‘Smile 2’ star Ray Nicholson opens up on how his dad Jack Nicholson made him the man he is today

Ray Nicholson is poised for a breakout moment in his acting career with the release of Smile 2, where he steps into a significant role while carrying the legacy of his iconic father, Jack Nicholson. In a recent interview, Ray expressed his admiration for Jack, calling him his hero and inspiration. He fondly reflected on their close relationship, stating, “I ate dinner with him every night… I studied. That’s how I learned how to be a human being.”

The comparisons between Ray’s character poster for Smile 2 and Jack’s chilling grin in The Shining highlight the generational talent in the Nicholson family. Ray acknowledged that while he might share some similarities with his father, he is grateful for the influence and love he received growing up. His respect for Jack is echoed by Smile 2 director Parker Finn, who lauded The Shining as one of the greatest horror films, emphasizing its lasting impact on cinema.

Smile 2, the sequel to the 2022 hit, expands on the film’s intriguing lore, promising more inventive scares. Ray plays Paul Hudson, a character who survived the traumatic events of the first film, while the plot centers around pop star Skye Riley navigating her own horror during a world tour.

Although Ray is making strides in his career, Jack Nicholson has largely stepped away from acting since his last film, How Do You Know, in 2010. He’s reportedly enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle, choosing to read and spend time outdoors rather than pursue new movie roles. Lou Adler, a friend of Nicholson’s, confirmed this in a podcast, noting that Jack is content with his current way of life.

As Ray continues to build his own career, he is also set to appear in the upcoming thriller Borderline, where he will take on the role of a bodyguard tasked with protecting a superstar from a stalker. It seems that Ray is carving out his own niche in the industry while honoring his father’s monumental legacy in film. With Smile 2 now in theaters, audiences will be eager to see how Ray’s talent shines through in this new horror installment.