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After turning down an art scholarship to Ohio State University, Stephen Nichols traveled west, studied Yoga and lived as a monk while preparing vegetarian meals for the monks and nuns in a Hollywood ashram. After three years of celibacy, a steady diet of ice cream and the films of Truffaut and Bergman, he landed at the Theater Academy of Los Angeles City College where he studied for two years. Nichols also studied with Stella Adler, Jack Colvin and Harry Mastrorgeorge.

Nichols began his acting career in Los Angeles theater during its renaissance in the early eighties. Throughout the course of the many productions he has appeared in, Nichols has been honored with three Drama-logue and two L.A. Weekly Awards for his performance in such notable productions as "Pieces of Time," for his portrayal of a real-life killer, Donald Bashor, for "Delirious," directed by the late Ron Link, and as Jim Morrison in the last thirty-six hours of his life in "The Lizard King." Nichols also appeared at LATC in Rick Clutchey`s "The Cage," in the award winning production of Michael Cristofer`s "The Shadow Box" at Theater East and "Love Letters," during its initial run at the Canon Theater. Most recently Nichols appeared in "He Hunts" at the Geffen Playhouse and was seen in the U.S. premiere of Joe Pintaro`s electrifying "The Dead Boy" for which Nichols received a Maddy Award.

Stephen Nichols, one of the most enduring stars of daytime television, was most recently seen as Stefan Cassadine on "General Hospital." And he is best known for his portrayal of the infamous Steve "Patch" Johnson on "Days of Our Lives," a role which earned him status as one of the most notable presence on television, second only to Bill Cosby in the TV-Q ratings, along with an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role and five Soap Opera Digest Best Actor Awards.

Other TV appearances include: "Matlock," "L.A. Law," "Diagnosis Murder," "The Nanny," "Second Chances," "Sisters," a recurring role on "Empty Nest" and as Jesse James opposite Pierce Brosnan in the NBC mini-series "Around the World in 80 Days," to name a few.

Nichols has appeared in several feature films including, "Choices" with Demi Moore, "Witchboard," SoapDish," "Heaven`s Tears," "Cover Me," "The Glass Cage," "Phoenix," "Checkmate," and "A Hard Rain."

Nichols has directed several stage productions including, "Sixty Minutes from L.A.," a presantation pilot for television, "Wild Horses" and, most recently, wrote and directed the dramatic short film, "Get the Dime," starring Daniel Bess and Robert Picardo. Upcoming, Nichols will direct the deature films, "Eau de L.A." and "Fear of Falling."