Who are Jack Nicholson’s children? Actor's 'illegitimate' daughter Tessa Gourin wants people to call her 'nepo baby'
SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA: Tessa Gourin, Jack Nicholson's ‘illegitimate’ daughter, reportedly addressed the "nepo baby" controversy in Hollywood recently. The 28-year-old said, “It's a label that I would be thrilled to have applied to me.” Gourin continued, “Having grown up without my father, I've sat on the sidelines and watched in frustration as other celebrity children have seamlessly secured roles or been signed to huge agencies. More recently, I have grown even more frustrated at what I think is a missed opportunity for these so-called "nepo babies" to own their position and embrace it instead of complaining about it."
The actress addressed the controversy in an article she wrote for Newsweek. Gourin explained, "In recent months, 'nepo baby' is the worst thing you could ever call the successful child of a celebrity. Yet, as Jack Nicholson's "illegitimate" daughter, it's a label that I would be thrilled to have applied to me. One by one, a host of celebrity offspring have stepped forward to downplay the positive impact their connections have had on their own careers in the entertainment field. I was particularly incensed when Lily-Rose Depp (who it should be noted I am a fan of) suggested that it was misogynistic to be labeled a nepo baby, when it is unquestionable that her being the child of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis is why the proverbial doors were opened for her."
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'No secret Hollywood was built on connections'
Gourin further continued, "As an actor, I know how difficult it is to get facetime with a casting director or to be considered for a role. Moreover, to even know about the audition in the first place is a huge privilege in itself. Having compelling scripts sent your way is a gift that should never be downplayed. It is no secret that Hollywood was built on connections."
Born in New York in 1994, the 28-year-old has appeared in films such as 'Stranger's Arms', 'Untitled True Crime Project' and 'Stage Play'.
'He wanted no part in my life'
Talking about her alleged father Nicholson, Gourin wrote, "It's probably difficult for some to fathom exactly how I could have a legendary actor for a father, but not count myself among the enviably connected. The truth is, in all of my 28 years of life, we have never had a relationship. Although I flew from New York City to Los Angeles to meet on the odd occasion as a young girl (at the behest of my mother), it was always clear that he wanted no part in my life. Have you ever been on a date and sensed that the other person just wasn't feeling it? That's pretty much how every interaction I have ever had with Jack Nicholson has gone. Harsh though it may seem, I hold no bitterness toward him for his decision, though it's taken a while for me to understand it."
Prior to the article, Gourin shared her take on the "nepo baby" debate via her Instagram story, which has since been shared to Reddit. She said she’d “be thrilled” to be able to use her “nepo baby” status to “get into the room” and “showcase her talent.” However, she added, “That I can’t claim [because] it isn’t considered ‘legitimate.'”
Who are Jack Nicholson’s children?
Jennifer Nicholson: The famous 'Batman' actor is a father to five children apart from his 'illegitimate' daughter. His first child, Jennifer Nicholson, was born in 1963 during his marriage to Sandra Knight from 1962 to 1968, as per Closer Weekly. The daughter is also an actress, known for 2017's 'Johnny Christ'.
Caleb Goddard: Following Nicholson's divorce from Knight, he started dating Susan Anspach. The duo became parents of Caleb James Goddard in 1970 but parted ways and didn't marry. Goddard was then legally adopted by actor Mark Goddard, states Hollywood Life.
Honey Hollman: Nicholson then got into a relationship with former model Winnie Hollman, who is the mother of his third child Honey Hollman, who was born in 1981. As per IMDb, she is an actress, who starred in 'Empire North' in 2010 and 'Go' aften Danmark' in 2002.
Lorraine Nicholson: Born to Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard on April 16, 1990, she is the fourth child. She is also an actor who debuted alongside Nicholson in 2003’s 'Something’s Gotta Give' as Samantha Newman. She was just 13, as per Hollywood Life. She then starred in films like 'Click, Soul Surfer', 'Hacker' and 'Room 105'.
Ray Nicholson: He is the second child born to Nicholson and Broussard, on February 20, 1992. He studied at Cinematic Arts School at the University of Southern California, reports Hollywood Life. He worked as an assistant director for 'A Reunion and Boots'. He also starred in 'Something From Tiffany's' which was released on December 9, 2022.
