Ray Nicholson Opens Up About Overcoming 'Crippling Pressure' to Find His Hollywood Groove

Ray Nicholson, the son of legendary actor Jack Nicholson, has opened up about his journey to becoming an actor, revealing how he had to overcome self-doubt and the overwhelming legacy of his father to carve his own path in Hollywood.

The 33-year-old actor shared with People Magazine that he wasn't always keen on following in his famous dad's footsteps. As a self-described "chubby little kid," he lacked the confidence to embrace the boldness and charisma often associated with showbiz. "I just don't think I had the confidence," Ray admitted. "So, I took baby steps. I always wanted to audition as just Ray."

Despite his initial reluctance, Ray recognized deep down that acting was his true calling. "I wanted to be an astronaut and then maybe a sports agent," he revealed, before acknowledging that he had always wanted to act.

Growing up in the shadow of Hollywood royalty wasn't easy, either. Ray described feeling like "the nerd" compared to his popular and beautiful sister. "I just wanted to play video games and be invisible," he said, shedding light on the difficulties of growing up in a spotlighted family.

The external pressure to follow in his father's footsteps was palpable. "Everyone around me was like, 'Oh my god, you're his kid, you have to be an actor,'" he said. "Naturally, it was the last thing I wanted to do."

Ray's Hollywood childhood also brought its own challenges. "I felt it deprived me of having a normal family," he explained, admitting he envied the stability his friends had. "I didn't understand it at the time, and I think it made me resentful."

Eventually, Ray shook off his doubts and embraced the profession. "It dawned on me—What the hell are you doing? You've always wanted to act but were too scared," he said. "I am my dad's kid, and I'm super happy about it now."

The younger Nicholson admitted to having internalized pressure to live up to his father's legacy, which includes three Oscars and twelve nominations. "I often wondered if my work was good enough for seven Oscars," he said, acknowledging the "crippling pressure" he placed on himself.

Now starring in two films, "Novacaine" and "Borderline," Ray plays a menacing bank robber and an unhinged man stalking a pop star. He told USA Today, "I could care less whether people think I'm a great actor or not. I want to be engaging and entertaining."

Ray's breakout role in "Smile 2" proved pivotal in his career, showcasing his talent and hinting at the unmistakable charisma of his father. "One scene in particular features me intensely smiling at the camera, not unlike my dad in 'The Shining.'"

He credits his mother, Rebecca Broussard, for keeping him grounded. "My dad is larger-than-life, but my mom taught me how to be a human and have a heart," he said.

Ray has embraced the comparisons to his father, calling him "my north star" and "my favorite actor." He joked, "If I didn't want to be compared to my dad, I would've been a veterinarian."

Reflecting on his journey, Ray shared, "I think things happen for a reason. If I'd had fame when I was younger, who knows? I could be dead." He emphasized the importance of finding his own way in the industry, saying he and his dad "don’t talk much about acting."

As Ray continues to build his career, he is proving that while he may be Jack Nicholson's son, he is forging a legacy of his own.