FAYARD NICHOLAS, of the famed Nicholas Brothers, one of the most beloved dance teams in the history of American dance, whose career spanned over six decades, passed away peacefully at home in Toluca Lake, California, on January 24th, surrounded by friends and his wife, Katherine Hopkins Nicholas. He was 92.

Fayard had a long-term and close relationship with the faculty and students of Oklahoma City University's Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management and was the recipient in 2002 of an Honorary Doctor of Performing Arts in American Dance degree from Oklahoma City University.

Fayard and his brother Harold (deceased) are best known for their unforgettable appearances in more than 30 Hollywood musicals in the 1930's and 1940's. In 1932, they made their first film Pie Pie Blackbird and opened at the Cotton Club working with the likes of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, The Step Brothers, and Berry Brothers.

In 1940, they were contracted to 20th Century Fox where they made six films. The brothers went abroad for the first time after their first Broadway show Ziegfield Follies with Bob Hope, Eve Arden, Fanny Brice and Josephine Baker to London to star in Lew Leslie's Blackbirds of 1936.

Fayard and Harold went on to star in many Broadway, off-Broadway and theatre productions throughout the United States and abroad. In 1981, the brothers were honored with a retrospective of their work in film on the Academy Awards television special. Fayard received a Tony Award for his choreography in the Tony award winning Broadway show, Black and Blue in 1989.

Fayard's achievements and appearances with his brother Harold are too numerous to name here. According to Who's Who in Hollywood, The Nicholas Brothers are "...certainly the greatest dance team ever to work in the movies. "

Reflecting on Fayard, Jo Rowan, Chairman of the Dance Department said, "After first meeting Fayard, I learned what people mean when they say someone is 'charming' -- Fayard charmed without being aware of it. His love of life and dance and the pleasure he took in other people's experiences pulled them into his warmth. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to experience his loving heart, quick mind, and amazing energy."

John Bedford, Dean of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance, said, "Fayard and his brother Harold give the world some of the most impressive dance performances in history. Among them was their duet in the film Down Argentine Way. Fayard's love of his brother impressed me greatly. After Harold's death, I remember, Fayard's warm and infectious laugh so frequently followed by 'I wish Harold was here to see this'. Fayard loved people and loved life, and sharing experiences with Harold amplified the love and joy he felt. That is why we are dedicating our American Spirit Dance Company show in March to both Fayard AND Harold. Fayard would like that!"

For additional information about the Nicholas Brothers, visit http://www.nicholasbrothers.com