History of Denise Nickerson in Timeline

Denise Nickerson was an American actress known for her childhood role as Violet Beauregarde in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." She began acting at a young age and appeared in various television shows and films, including "The Electric Company" and "Dark Shadows." Nickerson retired from acting in 1978 and pursued a career outside of the entertainment industry.

April 1, 1957: Birth of Denise Nickerson

Denise Marie Nickerson was born on April 1, 1957.

1962: Denise Nickerson's Stage Debut in "Peter Pan"

At the young age of five, Denise Nickerson began her acting journey in 1962 by playing the role of Wendy's daughter in a stage production of "Peter Pan."

1968: Denise Nickerson Joins the Cast of "Dark Shadows"

Denise Nickerson's breakthrough in acting came in 1968 when she secured a recurring role in the popular ABC Daytime soap opera "Dark Shadows."

1970: Denise Nickerson's Departure from "Dark Shadows"

Denise Nickerson concluded her run on "Dark Shadows" in 1970, marking the end of her recurring characters Amy Jennings, Nora Collins, and Amy Collins.

1971: Denise Nickerson Appears in "The Neon Ceiling"

After leaving "Dark Shadows," Denise Nickerson took on a role in the 1971 television movie "The Neon Ceiling."

1971: Denise Nickerson Stars in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"

At the age of 13, Denise Nickerson landed her most iconic role as Violet Beauregarde in the film adaptation of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" in 1971.

1971: Denise Nickerson Cast as Lolita in "Lolita, My Love"

In 1971, Denise Nickerson took on the role of Lolita in the musical "Lolita, My Love" during its Boston run. The production, however, did not make it to Broadway.

1972: Denise Nickerson Joins "The Electric Company" Cast

Denise Nickerson's career continued to flourish as she joined the cast of the children's television show "The Electric Company" in 1972. As part of the Short Circus musical group, she showcased her singing abilities.

1973: Denise Nickerson's Continued Success on "The Electric Company"

Denise Nickerson continued her role on "The Electric Company" in 1973, captivating audiences with her performances as part of the Short Circus group.

1973: Denise Nickerson Stars in "The Man Who Could Talk to Kids"

In 1973, Denise Nickerson starred alongside Peter Boyle and Scott Jacoby in the television movie "The Man Who Could Talk to Kids."

1974: Denise Nickerson's Guest Appearance on "The Brady Bunch" and Other Projects

In 1974, Denise Nickerson made a memorable guest appearance on the final season of "The Brady Bunch," playing one of Peter Brady's dates in the episode "Two Petes in a Pod." She also took on the role of Sophie Pennington in the unsold television pilot "If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?"

1975: Denise Nickerson Appears in the Satirical Film "Smile"

Denise Nickerson showcased her acting versatility in 1975 by appearing in the satirical film "Smile," which also featured a young Melanie Griffith and Annette O'Toole.

1976: Denise Nickerson's Car Accident

In 1976, Denise Nickerson experienced a significant setback when she was hit by a car while crossing the street. The accident resulted in a full leg cast for eight months, impacting her mobility and potentially her career during that time.

1978: Denise Nickerson Retires from Acting

Denise Nickerson decided to retire from acting in 1978. After her acting career, she transitioned to working as a receptionist and office manager.

1978: Denise Nickerson's Final Acting Roles

Denise Nickerson's final acting roles before retiring were in 1978. She appeared in the film "Zero to Sixty" with Darren McGavin and Sylvia Miles and the TV movie "Child of Glass."

1981: Denise Nickerson's First Marriage

Denise Nickerson entered into marriage with Rick Keller in 1981. Tragically, their union was cut short by Keller's death from a brain aneurysm two years later.

1995: Denise Nickerson's Second Marriage and Birth of Son

Denise Nickerson married Mark Willard in 1995. The couple welcomed a son, Joshua Nickerson, into the world during their marriage.

1998: Denise Nickerson's Divorce from Mark Willard

Denise Nickerson's second marriage, to Mark Willard, ended in divorce in 1998.

2000: Denise Nickerson's Sporadic Television Appearances

In the later stages of her career, Denise Nickerson made occasional appearances on television, including an episode of the revamped game show "To Tell the Truth" which aired between 2000 and 2002.

2001: Denise Nickerson in "Pure Imagination" Documentary

Denise Nickerson participated in the 2001 documentary "Pure Imagination: The Story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," directed by J.M. Kenny, sharing her insights and experiences from her time on the iconic film.

2002: Conclusion of Denise Nickerson's Appearances on "To Tell the Truth"

Denise Nickerson concluded her appearances on the game show "To Tell the Truth" in 2002, marking the end of her involvement in the program.

2003: Denise Nickerson Reunites with "Willy Wonka" Castmates for Documentary

Denise Nickerson joined her fellow "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" cast members for an episode of the British television documentary series "After They Were Famous" in 2003. The series, also directed by J.M. Kenny, provided a glimpse into the lives of former child stars.

2011: "Willy Wonka" Cast Reunion on "Top Chef: Just Desserts"

In 2011, Denise Nickerson participated in a heartwarming reunion with some of her "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" castmates on an episode of the culinary competition show "Top Chef: Just Desserts." The episode tasked contestants with creating edible wonders inspired by the film.

2015: "Willy Wonka" Cast Reunites on "The Today Show"

Denise Nickerson joined her former "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" cast members for another reunion in 2015, this time on the popular morning show "The Today Show."

June 2018: Denise Nickerson Suffers a Stroke

Denise Nickerson's health faced a serious challenge in June 2018 when she suffered a major stroke. This led to hospitalization in intensive care and subsequent rehabilitation.

September 2018: Denise Nickerson Receives Visits from "Willy Wonka" Costars

Following her stroke and subsequent discharge from a rehabilitation center in September 2018, Denise Nickerson had heartwarming visits from her "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" costars, Julie Dawn Cole and Paris Themmen.

July 8, 2019: Denise Nickerson Hospitalized

On July 8, 2019, Denise Nickerson was taken to the hospital in respiratory distress following an overdose of prescription medications. While in intensive care, her condition worsened, she developed pneumonia, and later experienced a massive seizure that led to a coma.