Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 21, 2025 · Entertainment

How Eric Dane's Support Turned a Nepo Baby's Career Around

Eric Dane once saved a Hollywood nepo baby's acting career after watching him nearly 'tank' his first major role

EXCLUSIVE: Ray Nicholson Spills the Beans on How Eric Dane Saved His Acting Career from Tanking!

In a shocking revelation, nepo baby and Hollywood heartthrob Ray Nicholson has come clean about how his acting career was on the brink of disaster before being rescued by none other than Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane. The 33-year-old actor, son of legendary silver screen stars Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard, revealed the astonishing truth in an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com.

It all started when Ray landed a role in the dark comedy Borderline alongside Samara Weaving and Jimmy Warden. However, things took a dramatic turn when he bombed his first table read, leaving everyone on set worried that he was going to ruin the entire film.

This week, Ray Nicholson, the nepo baby son of silver screen legend Jack Nicholson , revealed how the ALS-stricken star had lent him a helping hand and showed his support; pictured October 2024 in Los Angeles

"I totally tanked this table read," Ray confessed. "I did jumping jacks in the bathroom to psyche myself up and get through it with all those experienced actors I admire. I thought for sure they were going to fire me on the spot!"

But just when all hope seemed lost, Eric Dane, who plays the role of Bell, a security guard in the film, swooped in to save the day. "Eric came to me after and said, 'Hey, wanna grab lunch?' And I was like, 'Yes!' He was so kind, loving, and supportive," Ray gushed.

The young actor recalled how Eric reassured him during their lunch date, telling him that he too gets nervous working with experienced actors. "He's like, 'Dude, honestly, I'm so nervous to work with you, because you have all this experience with all this tape,'" Ray said.

Even though acting talent is in his genes as his father is the iconic Jack Nicholson, 88, and his mother is also a famous actress, Rebecca Broussard, he said he still struggles with imposter syndrome; pictured May 2023 in Los Angeles

Their heart-to-heart moment not only boosted Ray's confidence but also forged a strong bond between the two actors. "I really love him a great deal," Ray beamed.

As it turns out, Eric's support didn't just stop at that one conversation. He went on to become an empowering and giving scene partner for Ray throughout the film's production.

Ray's journey is especially remarkable considering his own struggles with imposter syndrome. Despite being part of Hollywood royalty, he admits to still questioning his acting choices. "I think that all of us are in our own struggle," he said. "And part of it is coming to terms with who you are and what you are."

Nicholson recalled how he 'tanked' an initial table read for their dark comedy Borderline when Dane, 52, reached out to him to save him. At the time, the up-and-coming actor, 33, recalled being worried that the film's leading star Samara Weaving and the director Jimmy Warden were going to fire him; pictured in Borderline movie still

But after working on Borderline with Eric Dane, Ray has gained a newfound sense of self-awareness and confidence. "What I love about this job is it's the thing that tests me the most," he shared. "After that table read, I learned something about myself... It requires something new. It requires something that I didn't know that I had."

The film, which was released on March 14 and is now available on streaming services, centers around a '90s pop superstar (played by Samara Weaving) whose home is invaded by an obsessive fan who believes they are meant to get married.

When asked about his "nepo baby" status, Ray revealed that he doesn't feel pressure, but acknowledges it can be both good and bad. However, working with Eric Dane has given him a newfound appreciation for his father's work. "Ultimately, I do know that by going step by step on this journey, I begin to understand [my dad] even more," he said. "And in a weird way, he becomes more human to me."

Later, the young actor reflected on why he wanted to follow in his parents shoes and become an actor too; pictured in Smile 2 portrait

In the end, Ray's experience with Eric Dane has taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and self-acceptance. As he looks back on his journey, he can't help but feel grateful for the support that helped him overcome his doubts.

"I don't have the power to examine myself," Ray mused, "but somehow, with every job, with every character, it requires something new. It requires something that I didn't know that I had."

For more juicy celebrity gossip and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to TheScholarlyNote.com!

Nicholson also spoke about comparing himself to his Oscar-winning actor father and reflected on how he went on a journey to defeat his 'biggest fears and insecurities' before working on Borderline with Dane; pictured in 1980 The Shining movie still

He also addressed his 'nepo baby' status. He questioned whether it was a 'good thing' or 'bad thing' but said that following in his famous dad's shoes allows him to 'understand him even more'