In late January of 1985 Wade Nichols became one of the growing ranks of adult stars to succumb to the AIDS virus.

Wade Nichols (aka Dennis Parker October 28, 1946 - January 28, 1985) was a porn star and a soap opera actor. He was known for playing Chief Derek A. Malloy on the soap opera 'The Edge of Night' from 1979-1984. By 1984 Dennis was forced to leave his role on the popular daytime soap due to his health. After being diagnosed with A.I.D.S. he committed suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot to prevent himself from suffering the ravages of the disease.