Guide Notes

Stephen Nichols is an American television, film, and theater actor whose career in daytime television spans three decades and has garnered him 5 Soap Opera Digest Awards and an Emmy nomination. He is often associated with the black eye patch that his character Steve Johnson wears on the popular daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Stephen Nichols was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of three children. Until he was eight he was raised by his grandfather, who instilled within him a strong work ethic. After some soul searching as a teenager, he had an epiphany in the woods that led him to Los Angeles, California, where he studied and trained to become a monk, remaining celibate for three years. It was only at the end of his training that he realized he was not on the right path. Instead, he decided to try his hand at acting, and went on to study at the Theater Academy at Los Angeles City College, where he spent two years.

It was during his time at Los Angeles City College that he began to hone his skills as an actor, taking parts in plays and finding himself a home on the stage. He was awarded with three Drama-logue and two L.A.weekly Awards for his roles in such productions as Pieces of Time, Delirious, and the Lizard King, in which he portrated Jim Morrison during the last hours of his life.

Making the leap from theater to television and film, he went on to star in several movies alongside such notable actors as Demi Moore, Sally Field, and Kevin Kline. He also developed an extensive resume as a guest star on such popular television shows as Murder She Wrote, Melrose Place, The Nanny, Diagnosis Murder, and Empty Nest.

Daytime television is where Stephen Nichols flurished. In 1985 he turned what was initially a part-time role on Days of Our Lives into a full-time gig, portraying Steven Earle Johnson, also known as "Patch." His character became one of the shows most popular bad boys, and went on to make up half of the popular supercouple that was Steve and Kayla. When the couple married it was one of the highest rated soap episodes ever, and after a five year run on the show fans were sorry when he departed the role.

After Days, he went on to star in General Hospital where for several years he was reunited with his Days co-star Mary Beth Evans. Although their characters Stefan and Katherine never received the same following as Steve and Kayla, the chemistry and recognition was still there.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Stephen Nichols
2. Birth date: February 19,1953
3. Birth place: Cincinnati, Ohio
4. Education: Meadowdale High School
5. Turned down art scholarship to Ohio State
6. Three children: Vanessa, Aaron, Dylan
7. Second only to Bill Cosby in TV-Q Ratings
8. Received Maddy Award for Dead Boy