Denise Nicholas: Trailblazing Actor & Writer

By Cynthia Bemis Abrams | 05/13/2026

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams speaks with Denise Nicholas, the iconic actress and writer known for her roles in Room 222 (1969-75) and In the Heat of the Night (1988-95). Promoting her long-awaited 2025 memoir Finding Home, Denise opens up about her groundbreaking career in television, the cultural impact of her roles as Liz McIntyre and Harriet DeLong, and her transition to writing. Discover how her personal experiences and passion for storytelling led to her acclaimed novel, Freshwater Road, and the influence of her work on the representation of Black women in media. Denise also shares anecdotes about working with producer and co-star Carroll O’Connor and her journey to becoming a writer for In the Heat of the Night.

Highlights:

The role of comedy and morality in “Room 222”
Navigating network pressures and the need for diverse storytelling
Inspirations behind her Room 222 character Liz McIntyre
Behind-the-scenes of In the Heat of the Night and writing the episode “Odessa”
The portrayal of interracial relationships on television

Books Mentioned:

Finding Home (2025) Agate Publishing

https://www.agatepublishing.com/9781572843530/finding-home/

Freshwater Road (2005) Agate Publishing

https://www.agatepublishing.com/9781572841956/freshwater-road/

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PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/