Both boys made their movie debuts in the family feature film Here Come the Nelsons (1952), a comedy released about eight months before the family debuted on TV.
Father of Daniel and James from his first marriage. Adopted his second wife's three children after they married 1975.
For the film The Big Circus (1959), he had to learn how to be a catcher in a trapeze act. He later appeared professionally as a catcher.
Growing up on his family's TV show, his character wound up becoming a lawyer before the series ended. In real-life, David took an interest in directing and cut his teeth directing a number of episodes for his dad on the show.
He and Ricky were once dubbed "The Crown Princes of Radio" by Radio Life magazine.
His mother, the singer-actress Harriet Hilliard, appeared with him in the dramatic film Smash-Up on Interstate 5 (1976) (TV).
In 2006, he was nominated for a TV Land Award for "Ozzie and Harriet" and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
Juvenile actor, later TV producer and director.
Married first wife, June Blair, on 20 May 1961 at Forest Lawn Cemetery's Church of the Hills. Brother Ricky Nelson was the best man.
Older brother of actor/singer Ricky Nelson.
Son of Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard.
Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star, for Television, is located at 1501 Vine Street in Hollywood.
Stepfather of John Nelson. Producer/Assistant Director.
Stepfather of Teri Nelson, who was married to Chuck Woolery.
Stopped by a ticket agent at John Wayne Airport after letters in the name "David Nelson" were red flagged for terrorists. Two police officers recognized Nelson and allowed him to board his flight (December 2002).
The radio show began without the Nelson boys. Ozzie and Harriet were hesitant about steering them into show business. However, after a young friend, Lindsay Crosby, made a guest appearance on the radio program with his father, Bing Crosby, the boys campaigned to have their parents let them appear. Ozzie and Harriet eventually relented and the boys were a hit especially when the show transferred to TV.