Harold Nicholas

Harold Nicholas

Deceased · Born: Mar 27, 1921 · Died: Jul 3, 2000

Personal Details

BornMar 27, 1921 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Spouse
  • Rigmor A. Newman

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Jul 3, 2000 )
  • Dorothy Dandridge

    ( Sep 6, 1942 to Aug 22, 1950 )
Parents
  • Ulysses D. Nicholas
  • Viola Harden Nicholas
  • Ulysses D. Nicholas
  • Viola Harden Nicholas
Relatives
  • Tony Nicholas (Niece or Nephew)
  • Dorothy Nicholas Morrow (Sibling)
  • Paul Nicholas (Niece or Nephew)
  • Fayard Nicholas (Sibling)

Biography

Harold Nicholas, the younger half of the world-renowned Nicholas Brothers dance duo, is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of all time. Alongside his brother Fayard, the Nicholas Brothers were established superstars at Twentieth Century Fox, captivating audiences with their breathtaking dance numbers in the studio's musical features.

Harold's impressive skills were evident from a young age, with his debut at just seven years old. He appeared in a variety of early 1930s Warner Bros. Vitaphone shorts alongside the legendary Eubie Blake, and went on to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor in Washington in 1991.

The Nicholas Brothers were celebrated in a sold-out tribute at Carnegie Hall in 1998, with both Harold and Fayard in attendance. Despite his incredible mid-air splits and backwards somersaults appearing effortless, Harold was more than just a "specialty act" for 1940s Fox films. He was a truly exceptional dancer, one whose performances never failed to captivate and entertain.

Throughout his career, Harold's unique charm and style set him apart from other dancers. With a perpetual smile on his face, he possessed an undeniable charisma that drew audiences in and kept them enthralled. His dancing was characterized by a certain je ne sais quoi, an intangible quality that elevated him to the status of a true dance legend.

Career

1995
Funny Bones
Funny Bones as Hal Dalzell
1989
Tap
Tap as Harold
1985
That's Dancing!
That's Dancing! as From 'Down Argentine Way' (archive footage)
1976
Disco 9000
Disco 9000 as Midget
1974
That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! as (archive footage)
Uptown Saturday Night
Uptown Saturday Night as Little Seymour
1948
The Pirate
The Pirate as Performer
1944
Carolina Blues
Carolina Blues as Dance Specialty
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
1933
The Emperor Jones
The Emperor Jones as Young Tap Dancer