Fayard Nicholas was an American actor best known for his remarkable talent in tap dancing as one half of The Nicholas Brothers alongside his brother Harold. The duo is celebrated for their extraordinary performances in classics like “Stormy Weather,” “The Pirate,” and many more.
Personal and Family Life
Fayard Nicholas was born on October 20, 1914, in Mobile, Alabama, and he grew up in a musical family. His parents were involved in music, which greatly influenced his passion for dance. Fayard had four marriages throughout his life, the last being to Katherine Hopkins Nicholas until his passing. He had three children, Tony, Paul, and a daughter from a previous marriage.
Career Highlights
Fayard and his brother Harold broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry, beginning their careers as child performers at Harlem’s Cotton Club. They gained immense popularity for their signature dance routines, showcasing a unique blend of tap and acrobatics, which earned them a special place in the hearts of audiences and fellow performers alike. The brothers performed for numerous U.S. Presidents and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1991.
Death and Legacy
Fayard Nicholas passed away on January 24, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, due to pneumonia and complications from a stroke. His legacy lives on through the art of dance and the memory of his groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry. Fayard’s granddaughters honor his legacy as they continue to perform his and Harold’s dance steps, calling themselves the Nicholas Sisters.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Down Argentine Way
1940-10-11
One of the Nicholas Brothers
The Big Broadcast of 1936
1935-09-20
Dot
Nicholas Brothers Family Home Movies
1940-01-01
That’s Entertainment!
1974-06-21
(archive footage)
Pie, Pie Blackbird
1932-06-03
Child with Nina / Dancer
The Black Network
1936-04-04
Dancer (uncredited)
Barber Shop Blues
1933-09-30
Dancer – One of the Nicholas Brothers
The Liberation of L.B. Jones
1970-03-18
Benny Smith
Coronado
1935-11-27
Dance Specialty (uncredited)
Orchestra Wives
1942-09-04
Dancer (as Nicholas Brothers)
Sun Valley Serenade
1941-08-29
Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
Tin Pan Alley
1940-11-29
Dancer
Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer
2002-09-24
Self
Don’t Gamble with Love
1936-02-28
Specialty Dancer
Bonjour Kathrin
1956-05-08
The Nicholas Brothers: We Sing and We Dance
1992-11-29
Himself
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
1975-08-06
Self (archive footage)
El misterio del carro express
1953-07-22
Take It or Leave It
1944-07-17
Himself
Stormy Weather
1943-07-21
Dancer
It’s Black Entertainment
2002-02-08
Self
Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty
2003-06-24
Self
That’s Dancing!
1985-01-18
From ‘Down Argentine Way’ (archive footage)
The Pirate: A Musical Treasure Chest
2007-07-24
Himself
Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There
2003-04-03
Self
My Son is Guilty
1939-12-28
Specialty Act
Night at the Golden Eagle
2002-05-17
Mr. Maynard
El mensaje de la muerte
1953-05-02
The Pirate
1948-06-11
Performer
The Great American Broadcast
1941-05-09
Railroad Station Dancer
Kid Millions
1934-11-10
Dancer on Ship
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