Her centerfold was captured by the legendary Dwight Hooker, a prolific Playboy photographer known for his mastery of lighting and composition. Artistic Direction and Photography
. Appearing in Volume 24, Issue 3, her iconic centerfold pictorial captured the quintessential aesthetic of late-1970s American glamour. Photographed by legendary staff photographer Pompeo Posar, Thomas became a memorable figure in the golden age of adult entertainment and print modeling. Biography and Early Life
Photographing a centerfold during this period required capturing a specific balance of suburban charm and high-fashion allure, a task frequently designated to the publication's top photographers. For the March 1977 issue, the legacy of the month’s imagery became intertwined with the broader history of print media collectibles and the personal history of the woman selected for the title. The Woman Behind the Centerfold
Nicki Thomas gained national fame when she was chosen by Hugh Hefner's publication to be the . During this era, the magazine looked for the "girl-next-door" archetype. They chose women who had natural beauty and a charming personality to match. Nicki Thomas Playmate of the Month for March 1977
In the vibrant world of 1970s Playboy, one name stands out for March 1977: Nicki Thomas. As the Playmate of the Month, Nicki Thomas captivated audiences with her stunning looks, charming personality, and undeniable charm.
Her centerfold for the March 1977 edition was photographed by the renowned Pompeo Posar .
Though her modeling career was short, her legacy lives on through the lens of Pompeo Posar and the pages of a magazine that, for one month in 1977, made a young woman from Illinois a household name. Her centerfold was captured by the legendary Dwight
The March 1977 issue (Volume 24, Number 3) is a prime example of the magazine's classic "editorial mix". During this era, Playboy was celebrated not only for its pictorials but also for high-caliber investigative journalism, political analysis, and literary fiction.
At 22 years old, she was selected to appear in the Playboy March 1977 issue , adopting the professional moniker Nicki Thomas for her pictorial. Following her brief stint in high-profile modeling, she transitioned away from the public eye. She later used the name Nicki E. Rossine after marrying Anthony Rossine, with whom she had two children, Michael Anthony and Marissa Nicole. She spent her later years away from the entertainment industry and passed away on September 2, 2009, in Edgewood, Kentucky, at the age of 55. The Photography of Pompeo Posar
: Editor G. Barry Golson contributed an article explaining the background of the famous Jimmy Carter interview from the previous year. The Woman Behind the Centerfold Nicki Thomas gained
Born on October 2, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, Nicki Thomas began her modeling career at a young age. Growing up in a conservative household, Thomas was drawn to the world of fashion and beauty, often flipping through her mother's fashion magazines and dreaming of one day becoming a model. After high school, Thomas moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in modeling, where she quickly gained attention for her stunning looks and charming personality.
Today, the March 1977 issue remains a sought-after item for vintage enthusiasts on sites like Life Beyond the Lens Away from the cameras, Nicki was known as Nicki E. Rossine
: Her centerfold was photographed by the renowned Pompeo Posar , who was one of Playboy’s most prolific photographers. Issue Highlights :
Her, then, rigorous schedule—which she only briefly paused during the 1976 Montreal Olympics—made her a refreshing and authentic choice for the March issue. Legacy of Nicki Thomas
Nicki Thomas passed away on , in Edgewood, Kentucky, at the age of 55. Today, her March 1977 feature remains a popular item for collectors on platforms like eBay and Amazon , representing a specific moment in the "golden age" of the magazine's cultural influence.