Ozzie Nelson
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Bibliography
Biography
Ozzie Nelson worked in a variety of genres and built up a diverse and reputable career. In his early acting career, Nelson appeared in such films as "The Big Street" (1942) with Henry Fonda, "Take It Big" (1944) and "People Are Funny" (1946). He continued to work in film in the fifties and the seventies, directing motion pictures like the Ricky Nelson comedic adaptation "Love and Kisses" (1965). Following that project, he worked on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952-1966), "Adam-12" (1968-1975) and "The D.A." (1971-72). Nelson also directed the Ricky Nelson comedy adaptation "Love and Kisses" (1965). In addition to his directing, Nelson also appeared on-screen in "Here Come the Nelsons" (1952). Nelson last directed "Ozzie's Girls" (1973-74). Nelson was married to Harriet Hilliard and had three sons, David Nelson%s%s%s, David Ozzie Nelson, and Eric Hilliard Nelson. Ozzie Nelson passed away in June 1975 at the age of 69.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Cast (Feature Film)
Writer (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Director (Special)
Cast (Special)
Writer (Special)
Producer (Special)
Special Thanks (Special)
Cast (Short)
Life Events
1911
Joined his parents' act at age five
1937
With wife Harriet Hilliard Nelson, moved to Hollywood; hosted radio show "Seeing Stars"
1940
Made his feature film debut, appearing briefly with his orchestra in the Bette Davis dramatic vehicle, "The Letter," directed by William Wyler
1941
Moved permanently to California
1941
Played his first leading role in a feature film, "Sweetheart of the Campus"
1941
With wife, spent three seasons as regulars on Red Skelton's radio program
1945
Last feature film appearance for seven years, "People Are Funny"
1952
Starred in a feature version of his family's radio show, "Here Comes the Nelsons"; the film also marked Nelson's first screenplay credit, co-written with brother Don
1965
Wrote, produced and directed his first and only feature, "Love and Kisses," starring his son Ricky Nelson and Rick's wife Kris Harmon
1967
Underwent first treatment for cancer; had malignant tumor removed from his colon
1968
Last feature film appearance, "The Impossible Years"
1974
Diagnosed with terminal liver cancer
Family
Companions
