Jack Nicholson’s Son’s Resemblance to His Father Is Causing Controversy Among Fans

Jack Nicholson’s son, Ray Nicholson, has been turning heads in Hollywood - not just for his acting talent but for his striking resemblance to his legendary father. From his signature smirk to those unmistakable eyebrows, the similarities are uncanny. But while some fans say he’s a carbon copy of Jack, other sources keep talking about other similarities.

Jack Nicholson made a surprise appearance at SNL50: Anniversary Special

Jack Nicholson recently surprised everyone when he introduced Adam Sandler's performance at SNL 50th Anniversary Special amidst loud applause and cheers. Dressed in black from head to toe, with a beret and dark glasses — Nicholson looked rather dapper sitting amongst other celebrities like Robert De Niro, Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Blake Lively.

Nicholson was last seen in the 2010 flick How Do You Know. At the time, quashing retirement rumors, the actor stated that he simply wasn't as driven to “be out there anymore.”

Meanwhile, his son Ray, who turns 34 in 2025, is slowly stepping out of the shadows. While he has been in the movie business since 2006, it was only after his role in the 2024 slasher flick Smile 2, which paid homage to his father's character in The Shining, that Ray broke through.

Ray Nicholson says people mistake him for others.

With two back-to-back releases in 2025 — Borderline (where he plays a crazed, obsessed fan) and Novocaine, a heist — Ray Nicholson is in a good place. While the resemblance between him and his father is startling, Nicholson says that others think he looks like other stars instead.

In an interview, Nicholson confessed, “Mostly people are like, 'You look like Leo (as in Leonardo DiCaprio)' or, 'You look like Sebastian Stan. I thought you were Sebastian Stan!'”

He admits it is strange because he and his father look a lot alike, and we have to agree, the smile is almost identical. His statement has definitely generated an interest in fans, who seem to be split about who he actually looks like.

Fans are divided in their opinions.

While different sources keep comparing, fans talk about absolute resemblance of Jack and Ray.

• He is his fathers twin. © bellarojateylie / Instagram
• He looks like his father 100%. © amyvgonzalez / Instagram
• Smiles and looks like dad. © d61953 / Instagram

While there are other people who express the opposite opinion, noting that Ray is a unique person who has zero similarity to others.

• He looks nothing like any of them..dad includes. © janea2322019 / Instagram

Ray Nicholson isn’t alone - Hollywood has plenty of lookalike parent-kid duos, like Reese Witherspoon and her son Deacon. While some say Ray is Jack’s twin, others see subtle differences.