Quick Facts
Born:
1936-10-24
Birthplace:
New York City, New York, USA
Credits:
26 Total Roles
David Nelson
Acting
The MovieWise Take
Refining cinematic analysis...
Biography
David Oswald Nelson (October 24, 1936 – January 11, 2011) was an American actor. He was the elder son of entertainment couple Harriet Hilliard Nelson and Ozzie Nelson and the older brother of musician Ricky Nelson.
Nelson's acting career started in 1949 when he and his brother began playing themselves on his parents' radio series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which lasted until 1954. His film debut came in Here Come the Nelsons, released in 1952.
Also in 1952 Nelson continued playing himself on the television version of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which ran until 1966.Starting in the early 1960s, he directed about a dozen episodes of the show.
From the 1970s through 1990 Nelson had roles in Smash-Up on Interstate 5, Up In Smoke, The Love Boat, High School U.S.A., and A Family for Joe. Nelson's last film appearance was in John Waters' 1990 film Cry-Baby.
Nelson died on January 11, 2011, in Century City, California, of complications of colon cancer.
Nelson's acting career started in 1949 when he and his brother began playing themselves on his parents' radio series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which lasted until 1954. His film debut came in Here Come the Nelsons, released in 1952.
Also in 1952 Nelson continued playing himself on the television version of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which ran until 1966.Starting in the early 1960s, he directed about a dozen episodes of the show.
From the 1970s through 1990 Nelson had roles in Smash-Up on Interstate 5, Up In Smoke, The Love Boat, High School U.S.A., and A Family for Joe. Nelson's last film appearance was in John Waters' 1990 film Cry-Baby.
Nelson died on January 11, 2011, in Century City, California, of complications of colon cancer.
Known For
Cry-Baby
Wanda's Father
Up in Smoke
Roxy Doorman
The Love Boat
Gary Gage
Day of the Outlaw
Gene, Bruhn's Gang
Peyton Place
Ted Carter
High School U.S.A.
Mr. Krinsky, Janitor
The Movie Orgy
Self (archive footage)
The Big Circus
Tommy Gordon
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Television: The First Fifty Years MOVIE | Self (archive footage) |
| 1995 | The Courtyard MOVIE | Cop |
| 1990 | Cry-Baby MOVIE | Wanda's Father |
| 1987 | Off the Mark MOVIE | Current Resident |
| 1983 | High School U.S.A. MOVIE | Mr. Krinsky, Janitor |
| 1979 | In Search of Historic Jesus MOVIE | Leper |
| 1978 | Up in Smoke MOVIE | Roxy Doorman |
| 1977 | The Love Boat TV | Gary Gage |
| 1976 | Smash-Up on Interstate 5 MOVIE | Berman |
| 1974 | Sonic Boom MOVIE | Co-Pilot |