Close family members of celebrities often feel the pressure of being compared to their relatives. It is almost as if their achievements are compared to those of their famous loved ones. One typical example is Sylvester Stallone. His brother, Frank Stallone, constantly experiences comparisons that come with his name despite having his own flourishing career in music. There’s also Michael Douglas, the son of Kirk Douglas, who had to prove himself capable due to his father’s legendary career.
Recently, Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson, who is often considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, has spoken about how difficult it has been to live under the weight of his father’s legacy.
Ray Nicholson has made a name for himself in Hollywood
Interestingly, despite the doubts and pressure, Ray Nicholson has made a name for himself. He didn’t just depend on his father’s name and success; he worked to secure his place in Hollywood. Over the years, he has landed impressive roles in Promising Young Woman, Licorice Pizza, and the upcoming Smile 2.
It seems what helped Ray was that he accepted his identity. Instead of running from his father’s shadow, the actor learned to walk on his own. He shared that he no longer sees being Jack Nicholson’s son as a burden but as part of his journey. More importantly, Ray has credited his mother, Rebecca Broussard, for helping him navigate fame without losing himself.
Ray Nicholson struggled with self-doubt
Obviously, he didn’t achieve all his successes overnight. In fact, Ray struggled with self-doubt for years. Growing up, he wasn’t the confident actor people see today. He was a quiet, chubby kid who often felt overshadowed, not just by his father but also by his sister, Lorraine Nicholson.
Interestingly, Hollywood wasn’t something he always wanted. He once shared that he didn’t like growing up in a world where people judged him based on his last name. He revealed that he even considered other careers, like becoming an astronaut or a sports agent. Ray also added that when he finally decided to start acting, it wasn’t easy. He had to build his confidence, take acting classes, and put in all the hard work.