Louise Nicholson, the daughter of screen legend Jack Nicholson and model/actress Rebecca Broussard, began her acting career at the age of 12 with a cameo in the romantic comedy Something’s Gotta Give. In the film, which starred her father alongside Diane Keaton, Louise appeared in a scene set in a supermarket—an early glimpse into her budding presence on screen. Shortly after, she took on another small but notable role as the young Princess Lorraine in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, a film aimed at a younger audience and a continuation of the beloved franchise.
Her next significant step into mainstream cinema came with Click, the Adam Sandler-led time-travel fantasy. In this film, Louise played Samantha, the teenage daughter of Sandler’s character, Michael, and his wife Donna, portrayed by Kate Beckinsale. This role marked her first substantial performance and offered a broader audience a chance to see her potential as an actress. Following this, she shifted gears to explore more independent projects, one of which was Bobcat Goldthwait’s dark and satirical comedy World’s Greatest Dad, starring Robin Williams. In the film, Williams plays a struggling poetry teacher who unexpectedly gains fame after his son’s tragic death. Louise’s supporting role in this controversial and edgy film added depth to her growing filmography.
However, it was her role in Soul Surfer that truly brought Louise Nicholson into the spotlight. The film, based on the inspiring true story of a young surfer who overcomes a life-altering shark attack, became a sleeper hit and resonated with audiences worldwide. Nicholson played Alana Blanchard, a close friend of the protagonist, and her performance earned her widespread recognition—far more than any of her previous roles had. This part served as her breakout moment and solidified her place in the industry.
In addition to her film work, Louise Nicholson also joined the ranks of notable celebrity offspring when she was chosen as Miss Golden Globe in 2007. The honor, traditionally bestowed upon the teenage daughter of a well-known figure, gave her a brief but memorable presence on one of Hollywood’s most prestigious award show stages.
Lorraine Nicholson has been part of several movies, but one that really stands out is World’s Greatest Dad from 2009—it’s definitely her highest-rated work so far. On the flip side, Hacker (2015) didn’t receive the same level of praise and is considered her lowest-rated film. Over the years, Lorraine Nicholson has shown her range in different genres, yet these two films represent the extremes in terms of audience reception. While World’s Greatest Dad was well-appreciated, Hacker seemed to fall short in connecting with viewers. As Lorraine Nicholson continues to take on new roles, it will be interesting to see how her filmography evolves and whether she can add more titles that match the success of World’s Greatest Dad.