Back in the 1970s, actress and author Denise Nicholas was on the cutting edge of a career that has now spanned more than fifty years. From her iconic first role as a teacher on the hit TV show Room 222, to her performance as Bill Cosby’s wife in Uptown Saturday Night, and a more serious role as a councilwoman and wife on the long-running drama In the Heat of the Night, Nicholas has established herself as a versatile and respected talent.
Born and raised in Michigan, Denise attended the University of Michigan before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Southern California. Determined to become an actress, she flew to New York to audition for Room 222, nailed the part, and moved to California—reminiscent of the Beverly Hillbillies heading west!
Currently, Nicholas is promoting her new book, A Gathering of Voices, an anthology co-written with five of her closest associates. Each contributor shares chapters detailing their experiences with the civil rights movement, love, life, and the pursuit of happiness. “Acting is a group experience,” Nicholas reflects, “whereas writing is a solitary experience where you fertilize your words for the readers to pay attention.”
Although she is known for portraying many wholesome characters, Nicholas has had to navigate the entertainment industry’s frequent attempts to stereotype and demean Black women. “Many of the roles that were offered depicted nudity or street stuff,” she remarked.
Originally published on Valentine’s Day of this year, A Gathering of Voices is a: vibrant anthology featuring personal, introspective, and lyrical stories from a seasoned group of six diverse writers. Their storytelling unfolds with grace, humor, and universal truths. The co-authors include: Denise Nicholas; Hattie Winston (film, television, and Broadway actress); Denise Billings (author and bookstore owner); Charlie Floyd (television and film producer); Otto E. Stallworth (anesthesiologist and author); and G.W. Williams (author and book club founder). The book’s foreword is written by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, underscoring the importance and resonance of this powerful collection.
Actress/Author Denise Nicholas will be a zoom call guest with the P.R.I.D.E. Bookclub (People Reading for Inspiration, Discussion and Enjoyment), Jacksonville, Florida, Saturday, June 7th; for time and location email pridebookclub@gmail.com or contact founder Felice Franklin at (904) 703-8264.
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