Ray Nicholson Steps Out of His Father’s Shadow: A New Hollywood Star Emerges
For years, Jack Nicholson dominated the Hollywood landscape, a charismatic force known for his captivating performances, courtside seats at Lakers games, and ubiquitous presence on red carpets. Now, his son, Ray Nicholson, is carving his own path in the industry, stepping out of the shadow of his legendary father to establish himself as a compelling actor in his own right.
This weekend, Ray Nicholson’s presence is undeniable with two new movies hitting theaters: the action-comedy "Novocaine" and the darkly comedic "Borderline," set in the 1990s. While navigating the whirlwind of promotional obligations for both films, the 33-year-old Nicholson admitted to feeling a bit overwhelmed, joking that he was "fully in the fourth dimension." However, the experience has only reinforced his passion for acting, which he describes as a "love language between me and my dad, for sure, and that’s why I do it."
Like his father, Ray Nicholson gravitates towards characters who are complex, often teetering on the edge of unhinged and dangerous. In "Novocaine," he portrays a sociopathic bank robber, opposite Jack Quaid’s protagonist who possesses the unusual ability to be impervious to pain. In "Borderline," he embodies an escaped mental patient who becomes fixated on stalking a pop star, played by Samara Weaving, blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist. In both roles, Nicholson manages to create characters who are undeniably magnetic, drawing viewers into their volatile worlds.
However, Ray Nicholson’s aspirations aren’t centered around accolades. "I could care less whether people think I’m a great actor or not. I want to be engaging and entertaining," he states. "Ultimately, it’s a service position. You want people to enjoy what you’re doing." He emphasizes that his primary goal is to provide audiences with an escape, an experience, and a memorable performance that resonates long after the credits roll.
Jack Quaid, his co-star in "Novocaine," was impressed by Nicholson’s ability to effortlessly transition between being "very sweet" and unleashing a chilling "psycho" persona "at the drop of a hat." He describes Nicholson as possessing an electrifying energy, an almost inexhaustible force, comparing him to "human Red Bull."
For Nicholson, maintaining a positive attitude and contributing to a productive set environment is crucial. He acknowledges that his biggest challenge often stems from within. "For me, my biggest obstacle is always myself," he confides. "But once I break through, I have unlimited energy."
This boundless enthusiasm was particularly evident during the production of "Borderline." Nicholson recalls a specific scene where his unstable character runs amok in an empty mansion, indulging in snacks while dancing in his underwear, a clear homage to Tom Cruise’s iconic scene in "Risky Business." "I ate about eight Hot Pockets that day, of varying warmth," he humorously recounts.
Nicholson actively collaborated with writer/director Jimmy Warden ("Cocaine Bear") to inject spontaneity and originality into his portrayal. He describes their creative process as a constant exploration of his character’s motivations and potential actions. "What would this person do?" he would ask. "Like, what can you do in the bathtub? I could shave my legs? Perfect!" This collaborative spirit and willingness to experiment resulted in what Nicholson considers the most creatively fulfilling experience of his career.
Interestingly, acting wasn’t always Ray Nicholson’s ambition. Growing up as the son of a Hollywood icon and actress/model Rebecca Broussard, he initially resisted the allure of the entertainment industry. "Acting was the absolute last thing that I wanted to do," he admits.
His first foray into acting was a small role in the 2006 baseball comedy "The Benchwarmers," where he played a young catcher who trash-talks David Spade. At the time, Nicholson describes himself as "a really insecure kid: overweight, got picked on, not cool in school. Just this dorky kid that wanted to hide."
It was a gradual realization that led him to embrace acting. "Then it just dawned on me like, ‘What the hell are you doing? You’ve always wanted to (act), but you’re just too scared or you don’t feel worthy.’ Childhood resentment of not having the typical family and just kind of shaking that out," Nicholson explains.
He pursued film school and enrolled in Sandy Meisner acting classes, but still grappled with personal insecurities. "The first exercise they teach you is a knocking at the door exercise. I put so much pressure on myself, it was like, ’Is that knock good enough for four Oscars?’"
Over time, Nicholson overcame these self-doubts and embraced his heritage. "I am my dad’s kid, and I’m super-happy about it," he declares.
Before his current wave of success, Ray Nicholson had smaller roles in acclaimed films such as "Promising Young Woman" and "Licorice Pizza," and a main role in the Amazon series "Panic." His breakthrough moment arrived last year with the horror sequel "Smile 2," where he sported a similarly unsettling grin reminiscent of his father’s iconic performance in "The Shining."
"Dude, that was the coolest thing ever," Ray Nicholson says, reflecting on the experience. "I’ve done as much as I could to fly under the radar as I could. But when I saw the billboards, I was like, ‘Oh, duh! I can do this and be my dad’s kid. I don’t have to hide.’"
While acknowledging his father’s influence, Ray Nicholson also emphasizes the profound impact of his mother on his life. "My dad is this larger-than-life person, and my mom’s someone that came from a trailer park in Henderson, Kentucky. She taught me how to be a human and how to have a heart." He credits her with instilling in him a grounded nature, good manners, and a sense of empathy.
Despite his mother’s crucial role in shaping his character, when it comes to acting inspiration, it’s all about Jack. "He’s my favorite actor," Nicholson says. "He is my north star. If I didn’t want to be compared to my dad, I would’ve been a veterinarian."
The elder Nicholson, now 87, hasn’t appeared in a film in 15 years, prompting speculation about a potential comeback. When asked if he could persuade his father to share the screen with him, Ray Nicholson responds with a touch of diplomacy.
"I think my dad is really happy with his body of work. He has done enough," Nicholson says. "He has provided me and my sister with an amazing life. To continue to make him proud is all I want, and hopefully I have kids, and they look at me the way that I look at my dad."
He pauses for a moment before flashing a knowing grin. "But maybe." This leaves the possibility open, hinting at the potential for a future on-screen collaboration between the two generations of Nicholson actors, a prospect that would undoubtedly generate immense excitement within the film community and beyond.
