Stephen Nichols
ON SOAP OPERA DIGEST AND WEEKLY ONLINE
SOAP STAR STATS
Stephen Nichols (Steve "Patch," DAYS)
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— NBC
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Vital Statistics
- Birthdate:
- February 19
- Birthplace:
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Children:
- Vanessa, Aaron, and Dylan
- Star Sign:
- Pisces
- Years On Show:
- 1985-'90, 2006-present
THE 411
Out of high school Stephen Nichols was offered an art scholarship to Ohio State University, but he turned it down in favor of traveling west. There he studied Yoga and lived as a monk while he prepared vegetarian meals for the monks and nuns in a Hollywood ashram. It was three years later, after a vow of celibacy and a steady diet of ice cream, that Nichols found himself at the Theater Academy of Los Angeles City College for two years. He then went on to study with Stella Adler, Jack Colvin, and Harry Mastrorgeorge.
Nichols began his acting career in the Los Angeles theater during the early eighties. In addition to starring in several productions, he was honored with three Drama-logue and two L.A. Weekly Awards for his work. Some of his highlights include playing Jim Morrison in the last thirty-six hours of his life in The Lizard King and real-life killer, Donald Bashor, in Delirious. While landing several TV guest spots Nichols won the part of the bad boy Steve "Patch" Johnson on NBC's DAYS OF OUR LIVES in 1985. He and onscreen partner, Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), would become one of the most popular supercouples in daytime history.
After leaving DAYS in 1990, Nichols made numerous TV appearances in such popular shows as EMPTY NEST and L.A. LAW before making his way back to daytime in the role of the evil and mysterious Stefan Cassadine on the ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL in 1996. There he wrecked much havoc on the lives of many Port Charles residents. Meanwhile, Nichols was no stranger to the big screen, appearing in such films as Choices (co-starring Demi Moore), Witchboard and Soapdish. And his talent isn't only limited to in front of the camera — Nichols has directed several stage productions including Get The Dime and films such as Wild Horses.
After much fan anticipation, Nichols recently made a triumphant return to daytime in the role he's garnered most recognition from.
ET CETERA
Five Random Facts
—Directed the video demonstration seen on Mary Beth Evans' apple pie web site (http://marybethsapplepie.com)
—Maintains and updates his own blog (http://thepatchblog.com/sn/index.php)
—Attributes much of his health and good shape to Gold's Gym
—His role on DAYS has earned him status as the most notable presence on television, second only to Bill Cosby, in the TV-Q ratings
—Helped create soapfone.com, where you can download ring tones and more of your favorite soap star
OTHER ROLES
Former Soap Roles
GENERAL HOSPITAL (Stefan Cassadine, 1996-’02; 2003)
SANTA BARBARA (Dr. Skyler Gates, 1992)
Guest-Starring TV Roles
SHE SPIES (Kurt Maxin, 2002)
EMPTY NEST (Matt, 1995)
SECOND CHANCES (Tommy, 1994)
HEAT OF THE NIGHT (Chuck, 1994)
DIAGNOSIS MURDER (Miles Archer, 1994)
SISTERS (Steve, 1994)
THE NANNY (Brock, 1993)
MELROSE PLACE (Carl, 1993)
RENEGADE (Steve, 1993)
2000 MALIBU ROAD (Brad, 1992)
MURDER, SHE WROTE (Barry, 1992)
L.A. LAW (Corrine's Lawyer, 1991)
SHADES OF L.A. (Walt Canton, 1991)
MATLOCK (Cliff Lockwood, 1990)
CRAZY LIKE A FOX (Croiser, 1985)
TV Movie Roles or Miniseries
DUTCH ELM PALM HEIGHTS (Nick Torso, 1997)
WILD HORSES (Jess Riler, 1992)
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (Jesse James, 1989)
Film Roles
Merchants of Venus (Adult Film Star, 1998)
Checkmate (Dutch Leonard, 1996)
Phoenix (Tyler McCain, 1995)
The Glass Cage (Renzi, 1996)
Cover Me (Dimitri, 1995)
Heaven's Tears (Peter Steiner, 1994)
Soapdish (Himself, 1991)
Witchboard (Brandon Sinclair, 1986)
House (Scott, 1986)
Choices (Chris, 1981)
A Different Story (Man at Bath, 1978)
Theatre
He Hunts
The Dead Boy
6 RMS RIV VU
Love Letters
The Lizard King
60 Minutes for L.A.
Delirious
Drumroll, Please
The Shadow Box
Rieces of Times
Conspiracy of Feelings
Death of a Salesman
The Zoo Story
IF I HAD A NICHOL EVERY TIME HE SAID...
"I get letters from guys in Texas. This old man is a big blues fan. He's been calling the studio and he said, 'Man you been blowin' that harp and I love this music.' " — on singing and playing his harmonica on DAYS, Soap Opera Weekly, 12/12/89
"The regular routine is nice... to know that you're going to the same place each day. There's something to be said for that consistency, that steadiness in daily life. That's one of the nice things about daytime. I enjoy that." — on his return to daytime on SANTA BARBARA, Weekly, 9/15/92
"There was a lot of pressure coming into this job. To work on a soap that has gotten the Emmy for best show two years in a row, a show that I watched and developed a respect for the actors and the writing. I knew I had to rise to the occasion." — on joining GENERAL HOSPITAL, Weekly, 12/3/96
YOU SHOULD HEAR WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU!
"He told me before anybody. I was just bummed out. I was selfish saying, 'I don't want you to leave,' because I didn't want to be here by myself." — Mary Beth Evans (Kayla, Days) on Nichols' decision to leave the show, Weekly, 11/13/90
AWARDS
Daytime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor (1988); Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role (1986), Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role (1988), Favorite Super Couple, and Outstanding Hero (1989); Soap Opera Digest Award Nomination for Outstanding Super Couple (1990)
OFFICIAL WEB SITE
www.stephennichols.net
