection and resemblance was a fortunate twist of fate that ultimately benefited the project.

Fans who have seen “Smile 2” and its trailer, which premiered on October 16, 2024, have noted the striking resemblance between Ray Nicholson and his father, Jack Nicholson.

One viewer commented, “Yes, he looks just like his dad in his younger years,” while another amazed fan added, “Them genes be strong lol.” The theme of familial resemblance resonated with many fans, with one declaring, “Ray is the spitting image of his legendary father.”

Another user specifically stated, “He’s a handsome version of his dad, but that smile and eyes are identical to his dad.” One fan further compared the two, saying, “He looks just like Jack back in the day! He IS the younger Jack Nicholson. Taking nothing from this man!”

The admiration for Ray continued as one viewer remarked, “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.”

The conversation also highlighted their shared expressions, with a fan noting, “It’s also his eyes. Jack Nicholson portrayed sinister characters, and people remember those performances. Ray looks so much like his dad that when he makes those facial expressions, it’s reminiscent of Jack’s performances. Very eerie!”

Others quickly noted the similarities, with one person saying, “Goodness! I thought that was Jack Nicholson when he was young!” An observant fan added, “They also share that intense look in the eyes!” One viewer even remarked, “He looks even more sinister than his dad!”

When asked if his dad gave him tips for starring in a horror film, Ray Nicholson replied, “My dad and I don’t talk that much about acting… I think it’s important for me to find my way.” However, he humorously commented on his resemblance to Jack Nicholson, saying, “My mom says, ‘Ray, you were such a beautiful boy, and then you started to look like your father.'”

Ray landing a role in “Smile 2” is significant because it is a highly anticipated sequel to the original film, which was a massive success, grossing $200 million globally.

“Smile 2” explores the chilling story of a deadly curse that transfers to those who witness a person’s death. The film follows pop superstar Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, as she navigates the challenges of fame, her traumatic past, and the madness induced by the curse.

Ray, who plays Skye’s boyfriend in “Smile 2,” highlighted during promotions that watching a horror film in theaters creates a shared experience, as viewers typically prefer not to face fear alone.

“Smile 2,” which features Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, and Kyle Gallner reprising his role from the first film, is currently showing in theaters nationwide.