Harold Nicholas

Harold Nicholas

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

Personal Details

BornMar 27, 1921 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Spouse
  • Dorothy Dandridge

    ( Sep 6, 1942 to Aug 22, 1950 )
  • Rigmor Newman

    ( May 10, 2025 to Jul 3, 2000 )
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

{"id":8745,"title":"Funny Bones","year":"1995","character":"Hal Dalzell","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/funny-bones","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_8745.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_8745.jpg"},"released":1}
1995
Funny Bones
Funny Bones as Hal Dalzell
{"id":7204,"title":"The Five Heartbeats","year":"1991","character":"Sarge","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-five-heartbeats","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7204.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7204.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
{"id":7173,"title":"Tap","year":"1989","character":"Harold","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tap","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7173.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7173.jpg"},"released":1}
1989
Tap
Tap as Harold
{"id":24837,"title":"That's Dancing!","year":"1985","character":"From 'Down Argentine Way' (archive footage)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/thats-dancing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_24837.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_24837.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
That's Dancing!
That's Dancing! as From 'Down Argentine Way' (archive footage)
{"id":164188,"title":"Disco 9000","year":"1976","character":"Midget","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/disco-9000","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_164188.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_164188.jpg"},"released":1}
1976
Disco 9000
Disco 9000 as Midget
{"id":86332,"title":"That's Entertainment!","year":"1974","character":"(archive footage)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/thats-entertainment-1974","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_86332.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_86332.jpg"},"released":1}
1974
That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! as (archive footage)
{"id":18509,"title":"Uptown Saturday Night","year":"1974","character":"Little Seymour","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/uptown-saturday-night","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_18509.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_18509.jpg"},"released":1}
Uptown Saturday Night
Uptown Saturday Night as Little Seymour
{"id":69410,"title":"The Pirate","year":"1948","character":"Performer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-pirate","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_69410.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_69410.jpg"},"released":1}
1948
The Pirate
The Pirate as Performer
{"id":70573,"title":"Carolina Blues","year":"1944","character":"Dance Specialty","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/carolina-blues","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70573.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70573.jpg"},"released":1}
1944
Carolina Blues
Carolina Blues as Dance Specialty
{"id":175215,"title":"Take It or Leave It","year":"1944","character":"(archive footage) (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/take-it-or-leave-it-1944","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_175215.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_175215.jpg"},"released":1}
Take It or Leave It
Take It or Leave It as (archive footage) (uncredited)
{"id":70974,"title":"Stormy Weather","year":"1943","character":"Dancer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/stormy-weather-1943","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70974.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70974.jpg"},"released":1}
1943
{"id":71261,"title":"Orchestra Wives","year":"1942","character":"Dancer (as Nicholas Brothers)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/orchestra-wives","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71261.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71261.jpg"},"released":1}
1942
Orchestra Wives
Orchestra Wives as Dancer (as Nicholas Brothers)
{"id":14187,"title":"The Great American Broadcast","year":"1941","character":"Railroad Station Dancer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-great-american-broadcast","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14187.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14187.jpg"},"released":1}
1941
The Great American Broadcast
The Great American Broadcast as Railroad Station Dancer
{"id":71062,"title":"Sun Valley Serenade","year":"1941","character":"Specialty Dancer (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sun-valley-serenade","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71062.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71062.jpg"},"released":1}
Sun Valley Serenade
Sun Valley Serenade as Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
{"id":71840,"title":"Tin Pan Alley","year":"1940","character":"Dancer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tin-pan-alley","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71840.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71840.jpg"},"released":1}
1940
{"id":175745,"title":"Nicholas Brothers Family Home Movies","year":"1940","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/nicholas-brothers-family-home-movies","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_175745.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_175745.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71794,"title":"Down Argentine Way","year":"1940","character":"One of the Nicholas Brothers","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/down-argentine-way","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71794.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71794.jpg"},"released":1}
Down Argentine Way
Down Argentine Way as One of the Nicholas Brothers
{"id":73890,"title":"Coronado","year":"1935","character":"Dance Specialty (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/coronado-1935","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73890.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73890.jpg"},"released":1}
1935
Coronado
Coronado as Dance Specialty (uncredited)
{"id":74170,"title":"Kid Millions","year":"1934","character":"Dancer on Ship","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kid-millions","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74170.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74170.jpg"},"released":1}
1934
Kid Millions
Kid Millions as Dancer on Ship
{"id":74675,"title":"The Emperor Jones","year":"1933","character":"Young Tap Dancer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-emperor-jones","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74675.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74675.jpg"},"released":1}
1933
The Emperor Jones
The Emperor Jones as Young Tap Dancer
{"id":169598,"title":"Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back","year":"2019","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/maurice-hines-bring-them-back","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7t0dke33mil0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7t0dke33mil0.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
{"id":52485,"title":"Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There","year":"2003","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/broadway-the-golden-age-by-the-legends-who-were-there","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_52485.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_52485.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
{"id":184659,"title":"Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story","year":"2002","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/added-attractions-the-hollywood-shorts-story","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_184659.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_184659.jpg"},"released":1}
2002
{"id":154197,"title":"It's Black Entertainment","year":"2002","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/its-black-entertainment-2002","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_154197.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_154197.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":215724,"title":"The Nicholas Brothers: We Sing and We Dance","year":"1992","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-nicholas-brothers-we-sing-and-we-dance","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_215724.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_215724.jpg"},"released":1}
1992
{"id":86241,"title":"Brother Can You Spare a Dime","year":"1975","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/brother-can-you-spare-a-dime","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_86241.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_86241.jpg"},"released":1}
1975