David Nelson - Actor Profile

David Nelson

Acting
Updated: May 10, 2026
21Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 24, 1936
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About David Nelson

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.

David Nelson Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of David Nelson reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 21 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of David Nelson's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 48% of David Nelson's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Love and Kisses, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best David Nelson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from David Nelson's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie David Nelson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1999 Television: The First Fifty Years Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1995 The Courtyard Cop Flop Similar →
1990 Cry-Baby Wanda's Father Hit Similar →
1987 Off the Mark Current Resident Flop Similar →
1983 High School U.S.A. Mr. Krinsky, Janitor Average Similar →
1979 In Search of Historic Jesus Leper Average Similar →
1978 Up in Smoke Roxy Doorman Hit Similar →
1976 Smash-Up on Interstate 5 Berman Average Similar →
1974 Sonic Boom Co-Pilot Average Similar →
1970 Swing Out, Sweet Land Union Soldier Average Similar →
N/A An LA Christmas Story Comedy Club Patron Flop Similar →
1968 The Movie Orgy Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1965 Love and Kisses Cameo Appearance Super Hit Similar →
1961 The Big Show Eric Solden Average Similar →
1959 -30- Earl Collins Average Similar →
1959 The Big Circus Tommy Gordon Hit Similar →
1959 Disneyland '59 Self Hit Similar →
1959 Day of the Outlaw Gene, Bruhn's Gang Hit Similar →
1959 The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker Henry Pennypacker Hit Similar →
1957 Peyton Place Ted Carter Hit Similar →
1952 Here Come the Nelsons David Nelson Hit Similar →

David Nelson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of David Nelson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Nelson is "Love and Kisses" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has David Nelson acted in?

David Nelson has been featured in at least 21 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by David Nelson?

Other notable films include "Disneyland '59", "The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker", and "Here Come the Nelsons".

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