Fayard Nicholas

Fayard Nicholas

Deceased · Born: Oct 20, 1914 · Died: Jan 24, 2006

Personal Details

BornOct 20, 1914 Mobile, Alabama, USA
Spouse
  • Katherine Hopkins Nicholas

    ( Apr 21, 2000 to Jan 24, 2006 )
  • Barbara January

    ( Sep 2, 1985 to Mar 7, 1998 )
  • Barbara January

    ( Sep 1, 1967 to Dec 16, 1980 )
  • Geraldine Pate

    ( Dec 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 1969 )
Parents
  • Ulysses D. Nicholas
  • Viola Harden Nicholas
  • Ulysses D. Nicholas
  • Viola Harden Nicholas
Relatives
  • Harold Nicholas (Sibling)
  • Dorothy Nicholas Morrow (Sibling)
  • Harolynn Nicholas (Niece or Nephew)
  • Meih Nicholas (Niece or Nephew)
  • Cathie Nicholas (Grandchild)
  • Nicole Nicholas (Grandchild)

Biography

Fayard Nicholas, a renowned half of the illustrious Nicholas Brothers, a celebrated African-American tap dancing duo, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment by captivating audiences with their mesmerizing performances in numerous films and vaudeville shows. This iconic dance team, comprising Fayard and his brother Harold, rose to fame and became one of the most beloved and revered dance teams of all time.

Throughout their illustrious career, the Nicholas Brothers appeared in a plethora of films, including the historic An All-Colored Vaudeville Show in 1935, the swashbuckling adventure The Pirate in 1948, and the music-infused drama The Five Heartbeats in 1991. Their remarkable talent and chemistry on stage and screen left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Tragedy struck when Fayard's brother and dance partner, Harold Nicholas, passed away on July 3, 2000. Fayard himself succumbed to death on January 24, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of dancers and entertainers.

Fayard Nicholas's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and artistic expression. Despite the challenges and obstacles faced by African-American performers during his time, Fayard and Harold Nicholas remained committed to their craft, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Career

2007
Hard Four
Hard Four as Ulysses
2002
1985
That's Dancing!
That's Dancing! as From 'Down Argentine Way' (archive footage)
1974
That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! as (archive footage)
1948
The Pirate
The Pirate as Performer
1944
Take It or Leave It
Take It or Leave It as (archive footage) (uncredited)
1943
1942
Orchestra Wives
Orchestra Wives as Dancer (as Nicholas Brothers)
1941
The Great American Broadcast
The Great American Broadcast as Railroad Station Dancer
Sun Valley Serenade
Sun Valley Serenade as Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
1940
Down Argentine Way
Down Argentine Way as One of the Nicholas Brothers
1935
Coronado
Coronado as Dance Specialty (uncredited)
1934
Kid Millions
Kid Millions as Dancer on Ship