Harold Nicholas American tap dancer Date of Birth: 17.03.1921 Country: USA

1. Biography of Harold Nicholas
2. Early Passion for Show Business
3. Rise to Stardom
4. Breaking Racial Barriers
5. Solo Career and Later Years

Biography of Harold Nicholas

Harold Nicholas (March 17, 1921 – July 3, 2000) was an American dancer known for his tap dancing. Alongside his brother Fayard, they performed as the Nicholas Brothers and were a world-renowned tap dancing duo. From 1942 to 1951, Harold was married to actress Dorothy Dandridge, with whom they had one child, Caroline Nicholas. Harold was born into a musical family, with his father Ulysses Dominick being a drummer and orchestra leader, and his mother Viola Harden being a pianist, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Early Passion for Show Business

At the age of three, Harold's older brother Fayard developed a love for show business while watching their parents perform in theaters. He became infatuated with the entertainment industry, and when the second son was born into the Nicholas family, 7-year-old Fayard insisted on naming the baby after his favorite comedic actor. As Harold grew older, the brothers started dancing. They quickly gained applause from audiences due to their graceful acrobatic movements and exceptional tap dancing skills.

Rise to Stardom

At the ages of 16 and 9, respectively, Fayard and Harold made their debut at the legendary "Cotton Club" in New York City. Their performance was exceptional, and the audience couldn't resist falling in love with the talented brothers. The Nicholas Brothers not only rose to instant fame but also continued to build their reputation day by day. They became superstars at Twentieth Century Fox studio, thanks to their incredible dance numbers. Soon, the brothers started appearing in musicals and musical films alongside stars like Ruby Blake. They performed in vaudeville shows, on Broadway, in nightclubs, on television, and in musical films. In total, Harold appeared in over 50 films, including "The Big Broadcast of 1936," "Down Argentine Way" (1940), "Buck Privates" (1941), and "Sun Valley Serenade" (1941).

Breaking Racial Barriers

The Hollywood career of the Nicholas Brothers began after their performance caught the attention of movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn, who invited them to star in the film "Kid Millions" (1934). Despite racial restrictions and prohibitions on featuring African Americans in leading roles, the two black stars appeared in prominent positions alongside their white counterparts. Their groundbreaking performance in the film "Stormy Weather" (1943), with Fred Astaire describing their footwork as dazzling, featured the brothers dancing on drums and leaping over the orchestra musicians. The final film in which the brothers starred together was "The Pirate" (1948) with Gene Kelly, which completely shattered racial barriers.

Solo Career and Later Years

After "The Pirate," Harold embarked on a solo career, moving to France and touring as a singer and dancer. He also appeared in the French film "La Vie de Bohème" (1964). Harold Nicholas left behind a legacy of unparalleled talent and groundbreaking achievements in the world of tap dancing. He passed away on July 3, 2000, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.