David Nelson, who grew up in front of America in "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," died Jan. 11 in Century City, Calif., of complications from colon cancer. He was 74.
Nelson was the last surviving member of the Nelsons TV family: actor-bandleader Ozzie; his singing wife, Harriet Hilliard; and his teen-idol younger brother, Rick. The show, which originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," ran for 320 episodes from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" on ABC. On the radio show, the boys were portrayed by pros, but they persuaded their parents to allow them to play themselves for the smallscreen.

In the show's later years, David Nelson also directed some episodes. His film career included roles on 1957's "Peyton Place," 1959's "The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker," "The Big Circus" (for which he won critical acclaim as a homicidal trapeze artist) and "Day of the Outlaw," 1962's "The Big Show," l965's "Love and Kisses," 1978's "Up in Smoke" and 1990's "Cry-Baby."

He also starred with Hilliard in 1976's "Smash-Up on Interstate 5."

Smallscreen roles included "The Love Boat," "Hondo," and telepics "A Family for Joe," "Swing out Sweet Land" and "High School USA."

Nelson also had a career as a director and a producer. Besides directing eps of "Ozzie and Harriet" he helmed episodes of "O.K. Crackerby," "Adam-12" and "Ozzie's Girls." Feature credits included 1969's "Childish Things," 1982's "Death Screams," 1983's "Last Plane Out" and 1984's "A Rare Breed."

He produced "Ozzie's Girls," "Last Plane Out" and "Easy to Be Free."

In 2006, he was nommed for a TV Land Award for "Ozzie and Harriet" and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; seven grandchildren; three nephews; Matthew, Gunnar and Sam; and a niece, Tracy.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118030114?refCatId=14

Damn, :rip: David.

:rip: David Nelson

My dad died of colon cancer in 1984 at age 54 RIP Robert and David :(

:rip: John Dye
:rip: Margaret Whiting
:rip: David Nelson

The last one, end of an era.
R.I.P. David

What sad news! My thoughts and prayers go to the Nelson family.

Such sad news to awake to. It was literally the first thing I saw when I brought up the internet this morning. :(

Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky are all together again.

RIP Dave
You are already missed.

Such sad news to awake to. It was literally the first thing I saw when I brought up the internet this morning. :(

Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky are all together again.

RIP Dave
You are already missed.


Same here, first thing I saw. He will be missed. I lost an aunt to colon cancer four weeks ago and another friend to lung cancer this week. This is a horrible illness and I pray for a cure in my lifetime.

The Nelsons are surely having a family reunion in Heaven now.

:rip: John Dye
:rip: Margaret Whiting
:rip: David Nelson

Are you sure about John Dye's death? I can't find anything on the web about it.

David Nelson, who grew up in front of America in "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," died Jan. 11 in Century City, Calif., of complications from colon cancer. He was 74.
Nelson was the last surviving member of the Nelsons TV family: actor-bandleader Ozzie; his singing wife, Harriet Hilliard; and his teen-idol younger brother, Rick. The show, which originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," ran for 320 episodes from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" on ABC. On the radio show, the boys were portrayed by pros, but they persuaded their parents to allow them to play themselves for the smallscreen.

In the show's later years, David Nelson also directed some episodes. His film career included roles on 1957's "Peyton Place," 1959's "The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker," "The Big Circus" (for which he won critical acclaim as a homicidal trapeze artist) and "Day of the Outlaw," 1962's "The Big Show," l965's "Love and Kisses," 1978's "Up in Smoke" and 1990's "Cry-Baby."

He also starred with Hilliard in 1976's "Smash-Up on Interstate 5."

Smallscreen roles included "The Love Boat," "Hondo," and telepics "A Family for Joe," "Swing out Sweet Land" and "High School USA."

Nelson also had a career as a director and a producer. Besides directing eps of "Ozzie and Harriet" he helmed episodes of "O.K. Crackerby," "Adam-12" and "Ozzie's Girls." Feature credits included 1969's "Childish Things," 1982's "Death Screams," 1983's "Last Plane Out" and 1984's "A Rare Breed."

He produced "Ozzie's Girls," "Last Plane Out" and "Easy to Be Free."

In 2006, he was nommed for a TV Land Award for "Ozzie and Harriet" and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; seven grandchildren; three nephews; Matthew, Gunnar and Sam; and a niece, Tracy.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118030114?refCatId=14
RIP in peace David. As someone else said, the end of an era. The 1950's TV family died with David.

Sorry to learn of this. Always enjoyed the show and the people who put it together. R.I.P.

:(

:rip:

:rip: David. May Heaven be filled with laughter because the Nelsons are there to entertain, befuddle, and wisecrack everyone :)

I'm old enough that I watched O&H when it first aired. I was a preteen, and all my girlfriends were in love with Ricky. Not me! I was head over heels in love with David. He seemed so kind and easy-going, and the connection between David and his parents was obviously genuine and warm. Now the family is together again. I miss them all.

Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky are all together again.




That's the first thing I thought. They are now all together again. :)

Matthew and Gunnar posted it on their Facebook page. I couldn't help but cry when I read about it.

RIP, David.

I'm so sorry to hear this for the family.
May God be with them at this time of sorrow.

David was a real class act and a true gentleman (like all the Nelsons--true gentlemen and ladies). Like his parents and brother before him, he will be truly and sorely missed.

Here's a link to a gallery of photos of David and the other Nelsons:

http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/remembering_david_nelson#tab=most_recent

David seemed like such a genuinely nice person and was very talented.

RIP

I was so shocked and saddened to read of David's death. He was wonderful. Best wishes to The Nelson Family.

Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky are all together again.

God rest them all. :rip:

Just heard the news... so sorry to hear of David's passing... :(

I am very saddened to hear this. May he rest in peace. He was a wonderful man and the bedrock of the family these last decades.

I remember when Rick died, then Harriet, now David, truly is a sad day. I really enjoyed his commentary tracks on the O&H dvd's, was hoping there would be more. Had no idea he was in poor health. The last time I saw him on tv was Larry King's show on the 20th anniversary of Rick's death. The mourning is for our loss, I know it's a very happy reunion in heaven for America's Favorite Family.

I'm sad to hear this news as well. God bless you David.

Still sad and in shock over hearing of Dave's death.

One thing irritates me everytime I read one of Dave's obituary
I see the same errors in all. I know they all take their information from the same source when putting together their own stories, and it's not all that big a deal in the great scheme of things, but I can't help but thinking, you can at least get the facts right about the show and do right by David.

- and yes, that is a take on the little home movie Ozzie had made for Harriet while she was off shooting a movie. Ozzie's home movie was about David, a baby and having no hair, called "Doing Right by David" I belive it may be a bonus material item on one of the shout O&H sets. I first saw it in David's tribute to Ricky; Rick Nelson: A brother Remembers.

Look at this paragraph there are so many errors in it.

"The show, which originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," ran for 320 episodes from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" on ABC. On the radio show, the boys were portrayed by pros, but they persuaded their parents to allow them to play themselves for the smallscreen. "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" was shot in the Nelson family home in the Hollywood foothills, which remains a popular attraction for visitors on Hollywood celebrity bus tours."


I am happy to report that the AP has corrected some of the information.

"Exterior scenes for "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" were shot outside the Nelson family home in the Hollywood foothills, and it remains a popular attraction for visitors on celebrity bus tours. The home's interior was mirrored on a studio sound stage where the series was shot."

And the AP acknoweldges that the update is to correct information

"(This version CORRECTS that interior shots of Nelson home were shot on a studio sound stage, not at the family house.)"


I can't believe how on New Years Eve, I was thinking that I couldn't believe it had actually been 25 years since we lost Rick and now 11 days after that awful milestone anniversary later we lost Dave.
:( :( :( :(

All I can add to this is :(

Same here, first thing I saw. He will be missed. I lost an aunt to colon cancer four weeks ago and another friend to lung cancer this week. This is a horrible illness and I pray for a cure in my lifetime.

The Nelsons are surely having a family reunion in Heaven now.

Yes, they are probably catching up, and reminising over a bowl of Tutti Fruiti Ice Cream.

I feel like watching the episode David's 17th birthday and enjoying the home movies of Dave as a baby.

I feel like watching the episode David's 17th birthday and enjoying the home movies of Dave as a baby.

I actually did just that! I watched the version on the Shout! Factory set (short though it is) so that I could hear David & Sam's commentary. As another poster said, I had hoped that maybe we would see another DVD release with more commentaries by Dave; obviously that won't happen now.:(

On a related note, I was looking recently at the Ricky "Rick" Nelson facebook page (as it's called), and Sam had made a posting on the wall announcing a new Ozzie and Harriet Enterprises facebook page, and if memory serves me correctly, he even said something about plans or a forthcoming announcement, so, even though Dave unfortunately won't be around to participate, perhaps Sam is going to do something to finally make more O&H episodes available to us. Let's hope so!

:rip: John Dye
:rip: Margaret Whiting
:rip: David Nelson

I hate to get off topic, so I will write two postings, I just wanted to add that I believe the first real celebrity death of 2011 and much overlooked was the beautiful Anne Francis, mainly known from her "Honey West" series and thankfully available on DVD. Now to Beloved David........

We all must pass on, as they say the only things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes.....I write all this with respect and perhaps some with Nelson humor....my avatar and signature hasn't changed since the day I put it up, one reason is I like it, the other being true....I live half a mile from Ridgefield Park, NJ...the town Ozzie Nelson called home.....it is a small town and wonderfully described in Ozzies' book published shortly before his death....he described an area that had dramatically changed when he visited in approx. early 1970...and I slightly dissagree and agree, (they call it "progress" I guess) but being a life long resident (age 48) believe it or not, there hasn't been much of a change....it is a town that proudly holds the record in the nation for the most consecutive 4th of July parades at over 110 years....it literally still has a Main street filled with local shops and restaurants, sadly the last historic one film movie house "The Rialto" finally had to close recently. Perhaps people in middle America would find these things not so odd or unique, but in the New York Metro area which is as diverse as most in America, a small town much like Mayberry or the town the show portrayed still does exsist and does have a real "Ozzie Nelson Drive" dedicated to their home town hero....I attended the dedication ceremony in the 90's where Ozzies brother, Gunner & Matthew also attended with a audience "crowd" of about 100 just milling about peacefully....Rest in Peace dear David Nelson as the last surviving member of "America's Favorite Family, The Nelsons"

Proudly Living Near "Ozzie Nelson Drive"

All four Nelsons are united in Heaven.

PS-What I hear David's nephews from the band Nelson have a new album coming next month...I hope they remember David....

I am very saddened to hear this. May he rest in peace. He was a wonderful man and the bedrock of the family these last decades.
Rich, I thought of you immediately when I heard this sad news. I'm sure it's hit you hard, being such a devoted fan. It's hard to believe that the four of them are gone. They were such a wonderful family. :(


http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/remembering_david_nelson#tab=most_recent

All four Nelsons are united in Heaven.


http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo190/BoxingLady/Television/OzzieandHarriet.jpg

I love what Gunnar said in the press release: "I’m sure that Grandpa Ozzie, Grandma Harriet, and our Pop Rick were all waiting for him to welcome him Home when his time came."

Can ya'll imagine that reunion?! It makes me smile to think of it!

I hate to get off topic, so I will write two postings, I just wanted to add that I believe the first real celebrity death of 2011 and much overlooked was the beautiful Anne Francis, mainly known from her "Honey West" series and thankfully available on DVD. Now to Beloved David........

Anne Francis wasn't overlooked.

Rich, I thought of you immediately when I heard this sad news. I'm sure it's hit you hard, being such a devoted fan. It's hard to believe that the four of them are gone. They were such a wonderful family. :(


http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/remembering_david_nelson#tab=most_recent

You are the best! What a kind & thoughtful post and the pictures are wonderful. It did hit me hard, I just felt this large force of sadness come over me. Every time I watch an ep with him I feel sick. He wasn't even that old. 74. I had always wanted to meet him too, but I'm not the type to impose myself and I always sensed he was a private man. But I really admired him.

My great aunt's husband was a talent agent way back in the '10s '20s & 30's. Their wall had dozens of photos of stars from this time: Ed Wynn, Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson and a YOUNG Ozzie Nelson - he must have been in his mid 20s at the time - it may have been when he first met Harriet-before they were married. My great aunt gave me the photo about a year before she passed and I've always wanted to give the photo to someone in the Nelson family. I'm going to make a resolution now to meet someone in the Nelson family this yr and give it to them. (I sure wish I gotten up the nerve to contact someone in the Nelson family). I really going to try to do it this year.

Thanks again for the really nice thought Janice. You rock.

Link (http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/01/12/2011-01-12_david_nelson_defined_by_brother_ricky_nelson_ozzie_and_harriet_costar_teen_idol_.html#ixzz1AxwheCK8)

In death as in life, David Nelson was defined by somebody else.

He was the older brother of Ricky Nelson, teen idol and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. He was the last surviving member of the Nelsons, radio and TV's impossibly perfect Ozzie and Harriet Nelson family.

To his credit and doubtless a big boost to his sanity, David Nelson never seemed to resent the shadows in which he walked.

It was "a big burden," he once admitted, to have to maintain that radio/TV façade of family perfection. But if his own life wasn't perfect, he navigated it well.

He graduated from USC and ended up, despite the mild trepidation of his parents, going into the family business, which was show business.

By the early 1960s he was directing episodes of the "Ozzie and Harriet" TV show, and he went on to direct hundreds more productions. He also continued working as an actor, appearing in shows like "Peyton Place" and eventually establishing himself as a solid character actor.

That's not as easy as it sounds when you were once as recognizable as David Nelson. Just ask Marcia Brady.

In many ways, David Nelson's biggest triumph was living a normal life from an abnormal world.

Even though Ozzie's seeming lack of employment became legendary during the 1952-1966 run of the TV show, Ozzie and Harriet were major stars in the big band world when David was born in 1936.


Both parents, particularly Harriet, tried very hard to keep the kids out of that world. They lived in New Jersey before they moved to L.A. and friends say when Harriet wasn't singing with the band, she was baking cookies and being the neighborhood Mom -- exactly the character she would play on radio and then TV.

It wasn't until 1948, when David was 12 and Ricky 8, that they were allowed to play themselves on the program.

They immediately became huge favorites -- particularly Ricky, who got the best lines because he was younger and had a great pipsqueak voice.

That wasn't a reflection on David. It was just the way sitcom drama works. Like Tony Dow with Jerry Mathers on "Leave It to Beaver," David was usually the straight man.

"I didn't resent it," David said years later, "When Ricky said something funny, I laughed."

There have been some suggestions over the years that "Ozzie & Harriet" was an early prototype reality show, since the storylines often so closely paralleled the real Nelson lives.

That's a stretch. Like "I Love Lucy," which ran at the same time and took much of its inspiration from the real lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, "Ozzie & Harriet" at the end of the day was a scripted show.

Viewers of "I Love Lucy" never knew Lucy and Desi were moving toward a bitter divorce, and viewers of "Ozzie & Harriet" didn't know the real Nelson family, either.

And odd as it sounds in an age when celebrity oversharing has become epidemic, that wasn't a bad thing.

David Nelson, ultimately, was a kind of bridge between his parents' generation and his younger brother's.

You look at David and you see a lot of Ozzie, right down to the smooth wavy hair that drove all the ladies wild in Ozzie's prime.

Then you look at Ricky and his hair is straight, slicked back, a little shiny. Ricky isn't Ozzie any more. He's Elvis.

David seemed to grasp that passing of the pop culture torch. So he took a step back. He worked behind the camera, he acted in the background.

It was a good, solid living, and frankly, it kept him out of some of the traumas with which Ricky eventually collided.

David Nelson navigated tricky waters well. That's a good life

Wow. This is just shocking. All of the Nelsons are together again. R.I.P. David. You will be missed. :(

Anne Francis wasn't overlooked.

I guess my point (good grief) is I am sorry if I missed your posting re: the death of Anne Francis, but I couldn't find it, but your post said in this thread was "That's 3" referring to the long time silly notion that celebrities die in 3's...considering it is january 13, 2011....then where were the other two with anne francis?, then making 6 celebrity deaths in 13 days? or has been 9?, 12?, 15?....what is the statue of limitations between deaths?, is it hours?, days?, weeks? hopefully you now realize how silly this all is!, especially during this nations time of mourning that it is totally rediculous that this thread had to have a rebuttle(s) from just a short remark in a separate post, did anyone read or comment on the long posting that followed regarding the subject of this thread?...the death of beloved David Nelson, whom I recently had writings with re: a long time talked about here business opportunity with the Nelson estate, but i chose to keep those conversations private and keep the tribute to him and his beloved fathers hometown where I reside very close.

Here is a nice article on Dave with some remarks from Matthew.


David Nelson as behind-the-scenes heroBy RANDY LEWIS
Los Angeles Times
Related:
http://www.latimes.com/
More News
Martha Stewart gets stitches after dog strikes lip Octomom to talk about her finances on `Oprah' It's a make or break season for 'American Idol' Appreciation: David Nelson, 1936-2011 Satirical newspaper sees new prime-time comedies as logical extension Ex-'30 Rock' accountant accused of forging checks 'Boston' Rob and Russell returning to 'Survivor' Appreciation: David Nelson, 1936-2011 Bar patron breaks 'Saved by the Bell' portrait; says he didn't like that character Paris Hilton to star in Oxygen reality TV show 'Boston' Rob and Russell returning to 'Survivor' Golden Globes pump up the star power with presenters Skeet Ulrich exits in cast shuffle for "LOLA" Pending Comcast deal muzzles NBC with reporters Showtime says no to `The Kennedys' miniseries David Nelson as behind-the-scenes hero Oscar-winner Fellowes takes seat in House of Lords 'American Idol' judges good to go Golden-voiced Ohio homeless man headed to rehab Hugh Hefner's ex not OK with his engagement During the long television run in the 1950s and '60s of "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet," the couple's older son, David Nelson, played the straight man, setting up the antics and often being on the receiving end of punch lines doled out by his wisecracking younger brother, "the irrepressible Ricky."

Not only didn't he mind being given a job often described as thankless, but in real life David Nelson, who died Tuesday at 74, took on a role few of the millions of viewers who watched the Nelson boys grow up ever knew about: behind-the-scenes hero.

That came about after Rick Nelson died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve in 1985, a tragedy that rocked the surviving members of "America's favorite family - the Nelsons," as they were introduced at the beginning of each week's show.

Rick Nelson had been on tour playing the music that had been the source of great passion for him long before he first sang on TV in 1957, around the time he turned 17, performing Fats Domino's "I'm Walking." That record reportedly sold 1 million copies within a week after the show aired, an early demonstration of the power and reach of the still-young medium.

Rick's music career had a series of ups and downs, but he continued recording and touring for two decades after his heyday as America's original teen idol. At the time of the plane crash, which also took the lives of six other people, he'd been divorced, nastily, from his wife, Kristin, and was often separated for long periods from their four children: twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, who became pop stars in their own right in the '90s, their sister Tracy and younger brother Sam.

"When my dad died, it happened so suddenly, but through his own grief David managed not only to take care of my grandmother (Harriet) - and it was just horrible for her - but he really protected Rick's kids," Matthew Nelson, 43, said Wednesday from aboard the cruise ship on which he and Gunnar are performing a show that pays tribute to their father's life and career. By extension, it also highlights David's role in the family.

"David was the executor of the estate, and frankly the estate was really a mess at the time because of all kinds of things: divorce, debt, so many different things. It took a long time, and it was a long struggle for him to straighten things out," Matthew said.

"I really got to see what kind of character he had when my father passed away," Matthew said. "He was the guy that stepped up to the plate and said, 'I'm going to do this for my brother and for his kids.' I'll always thank him for that."

Because Matthew and Gunnar have devoted significant time in recent years to their "Ricky Nelson Remembered" show, they regularly encounter audience members who tell them about the special bond they feel with the Nelson family.

"That will never happen again," he said. "People felt like our family was their family." Ozzie died at 68 in 1975, and Harriet followed nearly 20 years later, in 1994, at age 85.

Most of the twins' time nowadays is spent doing either the Rick Nelson tribute show or touring with their own music. Matthew said their brother Sam took over responsibilities working closely with their uncle on projects involving "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" show. Those projects went onto the back burner in recent years when David began battling the colon cancer that took his life this week.

"One blessing Gunnar and I had was that when our father passed, we realized we have an amazing legacy of his music, and we feel fortunate that we get to play it from time to time," he said. "The 'Ozzie & Harriet' show is still around and I hope we can work with David's family so that America gets to see more of it.

"When I look at the episodes and go through them, we're serious about preserving that legacy and forwarding it into the future, and for the kids I intend to have, because they're our home movies. And it would not have worked without David. He was the quintessential straight man. He set up all the jokes, and it would not have worked without him, on so many different levels. You see how talented he was."



Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/13/2581802/david-nelson-as-behind-the-scenes.html#ixzz1B18AgVxM

Here's another one.

An Appreciation: David Nelson's balancing act
It was easy to underestimate his contributions to the family's sitcom, 'The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet,' but David Nelson — with his natural style — was an integral part of it.
By Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times Television Critic
January 14, 2011

David Nelson, the last of the Ozzie-and-Harriet Nelsons, has died. On the deceptive face of it, David, who passed away Tuesday at age 74, was the least colorful member of the first family of situation comedy: One would say, within the context of the series, that he was his mother's son — practical, serious, down to earth — as goofy, dreamy, pop star Ricky was his father's. Eventually, he became a director of the series, as Ozzie had been before him, suggesting that he was his father's son. in fact, and he later produced the spinoff "Ozzie's Girls," in which the room he had once shared with his brother was rented to a couple of what were then called coeds.

TV's "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" succeeded a radio show of the same name, where David and Ricky first took on the job of playing versions of themselves. (They were preceded in that role by "professional actors.") That the Nelsons of the air were also the Nelsons of the real world was crucial to the show's fanciful naturalism — its throwaway genius — giving the scripts' most eccentric turns an air of the everyday. "Ozzie and Harriet" is sometimes mistakenly considered an icon of idealized postwar normalcy, but the family was stranger and more singular than that.

It's easy to underestimate David's contribution to this comedy, but, just as there was no Beatles without George (or Ringo, if you prefer), David was essential to the music the Nelsons made. (More than any TV family before or since, this was a congregation of equals.) His easy and natural way with a line, if it did not portend a flourishing career in the dramatic arts, was perfectly tuned to the pitch of the parallel reality in which he lived, on radio and television, for nearly two decades. And however the "self" David played accorded or did not accord with the person he was off-screen, he inhabited the character with aplomb. It's worth pointing out too that although kid brother Ricky was cast as the comedian — in the opening credits, David was described simply as "the older of the Nelson Boys," while Ricky was "irrepressible" — David was not a straight man: He had his share of laugh lines embedded into the banter.

It's a question of balance and teamwork. For the 1959 movie "The Big Circus," one of his rare non-"Ozzie and Harriet" roles, Nelson trained as a trapeze artist, a new skill that inevitably found its way into the sitcom (and several editions of "Circus of the Stars"). Significantly, he was a catcher.

I guess my point (good grief) is I am sorry if I missed your posting re: the death of Anne Francis, but I couldn't find it, but your post said in this thread was "That's 3" referring to the long time silly notion that celebrities die in 3's...considering it is january 13, 2011....then where were the other two with anne francis?, then making 6 celebrity deaths in 13 days? or has been 9?, 12?, 16?....what is the statue of limitations between deaths?, is it hours?, days?, weeks? hopefully you now realize how silly this all is!, especially during this nations time of mourning that it is totally rediculous that this thread had to have a rebuttle(s) from just a short remark in a separate post, did anyone read or comment on the long posting that followed regarding the subject of this thread?...the death of beloved David Nelson, whom I recently had writings with re: a long time talked about here business opportunity with the Nelson estate, but i chose to keep those conversations private and keep the tribute to him and his beloved fathers hometown where I reside very close.

First of all, if my "That's 3" comment has made you upset then I suggest reporting the post and let the proper person deal with it.

Also, this isn't a silly notion, most here would agree that these deaths almost always happen in 3's. The statute of limitations as you call it depends on the individual. I personally have a 3 day limit but it may vary for others

For the record, the ones in conjunction with Anne Francis were Gerry Rafferty and Patricia Smith.

Finally, here's the link to the Anne Francis thread.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=277568

Here's another one.

An Appreciation: David Nelson's balancing act
It was easy to underestimate his contributions to the family's sitcom, 'The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet,' but David Nelson — with his natural style — was an integral part of it.
By Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times Television Critic
January 14, 2011

David Nelson, the last of the Ozzie-and-Harriet Nelsons, has died. On the deceptive face of it, David, who passed away Tuesday at age 74, was the least colorful member of the first family of situation comedy: One would say, within the context of the series, that he was his mother's son — practical, serious, down to earth — as goofy, dreamy, pop star Ricky was his father's. Eventually, he became a director of the series, as Ozzie had been before him, suggesting that he was his father's son. in fact, and he later produced the spinoff "Ozzie's Girls," in which the room he had once shared with his brother was rented to a couple of what were then called coeds.

TV's "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" succeeded a radio show of the same name, where David and Ricky first took on the job of playing versions of themselves. (They were preceded in that role by "professional actors.") That the Nelsons of the air were also the Nelsons of the real world was crucial to the show's fanciful naturalism — its throwaway genius — giving the scripts' most eccentric turns an air of the everyday. "Ozzie and Harriet" is sometimes mistakenly considered an icon of idealized postwar normalcy, but the family was stranger and more singular than that.

It's easy to underestimate David's contribution to this comedy, but, just as there was no Beatles without George (or Ringo, if you prefer), David was essential to the music the Nelsons made. (More than any TV family before or since, this was a congregation of equals.) His easy and natural way with a line, if it did not portend a flourishing career in the dramatic arts, was perfectly tuned to the pitch of the parallel reality in which he lived, on radio and television, for nearly two decades. And however the "self" David played accorded or did not accord with the person he was off-screen, he inhabited the character with aplomb. It's worth pointing out too that although kid brother Ricky was cast as the comedian — in the opening credits, David was described simply as "the older of the Nelson Boys," while Ricky was "irrepressible" — David was not a straight man: He had his share of laugh lines embedded into the banter.

It's a question of balance and teamwork. For the 1959 movie "The Big Circus," one of his rare non-"Ozzie and Harriet" roles, Nelson trained as a trapeze artist, a new skill that inevitably found its way into the sitcom (and several editions of "Circus of the Stars"). Significantly, he was a catcher.

Thank you for these wonderful articles ILUVO&H. What good taste us Ozzie & Harriet fans have - to appreciate this great family and show.

We all must pass on, as they say the only things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes.....I write all this with respect and perhaps some with Nelson humor....my avatar and signature hasn't changed since the day I put it up, one reason is I like it, the other being true....I live half a mile from Ridgefield Park, NJ...the town Ozzie Nelson called home.....it is a small town and wonderfully described in Ozzies' book published shortly before his death....he described an area that had dramatically changed when he visited in approx. early 1970...and I slightly dissagree and agree, (they call it "progress" I guess) but being a life long resident (age 48) believe it or not, there hasn't been much of a change....it is a town that proudly holds the record in the nation for the most consecutive 4th of July parades at over 110 years....it literally still has a Main street filled with local shops and restaurants, sadly the last historic one film movie house "The Rialto" finally had to close recently. Perhaps people in middle America would find these things not so odd or unique, but in the New York Metro area which is as diverse as most in America, a small town much like Mayberry or the town the show portrayed still does exsist and does have a real "Ozzie Nelson Drive" dedicated to their home town hero....I attended the dedication ceremony in the 90's where Ozzies brother, Gunner & Matthew also attended with a audience "crowd" of about 100 just milling about peacefully....Rest in Peace dear David Nelson as the last surviving member of "America's Favorite Family, The Nelsons"

Proudly Living Near "Ozzie Nelson Drive"


I envy you being there at the dedication ceremony...wished I had discovered show early than 1997 but sadly I didn't....I was a toddler and grade-schooler during most of it orig. run - and it must be cool living near a "landmark." And I know I've said it before but I'll say it again....THAT IS ONE KILLER AV! :heart: it. The best one on SO imho.

I envy you being there at the dedication ceremony...wished I had discovered show early than 1997 but sadly I didn't....I was a toddler and grade-schooler during most of it orig. run - and it must be cool living near a "landmark." And I know I've said it before but I'll say it again....THAT IS ONE KILLER AV! :heart: it. The best one on SO imho.

You are extremely kind and I appreciate you taking the time to read my "close to home" thoughts and commenting on them for the real purpose of this thread....I recently visited the house that still stands today on Teaneck Road, in Ridgefield Park, NJ....the next door neighbor came out and I had about a half hour talk with her, Ozzie's House was recently sold and the owners had just got finished some major renovations, but it still retains its' original character, this is a town full of old time colonial homes....the neighbor told me that about 5 people still come around a year and take pictures of the house....how nice....the local library and school also have historical display areas to Ozzie as well.

You are extremely kind and I appreciate you taking the time to read my "close to home" thoughts and commenting on them for the real purpose of this thread....I recently visited the house that still stands today on Teaneck Road, in Ridgefield Park, NJ....the next door neighbor came out and I had about a half hour talk with her, Ozzie's House was recently sold and the owners had just got finished some major renovations, but it still retains its' original character, this is a town full of old time colonial homes....the neighbor told me that about 5 people still come around a year and take pictures of the house....how nice....the local library and school also have historical display areas to Ozzie as well.


If I ever find my way there, I'd be taking pictures of me in front of the house, and me in front of the street sign.

That's great that there are still some fans knowledgeable enough in the Nelson family to even be able to find Ozzie's childhood home and dedicated enough make the pilgrimage to pay their respects to Ozzie.

Is the high school there in Ridgefield Park the same one that Ozzie attended?

I work dealing with college students and their college loans, and everytime someone calls in who attends Rutgers, I think of Ozzie.

If I ever find my way there, I'd be taking pictures of me in front of the house, and me in front of the street sign.

That's great that there are still some fans knowledgeable enough in the Nelson family to even be able to find Ozzie's childhood home and dedicated enough make the pilgrimage to pay their respects to Ozzie.

Is the high school there in Ridgefield Park the same one that Ozzie attended?

I work dealing with college students and their college loans, and everytime someone calls in who attends Rutgers, I think of Ozzie.

Yes I believe the high school remains the same, as there are still some historical items on display re: athletics....As mentioned in Ozzies' autobiography he was quite the athlete through college. This is very important for you and any other reader considering a visit to Ozzie's original home...I wish I had the exact house number with me, but the book is not handy at this time....you being a big fan probably have his book, but he mentions that the Ridgefield Park house number was changed, he gives the old number and new number, so unless you follow Ozzie's instructions printed back in 1973, you could easily find yourself at the wrong house and not know it! I will try and follow up within a few weeks and write the correct address on Teaneck Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ.....BTW...one of the neighboring towns is simply called Ridgefield, then of course there is Palisades Park, not where the famous over 100 year old amusement park stood, that was in Cliffside Park! New Jersey it is wonderful, but confusing, but we can go to the "country" (sussex county), sking, hiking, gambling (Atlantic City), of course both New York football teams play here and we have at least 12 major malls, historic Cape May and yes "The Jersey Shore" and some famous housewives...lol....and something called NYC is minutes away!

On the Screen Actor's Guild Awards last night, during the "In Memorium" segment, they honored David w/a quick clip from the show when he and Ricky were little!

Thanks for the info Goldi. Nice to know Dave was remembered.

Wish I had known, I would have watched just to seen that.

I'm still in shock and depressed over losing Dave! I always wanted to meet him. Seemed like such a nice guy. Both he and his brother (and Dad and Mom, too) died too young! :(

...with Tracy and Sam.

http://www.contactmusic.com/pics/lc/tv_memories_stamp_120809/sam_nelson_5335043.jpg

...with Tracy and Sam.

http://www.contactmusic.com/pics/lc/tv_memories_stamp_120809/sam_nelson_5335043.jpg

That is a GREAT picture. Thanks Goldilocks!

Ozzie Nelson lived from 1911 thru 1927, in the same house at 370 (later changed to 378) Teaneck Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ.

I saw the title of this thread and thought "He died again?"

;)