Honestly, if you were scrolling through Instagram in the mid-2020s, you probably saw a photo of a guy with a grin that looked hauntingly familiar. That arched eyebrow, that slightly mischievous glint in the eye—it’s pure Jack Nicholson. But it isn't Jack. It’s his son, Ray, and for the last couple of years, he’s been half of one of the most intriguing, yet surprisingly private, couples in the spotlight. Ray Nicholson and Sara Sampaio have managed to do something very few people in Los Angeles can: they’ve stayed interesting without being exhausting.
While most "it-couples" flame out after a few months of staged paparazzi walks, Ray and Sara have been quietly building something that feels actually real. They didn’t start with a massive "we're dating" announcement or a cryptic TikTok. Instead, they just sort of appeared together, holding hands at a Guns N’ Roses concert back in late 2023. Fast forward to early 2026, and they are still the pair everyone wants to know about, especially as their individual careers have absolutely exploded.
From Red Carpets to Real Life: The Timeline
It’s been a wild ride since they made things "red carpet official" at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March 2024. Sara was in this stunning black Zuhair Murad gown, and Ray was looking like the spitting image of his father in a sharp suit. You could tell then that they weren't just a fling. They looked comfortable. Fast forward to 2025, and they were back at the same event, Sara in a silver bell-shaped gown, looking more solid than ever.
They’ve been linked since July 2023. That’s a lifetime in Hollywood years.
What’s kinda cool about them is how they support each other’s work. When Ray’s thriller Borderline had a private screening in Los Angeles in March 2025, Sara was right there by his side. She’s been his biggest cheerleader on social media, too. I remember she posted a "date night" photo around that time with the caption, "You make life so fun!" It’s those little moments that make people think this isn't just for the cameras.
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Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Ray Nicholson Right Now
Ray isn’t just "Jack's son" anymore. 2024 and 2025 were massive years for him. If you saw Smile 2, you know he has that same unsettling, magnetic screen presence his dad became famous for. He played a character named Paul, and honestly, the resemblance was distracting in the best way possible.
But he’s diversifying. He starred in Novocaine (released in early 2025) alongside Jack Quaid. In that film, he played Simon, a guy who literally cannot feel physical pain. It was a weird, action-packed role that required a lot of nuance. Ray has talked in interviews about how he tries to forge his own path. He’s not hiding from the family legacy—how could you with that face?—but he’s definitely doing the work. He’s grounded. He doesn't act like a "nepo baby" who thinks the world owes him a living. He’s been in the trenches with smaller roles in The Benchwarmers and Promising Young Woman for years before hitting this current stride.
Sara Sampaio: More Than Just a Runway Icon
While Ray is conquering the thriller genre, Sara has been making a massive pivot of her own. We all know her as the Portuguese powerhouse and Victoria’s Secret Angel. She’s won six Portuguese Golden Globes for Best Female Model. That’s legendary status.
However, Sara always wanted to act. She’s been taking classes for years, even through the COVID lockdowns. And it paid off big time. She landed the role of Eve Teschmacher in James Gunn’s Superman, which was the movie event of 2025. Playing Lex Luthor’s right-hand woman (opposite Nicholas Hoult) moved her from the fashion world straight into the center of the DC Universe.
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The Dynamics of a High-Profile Relationship
How do they make it work? It helps that they’re both busy but on similar trajectories. While Sara was filming Superman, Ray was busy with Novocaine and Borderline. They seem to balance the "glam" side of their lives with very normal-looking downtime. You’ll see them bundled up in black snowsuits in Aspen or grabbing a casual dinner in LA rather than hitting every single party in town.
Before Ray, Sara was in long-term relationships with entrepreneur Oliver Ripley and producer Zac Frognowski. She’s always been someone who seems to prefer stability. Ray, on the other hand, was linked to some other high-profile names in the past, but nothing seemed to stick until he met Sara.
Common Misconceptions:
- They’re only together for PR: Their relationship has lasted over two and a half years at this point. That’s way too long for a simple publicity stunt, especially given how private they are between big events.
- Ray is just a "Jack clone": While he shares the look, his acting style is much more internal and modern. He’s building a filmography that looks very different from his father’s early years.
- Sara is "retiring" from modeling: Not even close. She still fronts huge campaigns for brands like Calzedonia and Michael Kors. She’s just a multi-hyphenate now.
What’s Next for Ray and Sara?
As we move through 2026, the buzz isn't slowing down. Ray has more projects in the pipeline, and Sara’s performance in Superman has opened doors for even more major film roles. They’ve become a blueprint for how to handle fame: show up for the big moments, support your partner’s wins, and keep the rest for yourself.
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If you’re looking for a takeaway from their relationship, it’s probably the value of the "slow burn." They didn't rush into the public eye. They let the foundation settle first.
Practical Insights for Fans and Observers:
- Follow the Work: If you want to see the best of Ray, check out Smile 2 and Novocaine. For Sara, Superman is a must-watch to see her acting range.
- Watch the Red Carpets: The Vanity Fair Oscar Party continues to be their "main" public appearance venue. If you want to see them at their most candidly glam, that’s the one to watch every March.
- Respect the Privacy: Unlike some couples who overshare on TikTok, these two keep their home life off-limits. It’s part of why they’ve managed to stay out of the tabloid drama cycles.
They are the rare Hollywood couple that actually seems like they like each other as people, not just as brands. In a world of "ships" and staged "lauches," that’s actually pretty refreshing.