Fayard Nicholas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fayard Nicholas
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Nicholas in 2000
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Fayard Antonio Nicholas
October 20, 1914 Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
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| Died | January 24, 2006 (aged 91) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Choreographer, dancer, actor, singer |
| Years active | 1935–1991 |
| Spouse(s) | Geraldine Pate (m. 1942; div. 1955) Barbara January (m. 1967; died 1998) Katherine Hopkins (m. 2000) |
| Awards | Hollywood Walk of Fame |
Fayard Antonio Nicholas (born October 20, 1914 – died January 24, 2006) was an amazing American dancer, choreographer, and actor. He and his younger brother, Harold Nicholas, formed a famous tap dance duo called the Nicholas Brothers. They were known for their incredible dance moves in many movies!
They starred in musicals like An All-Colored Vaudeville Show (1935), Stormy Weather (1943), and The Pirate (1948). They also appeared in other popular films such as Down Argentine Way (1940), Sun Valley Serenade (1941), and Orchestra Wives (1942).
Contents
Early Life and Dance Beginnings
Fayard Nicholas was born in Alabama. He grew up mostly in Philadelphia. His parents were musicians. His dad, Ulysses D. Nicholas, played the drums. His mom, Viola Harden Nicholas, was a pianist.
Fayard and his brother learned to dance by watching vaudeville shows. Their parents played in the orchestra, so the boys got to see many performances. This is how they discovered their love for dance!
A Dazzling Dance Career
In 1932, Fayard was 18 and Harold was just 11. They became the main act at the famous Cotton Club in New York City. The brothers quickly became famous for their special style of tap dance.
Their dancing mixed "masterful jazz steps with daredevil athletic moves." They also had an elegant style, almost like ballet. They performed on Broadway in the Ziegfeld Follies. They even worked with jazz choreographer Buddy Bradley in London. These performances led them to a big career in movies.
Fayard appeared in over 60 films! One of their most famous performances was the "staircase dance" in the 1943 musical Stormy Weather.
Service and Later Years
Fayard's dance career was paused for a short time. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1944. He reached the rank of Technician fifth grade.
After his main dance career, Fayard and his wife, Katherine Hopkins Nicholas, gave lectures about dance. In 2003, Fayard was honored as a "Festival Legend" at the "Soul to Sole Tap Festival" in Austin, Texas.
Fayard Nicholas was recognized for his amazing contributions to dance. He was inducted into the National Museum of Dance C.V. Whitney Hall of Fame in 2001.
Personal Life
Fayard Nicholas was married three times. He remained good friends with his first wife, Geraldine Pate, even after their marriage ended. His second wife was Barbara January. They were married until she passed away in 1998. In 2000, he married dancer Katherine Hopkins.
Fayard was a member of the Baháʼí Faith. He passed away in 2006 from pneumonia after having a stroke. He was 91 years old. His wife Katherine passed away in 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Fayard Nicholas para niños
