Ever wondered about the intricate lives behind the glamorous smiles of Hollywood legends? The story of Nico Finklea Charisse Jr. is a compelling narrative woven with threads of artistry, family ties, and personal trials, painting a portrait of a life intimately connected to the golden age of dance and cinema.

Born into a world of artistic brilliance, Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.'s life was inextricably linked to the legacies of his parents. His father, Nico Charisse, a Greek dancer and choreographer, left an indelible mark on the world of ballet, while his mother, Cyd Charisse, captivated audiences with her mesmerizing talent as a dancer and actress. However, beyond the shimmering facade of Hollywood, Nico's journey was marked by challenges and complexities that shaped his identity and defined his path.

Nico Finklea Charisse Jr. - Bio Data
Full Name	Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.
Date of Birth	May 7, 1942
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, USA
Date of Death	October 28, 2019
Place of Death	Lakewood, California, USA
Age at Death	77
Parents	Nico Charisse (Father), Cyd Charisse (Mother)
Father's Occupation	Dancer, Choreographer
Mother's Occupation	Dancer, Actress
Marital Status	Unknown
Military Service	Veteran of the Army, Second Lieutenant at Camp San Luis Obispo
Residence	Los Angeles, California (at the time of death)
Burial Information	Cremated, ashes given to family or friend
Reference: Find a Grave Memorial Page

To truly understand Nico Finklea Charisse Jr., one must delve into the lives of his parents, Nico and Cyd Charisse. Nico Charisse, born Nicholas Charisse on March 1, 1905, in Athens, Greece, was a figure of considerable talent in the world of dance. He was a Greek dancer and instructor. He passed away on April 14, 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 65. He was married to both Zita Torres and, later, to Cyd Charisse. His early life remains largely undocumented, but his influence as a dancer and teacher is well-recognized. He was known for his dedication to the art form and his commitment to nurturing young talent. It was this dedication that led him to cross paths with a young Tula Ellice Finklea, later known as Cyd Charisse.

Cyd Charisse, born Tula Ellice Finklea on March 8, 1922, in Amarillo, Texas, was destined for a life in the spotlight. Her father, recognizing her innate love for dance, enrolled her in ballet lessons at a young age. At the tender age of 13, she joined the Ballet Russe, touring the United States and Europe under the stage names Maria Istomina and Felia Sidorova. A childhood bout with polio further fueled her determination, solidifying her resolve to excel in the world of dance. This early experience instilled in her a discipline and resilience that would serve her well throughout her career.

In 1939, while on tour with the ballet company in Europe, the then 17-year-old Cyd encountered Nico Charisse, who was 17 years her senior. As World War II loomed, their connection deepened, leading them to elope in Paris on August 12, 1939. This marked the beginning of a complex and passionate relationship that would shape both of their lives. They returned to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, where Nico continued to teach dance and Cyd began to explore opportunities in the film industry.

Nico and Cyd Charisse's marriage, though passionate, was not without its challenges. The age difference and differing career aspirations created friction, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1947. However, their union produced one son, Nicky Charisse, born in 1942. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, both Nico and Cyd remained committed to their son, ensuring that he received love and support.

Cyd Charisse's career flourished after her divorce from Nico. She adopted the last name of her former spouse and altered the spelling of her nickname, "Sid," to the more feminine "Cyd," officially becoming Cyd Charisse. Soon after, she was hired by MGM's prestigious Freed Unit and rapidly rose to stardom, captivating audiences with her unparalleled grace and skill. She appeared in numerous iconic films, including "Singin' in the Rain," "The Band Wagon," and "Silk Stockings," solidifying her status as a Hollywood legend. Her dance partners included the likes of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, further cementing her place in the pantheon of dance greats. Her contribution to the world of dance and cinema remains unparalleled.

While Cyd's star ascended, Nico Charisse continued to work as a dance instructor in Los Angeles. He dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring aspiring dancers, sharing his knowledge and passion for the art form. Although he never achieved the same level of fame as his former wife, he remained a respected figure in the dance community. His commitment to his craft and his students was unwavering. He continued to teach until his death on April 14, 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nico Finklea Charisse Jr., the son of Nico and Cyd, grew up amidst the glamour and excitement of Hollywood. Born on May 7, 1942, in Los Angeles, he experienced firsthand the demands and rewards of a life in the entertainment industry. While his parents pursued their respective careers, Nico Jr. navigated his own path, ultimately choosing a different direction for his life. He served as a Second Lieutenant at Camp San Luis Obispo after becoming a veteran of the Army. This decision reflects a sense of duty and a commitment to serving his country, values that may have been instilled in him by his parents.

Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.'s life, though less publicized than those of his parents, was no less significant. He witnessed the complexities of fame and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships in the spotlight. He observed the dedication and hard work required to succeed in the entertainment industry. He learned from the triumphs and setbacks of his parents, forging his own unique identity in the process.

Details regarding Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.'s personal life remain scarce. Publicly available information about his marital status, children, or professional endeavors is limited. However, his obituary mentions his passing on Monday, October 28, 2019, in Lakewood, California, at the age of 77. This information provides a glimpse into the final chapter of his life, revealing that he remained in the Los Angeles area until his death.

Nico Charisse, the patriarch, lived a life marked by both professional dedication and personal complexities. Born Nicholas Charisse on March 1, 1906, in Athens, Greece, he pursued his passion for dance, making a name for himself as a talented dancer and choreographer. His journey led him to France, where he met and married Cyd Charisse, then a young ballet dancer on tour.

Their marriage, though initially filled with romance and excitement, eventually succumbed to the pressures of differing ambitions and the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the demanding world of entertainment. They divorced in 1947, but their shared son, Nicky, remained a constant connection between them. Nico Charisse continued to teach dance, imparting his knowledge and expertise to aspiring dancers. He died on April 14, 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of artistic dedication.

Cyd Charisse's story is one of remarkable talent, perseverance, and triumph. Her childhood battle with polio instilled in her a determination to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams. Her early training in ballet paved the way for a successful career as a dancer and actress. She captivated audiences with her grace, beauty, and skill, becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

Her marriage to Nico Charisse, though ultimately unsuccessful, played a significant role in her early career. It provided her with the opportunity to learn from a seasoned dance professional and to hone her skills. After their divorce, she went on to achieve even greater success, solidifying her place in the history of dance and cinema. She remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry until her death on June 17, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and inspiring dedication.

The story of Nico Finklea Charisse Jr. is a poignant reminder that behind every famous name lies a complex and multifaceted individual. His life was shaped by the legacies of his parents, but he ultimately forged his own path, making his own contributions to the world. While his story may not be as widely known as those of his parents, it is a testament to the enduring power of family, resilience, and the pursuit of one's own unique destiny.

It's important to remember that the lives of those connected to fame are often lived under a microscope. The pressures of public scrutiny, the demands of the entertainment industry, and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships can take a toll. Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.'s story serves as a reminder to approach the lives of celebrities and their families with empathy and understanding.

While much of Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.'s life remains shrouded in privacy, the available details paint a picture of a man who lived a life connected to the world of art and entertainment, yet distinct from it. He was a son, a veteran, and an individual who navigated the complexities of family and identity in the shadow of fame. His story, though incomplete, offers a valuable glimpse into the human experience and the enduring power of family legacies.

In conclusion, the story of Nico Finklea Charisse Jr. is a compelling narrative that intertwines with the lives of his famous parents, Nico and Cyd Charisse. While his own path may have diverged from the spotlight, his life remains a testament to the complexities of family, identity, and the enduring power of human connection. He was born to Nico and Cyd Charisse on May 7, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. He passed away on October 28, 2019, in Lakewood, California, at the age of 77. His legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him and through the enduring contributions of his parents to the world of dance and cinema.

Nico Finklea Charisse Jr.'s life, while less publicly documented, provides a valuable perspective on the dynamics of families connected to fame and the choices individuals make in navigating their own identities within the context of their familial legacies. He was cremated, and his ashes were given to family or friend, a final act of closure in a life lived with a unique connection to Hollywood's golden age. His story, pieced together from fragments of information, serves as a reminder that every life, regardless of its proximity to fame, holds its own intrinsic worth and unique narrative.

His connection to his mother, Cyd Charisse, cannot be overlooked. Cyd, a dance icon, met Nico Charisse under circumstances that had all the hallmarks of a classic Hollywood romance. She was a student at the Hollywood Ballet School, and he was her instructor, a promising young dancer with European flair. Their connection deepened, leading to their elopement in Paris, a whirlwind romance set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of war. While their marriage eventually ended in divorce, it was a pivotal chapter in both of their lives, shaping their careers and their individual paths forward.

Nico Charisse, the father, was a talented individual in his own right. Born Nicholas Charissi on March 1, 1905, in Athens, Greece, he brought a unique perspective to the world of dance. His influence as a teacher and choreographer may not have reached the same level of fame as Cyd's, but his contributions to the art form were significant. He passed away on April 14, 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft.

The narrative of Nico Finklea Charisse Jr. also touches upon the political climate of the time. His mother, Cyd Charisse, like her husband Tony Martin Sr., was a staunch Republican and actively campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election. This detail provides a glimpse into the values and beliefs that shaped the Charisse family and their engagement with the world beyond the realm of entertainment.

Ultimately, the life of Nico Finklea Charisse Jr. is a tapestry woven with threads of artistic heritage, personal choices, and the complexities of family relationships. While his story may not be as widely celebrated as those of his famous parents, it is a reminder that every life has its own unique value and its own significant contribution to make. He was born to Nico and Cyd Charisse on May 7, 19. He experienced the world through a lens shaped by the fame and talent of his parents, but he also forged his own path, leaving behind a legacy that is uniquely his own. His passing on October 28, 2019, marked the end of a life lived in the shadow of Hollywood, but his story continues to resonate as a testament to the enduring power of family and the complexities of the human experience. Nico Charisse passed away in Los Angeles, California. Funeral home services for Nico are being provided by Glen Haven Mortuary Inc. The obituary was featured in Los Angeles Times on November 3.