- Some of his and his brother's illustrious tap students include Debbie Allen, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson.
- Dancing for nine U.S. Presidents through the course of their careers, the brothers were awarded the Kennedy Center Honors (1991).
- The Nicholas Brothers were inducted into the inaugural class of the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame (2002).
- He and his brother were First Class Inductees at the Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame (1986).
- Avoided the draft in World War II, after lies about being gay and smoking reefer failed, because he was underweight.
- Younger brother of Fayard Nicholas; together, they were billed as The Nicholas Brothers. (Click on group name for additional credits.).
- His daughter with Dorothy Dandridge, Harolynn Nicholas, was born disabled.
- Received the Dea Award (Dance Educators of America), Bay Area Critics Circle Award (Best Principal Performance, Stompin' at the Savoy) and Harbor Performing Arts Center Lifetime Achievement Award. Other awards and honors include Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (1978), Ellie Award (1984), National Film Society, Apollo Theater Hall of Fame (1986), First Class Inductees, Ebony Lifetime Achievement Award (1987), Kennedy Center Honors (1991), The National Black Media Coalition Lifetime Achievement Award (1992), Flo-Bert Award (1992), New York's Tap Dance Committee, Gypsy Award (1994), Professional Dancer's Society, Dance Magazine Award of 1995 (1995).
- Known for doing cartwheels landing in full splits.
- Singer and tap dancer.
- He and Fayard Nicholas were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 2, 1994.
- Inducted into National Museum of Dance C.V. Whitney Hall of Fame in 2001 with his brother Fayard Nicholas.
- Has one son: Melih Nicholas with his second wife Elyonne Patronne.
- Uncle of Tony Nicholas.
- Ex-son-in-law of Ruby Dandridge.
- Ex-brother-in-law of Vivian Dandridge.
- Uncle of Paul Nicholas.
- Brother of Dorothy Nicholas Morrow.
- Parents: Ulysses D. Nicholas, and Viola Harden Nicholas.
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