Ray Nicholson doesn't regret his reservations about becoming an actor, even as he makes a name for himself in Hollywood.
Previously dead set against following in his father Jack Nicholson
's illustrious footsteps, the "Borderline" actor, 34, is now all in and his decision is already paying off. Variety named Nicholson one of its 10 Actors to Watch for 2026, alongside fellow breakout performers from "Michael" star Jaafar Jackson and "Obsession" actress Inde Navarrette.Despite the recognition, he gives himself grace for having considered acting the absolute last thing he wanted to do growing up as the son of the three-time Oscar-winning actor.
"That's where I was at," he tells USA TODAY at the Newport Beach Film Festival Sunday, Oct. 18. "I think
I had every right to be a little trepidatious. I grew up around it. It was the thing that made my family different. It was the thing that took my dad away from my home. So, of course, I had different feelings about it."
Growing up in the spotlight only raised alarm bells for him, but it wasn't until he dipped his toes into the craft when his passion ignited.
"I stopped thinking about all of that and it made it better," he says. "Being here is just a sign that I found grace with who I am and the cards that I was dealt, and I really have learned to love the craft and be a good person to work with."
Jack Nicholson gives feedback to son Ray Nicholson
Ray Nicholson says his father has been nothing but supportive amidst his breakout success.
"He's super proud of me. I don't know that he watches everything that I do, but the movies that come out, he definitely watches, and I get the feedback and it's awesome," Ray Nicholson adds.
After smaller roles like "Promising Young Woman" and "Licorice Pizza," Ray Nicholson learned he can be as frightening in the horror genre as a "The Shining" star. This was evident from his disturbing, devilish grin in the horror sequel "Smile 2," which became a breakthrough performance for him last year.
"Dude, that was the coolest thing ever," he told USA TODAY earlier this year. "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."
Ray Nicholson would love to be an Oscar contender
The next stop on the path his father laid out is awards season, as Ray Nicholson hopes his upcoming sports war film "The Mosquito Bowl" (releasing Oct. 30) gets Oscar buzz.
"We really want to compete. Pete [Berg] is an amazing filmmaker," he says on the red carpet Sunday. "Look, these are my dreams and it's great to be here, to be recognized as perhaps the future generation of things to carry this thing forward."
He continues: "I have such respect for everybody. My dad included, that has brought us here, and I just want to be a part of that, you know? I really just want to be a part of that and inspire the next generation."
Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ray Nicholson is glad he hesitated on following in dad Jack's footsteps
