Alright movie buffs you know Jack Nicholson right? Hollywood royalty pure acting legend. Well guess what? His son Ray Nicholson is also making a name for himself and he is got a brand new movie out called Novocaine. And guess what else? People are taking another look at Jack's last film role which might surprise you. Let's dive into the Nicholson world both past and present.
Ray Nicholson on Following Dad's Footsteps: 'Niceness is Intimidating' and Being Mistaken for Leo DiCaprio
Ray Nicholson is stepping into the spotlight with his role in the thriller Novocaine. It is got action suspense and Ray playing a bank robber things are bound to get interesting. But when you are Jack Nicholson's son people are naturally going to make comparisons. And Ray has some funny takes on that.
Apparently Ray says people often tell him he looks like Leonardo DiCaprio or Sebastian Stan more than his own dad! He jokes "Mostly people are like you look like Leo. Or 'You look like Sebastian Stan! I thought you were Sebastian Stan!'" He finds it kind of weird since he actually looks quite a bit like Jack. Maybe it is that famous Nicholson smile but people are seeing other Hollywood stars when they look at Ray.
Ray is embracing being the bad guy in Novocaine. He mentioned it was "so fun" to play a character who is not exactly a hero. He likes making his characters likable even when they are doing questionable things. He thinks it makes movies more interesting when you are not sure who to root for. Good point Ray!
Interestingly Ray is starting his acting career a bit later in his early 30s. He said he thinks "things happen when they are supposed to happen." Growing up with a famous dad meant he wasn't always keen on fame himself. He admitted he wanted to feel "normal" and not like a "zoo animal." He felt this especially in college. But now he is ready to give acting a real shot.
Ray also shared that he doesn't talk acting with his dad Jack all that much. He thinks it is important to "find my own way" and not just follow in his father's shadow. Both his parents Jack and mom Rebecca Broussard are supportive of his choices. They care more about his happiness day to day than his career success. That is pretty awesome parenting.
Jack Nicholson's Unofficial Farewell? 'How Do You Know' and a Look Back at a Legendary Career
Speaking of Jack Nicholson did you know his last movie role was actually in a rom-com? It is true. Back in 2010 Jack starred in How Do You Know alongside Reese Witherspoon Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson. It is kind of wild to think that this lighthearted romantic comedy is unofficially Jack Nicholson's goodbye to acting. He hasn't been in a movie since and is pretty much retired.
How Do You Know was not exactly a critical or box office smash at the time. With such a star-studded cast it had a huge budget but it did not make its money back. Critics were not kind either. But looking back over a decade later some people are revisiting the movie and seeing it in a new light. It is understated simple and maybe even a bit nostalgic.
In the movie Jack plays Charles the father of Paul Rudd's character George. Charles is a businessman who is not exactly ethical and he gets his son into trouble. Nicholson plays Charles as kind of mean and manipulative but in that classic Jack Nicholson way. It is not a huge showy role but there are still those moments of Nicholson magic that shine through.
It's interesting that after an incredible career with iconic roles in movies like The Shining One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and As Good As It Gets Jack Nicholson's last film ended up being this rom-com. It might not be how fans expected him to ride off into the sunset but it is a reminder of his versatility and enduring presence on screen.
Jack Nicholson's Film Legacy: A Quick List of Must-See Movies
If you want to appreciate Jack Nicholson's amazing career here are a few must-watch movies to check out:
- Easy Rider (1969): The movie that helped make him a star a counter-culture classic.
- Five Easy Pieces (1970): A brilliant character study showcasing his early talent.
- Chinatown (1974): A neo-noir masterpiece and one of his most iconic roles as Jake Gittes.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975): Oscar-winning performance as Randle McMurphy unforgettable.
- The Shining (1980): Horror masterpiece as Jack Torrance pure cinematic terror.
- Batman (1989): Iconic Joker performance a comic book movie game-changer.
- A Few Good Men (1992): Intense courtroom drama "You can't handle the truth!"
- As Good as It Gets (1997): Another Oscar win this time in a romantic comedy.
- About Schmidt (2002): A more understated but powerful performance later in his career.
- The Departed (2006): Back to crime thrillers playing Frank Costello in Scorsese's classic.
This is just a starting point there are so many other great Jack Nicholson movies to discover and enjoy. His filmography is truly something special.
The Nicholson Dynasty Continues: Ray's 'Novocaine' and a New Generation of Talent
So while Jack Nicholson may be retired from acting his son Ray is carrying on the family name. Novocaine is out now and it is a chance to see Ray Nicholson in action as he builds his own career. He might get mistaken for other actors and he might have a famous dad but Ray Nicholson is carving his own path in Hollywood. Keep an eye on him this Nicholson might just be getting started.