Denise Nicholas
Biography
Denise Nicholas, born Donna Denise Nicholas on July 12, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American actress and social activist involved in the American Civil Rights Movement. She is also known by the name Denise Nicholas-Hill. She is recognized primarily for her television acting roles, specifically as high school guidance counselor Liz McIntyre on the ABC comedy-drama series Room 222, and as Councilwoman Harriet DeLong on the drama series In the Heat of the Night, which aired on NBC and CBS. With a career spanning television and film, she has accumulated numerous known acting credits and continues to be recognized for her contributions to both the entertainment industry and social activism.
Career overview
Denise Nicholas, born Donna Denise Nicholas on July 12, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American actress and social activist who participated in the American Civil Rights Movement. Known professionally under names including Denise Nicholas and Denise Nicholas-Hill, she has built a substantial career in television and film with forty-nine known acting credits listed on her professional profile.
Among her most recognized television work, Nicholas is primarily known for portraying high school guidance counselor Liz McIntyre on the ABC comedy-drama series Room 222. In addition to this role, she is widely recognized for playing Councilwoman Harriet DeLong on the drama series In the Heat of the Night, which aired on the NBC and CBS networks. Her extensive television career reflects her presence across multiple long-running network programs.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- Black Art: In the Absence of Light (2021) as Self
- My Wife and Kids (2001) as Ann Kyle
- Ritual (2000) as Sylvia Becker
- The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda (1997) as Leddy Hutch
- The Parent 'Hood (1995)
- In the Heat of the Night: By Duty Bound (1995) as Harriet DeLong Gillespie
- In the Heat of the Night: Who Was Geli Bendl? (1994) as Harriet DeLong Gillespie
- In the Heat of the Night: A Matter of Justice (1994) as Harriet DeLong Gillespie
- In the Heat of the Night: Give Me Your Life (1994) as Harriet DeLong Gillespie
- Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992) as Mrs. Walker
- Color Adjustment (1992) as Self
- Ghost Dad (1990) as Joan
- On Thin Ice: The Tai Babilonia Story (1990) as Cleo Babilonia
- Mother's Day (1989) as Elizabeth Sturgis
- In the Heat of the Night (1988) as Harriet DeLong
- Supercarrier (1988)
- A Different World (1987) as Carol Garrison
- Amen (1986)
- And the Children Shall Lead (1985) as Mother
- Marvin & Tige (1985) as Vanessa Jackson
- The Cosby Show (1984) as Lorraine
- Masquerade (1983) as Sheila Walters
- Aloha Paradise (1981)
- Aloha Paradise (1981) as Carrie
- The Sophisticated Gents (1981) as Pat Henderson
- Jacqueline Susann's Valley of the Dolls "1981" (1981) as Connie (as Denise Nicholas Hill)
- The Big Stuffed Dog (1981) as Nurse Riley
- Magnum, P.I. (1980) as T.C's Date
- Secrets of Midland Heights (1980) as Julie Hammond
- Benson (1979)
- Baby, I'm Back (1978)
- Diff'rent Strokes (1978) as Sondra Williams
- Ring of Passion (1978) as Marva Trotter Louis
- The Love Boat (1977) as Maura Bellogue
- The Love Boat (1977) as Maura Belloque
- The Love Boat (1977) as Jenny Brooks
- Capricorn One (1977) as Betty Walker
- A Piece of the Action (1977) as Lila French
- Let's Do It Again (1975) as Beth Foster
- Mr. Ricco (1975) as Irene Mapes
- Rhoda (1974)
- Police Story (1973)
- The Soul of Nigger Charley (1973) as Elena
- Blacula (1972) as Michelle
- Five Desperate Women (1971) as Joy
- Night Gallery (1970) as Kyro (segment "Logoda's Heads")
- The Flip Wilson Show (1970) as Self
- Love, American Style (1969)
- Room 222 (1969) as Liz McIntyre
- The F.B.I. (1965) as Nora Tobin
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Denise Nicholas best known for?
Denise Nicholas is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including My Wife and Kids (2001), The Parent 'Hood (1995), Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992), Ghost Dad (1990).
When and where was Denise Nicholas born?
Denise Nicholas was born on July 12, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
How many credits does Denise Nicholas have?
Denise Nicholas has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 2021.
What is Denise Nicholas's background in cinema and television?
Denise Nicholas, born Donna Denise Nicholas on July 12, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American actress and social activist involved in the American Civil Rights Movement. She is also known by the name Denise Nicholas-Hill. She is recognized primarily for her television acting roles, specifically as high school guid...
Denise Nicholas by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Night Gallery (1970) as Kyro (segment "Logoda's Heads") — aged about 25
- In the Heat of the Night (1988) as Harriet DeLong — aged about 43
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 17
- My Wife and Kids (2001) as Ann Kyle — aged about 56
- The Parent 'Hood (1995) — aged about 50
- Magnum, P.I. (1980) as T.C's Date — aged about 35
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