It’s been years since Jack Nicholson was front and center in Hollywood, but that didn’t stop him from grabbing the spotlight during a surprise appearance at the SNL 50th Anniversary Special. The crowd went wild when he stepped onstage to introduce Adam Sandler’s performance. Dressed in his iconic all-black outfit, topped with a beret and signature shades, Jack reminded everyone why he’s still one of the greats.

Surrounded by stars like Robert De Niro, Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Blake Lively, Nicholson stole the moment without saying much at all. The brief appearance stirred up nostalgia and curiosity—not just about him, but about his son, Ray Nicholson, who’s now stepping out of his father’s legendary shadow.

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Why Does This Actor Look Familiar?

Ray Nicholson isn’t just a Hollywood legacy—he’s a rising star with a style all his own. At 34, Ray’s been grinding for years, starting back in 2006 with smaller roles. But his real breakout came in 2024 with Smile 2, a horror sequel that gave fans chills while paying subtle tribute to Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance in The Shining.

That’s when people really started paying attention.

In Smile 2, Ray delivered a performance that felt eerie, emotional, and bold—a combination that made audiences sit up and say, “Wait… who is this guy?” Now, with two buzz-worthy movies lined up for 2025—Borderline and Novocaine—Ray’s name is suddenly everywhere.

Here’s where the internet explodes: does Ray actually look like his dad?

Some say yes. They’ll pull up side-by-side photos of a young Jack Nicholson and today’s Ray Nicholson and point to the same devilish grin, the piercing eyes, the swagger. And honestly, they’re not wrong—it’s there if you look closely.

But others just aren’t buying it.

One fan dropped a comment saying, “He’s Jack’s clone, how can people not see it?” While another chimed in, “Nah, I don’t see it. He looks like someone else entirely.” The internet did what the internet does best: argue.

Interestingly, Ray himself has a totally different take.

In an interview, he laughed about how people constantly confuse him for other stars. “Mostly people are like, ‘You look like Leo,’ or ‘You look like Sebastian Stan. I thought you were Sebastian Stan!’”

Wait, what?

It’s almost comedic considering how many people think he looks like Jack. Some fans responded online, bewildered. One even joked, “Leo? That’s a stretch. Maybe if you squint in the dark and spin around three times.”

But Ray seems to take it all in stride.

This is where it gets fun. Social media lit up after Ray’s comments. Fans flooded Instagram and Reddit with side-by-side shots of Ray and Jack, arguing over the resemblance.

One hilarious comment read, “Ray looks like Jack with a Netflix filter.” Another fan responded, “He looks more like his dad than some people look like their siblings!”

And when it came to those Leo and Sebastian comparisons? Fans didn’t hold back.

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Jack Nicholson’s Son Stars in ‘Smile 2’—Creepy or Cool?

“He doesn’t even look like those guys’ cousins,” one user joked. Another added, “Bless him, but he’s got that Nicholson edge. Leo’s got the heartthrob look, Ray’s got the intense stare.”

Regardless of who he resembles, here’s what really matters—Ray Nicholson is building his own Hollywood legacy, and it has nothing to do with his last name.

Sure, having Jack Nicholson as a father opens doors, but staying in the room takes talent—and Ray’s showing he’s got it. His role in Smile 2 turned heads, and the excitement around Borderline and Novocaine proves he’s not just riding his dad’s coattails.

In Borderline, he plays an obsessed fan teetering on the edge of sanity. In Novocaine, he gets to flex a different muscle in a fast-paced heist flick. It’s a smart move—showing range, depth, and fearlessness.

Let’s be honest—Jack Nicholson is a legend. But even legends step aside eventually. And when they do, it’s fascinating to watch what happens next.

Ray Nicholson isn’t trying to be Jack 2.0. He’s crafting his own identity, one role at a time. The comparisons will never go away, but if his current trajectory continues, people might stop saying “That’s Jack Nicholson’s son,” and start saying, “That’s Ray Nicholson.”

The torch is being passed—but Ray’s not just holding it. He’s running with it.

So, does Ray look like Jack? That depends on who you ask. But maybe that’s the wrong question.

The real story isn’t in the resemblance. It’s in the rise.

Ray Nicholson is proving he’s more than just a familiar face. With talent, charisma, and a growing list of impressive roles, he’s building something all his own. And if Hollywood is watching—which it definitely is—then we’re witnessing the beginning of a new era.

Like father, like son? Maybe. But Ray’s story is just getting started—and it’s already one worth watching.