George Nichols (actor and director) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Nichols
Nichols in ad for The Flirt (1922)
Born	October 28, 1864 Rockford, Illinois, US
Died	September 20, 1927(1927-09-20) (aged 62) Hollywood, California, US
Occupation	Actor, film director
Years active	1908–1927
Spouse(s)	Viola Alberti (1896-his death)

George Nichols (born October 28, 1864 – died September 20, 1927) was an American actor and film director. He was also known as George O. Nicholls in some films. Nichols is best known for his work at Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios.

He was born in Rockford, Illinois. George Nichols appeared in 221 films during his career. He also directed 103 films. This was between the years 1908 and 1927. At Keystone Studios, he was often called 'Pops'. He frequently played the father of actress Mabel Normand.

Life and Family

George Nichols was married to Viola Alberti in 1896. They had a son named George Nicholls Jr.. Their son also became a successful film director.

Nichols passed away in Hollywood, California, in 1927. He was 62 years old. He had been ill for several months due to heart problems.

Working with Charlie Chaplin

In 1914, George Nichols worked at Keystone Studios. This was when Charlie Chaplin was just starting his film career. Chaplin and Nichols had some disagreements. Chaplin was not happy with Nichols' directing style. He also disliked some of Nichols' comedy ideas. Chaplin wrote about these arguments in his autobiography. He remembered a dispute during the filming of one movie.

A Look at His Films

George Nichols was very busy in the early days of movies. He worked as both an actor and a director.

As an Actor

Nichols acted in many films. Here are a few examples of his work:

• Behind the Scenes (1908)
• The Heart of O'Yama (1908)
• A Smoked Husband (1908)
• The Hessian Renegades (1909)
• The Rocky Road (1910)
• The Lonedale Operator (1911)
• Mickey (1918)
• The Greatest Question (1919)
• The Queen of Sheba (1921)
• Molly O' (1921)
• The Flirt (1922)
• The Extra Girl (1923)
• Secrets (1924)
• The Goose Woman (1925)
• White Gold (1927)

As a Director

Nichols also directed many films. He helped create the stories and guide the actors. Some of the films he directed include:

• She (1911)
• Cinderella (1911)
• The Cry of the Children (1912)
• Nicholas Nickelby (1912)
• Fatty's Flirtation (1913)
• Fatty Joins the Force (1913)
• A Film Johnnie (1914)
• His Favourite Pastime (1914)
• Cruel, Cruel Love (1914)
• The Star Boarder (1914)
• Ghosts (1915)