Robert Nichols, a native of Oakland, California, began his career as an entertainer during World War II while serving in the Army. Following his discharge, he pursued further education at London's esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, simultaneously working as a song-and-dance man at the Players Theater, a renowned Victorian music hall.
It was during this period that Hollywood director Howard Hawks, who was visiting London, cast Nichols in a minor role for his 1949 comedy film "I Was a Male War Bride". The scene was shot in Germany, marking the beginning of Nichols' foray into the world of cinema. Upon relocating to Hollywood, he went on to appear in numerous feature films, playing the role of an "elderly juvenile".
However, Nichols eventually grew tired of these types of roles and returned to England, where he continued to work on the stage and in films. His wife, Jennifer Nichols, also pursued a career in the film industry, becoming one of the most respected wardrobe supervisors in Hollywood.
In more recent years, Nichols has been involved in various stage productions, including "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", "Anything Goes", and "Ragtime", traveling from place to place to bring these beloved shows to audiences everywhere.