This preeminent sitcom dad of the 50s had already started things off studying law when he decided to put together a dance band in the 20s on the sly. The band was so successful that he never looked back -- his love for entertaining completely took over. The New Jersey-born performer made a living for a time playing hotels and casinos on the East coast, capitalizing on an easy-going singing style. In 1932 'Harriet Nelson' , which was syndicated to local stations, but the show had an outdated feel to it and lasted a mere season. One of his very few failures. Ozzie died in Laguna Beach, California of liver cancer in 1975 at age 69.
Father, with singer-actress Harriet Nelson Nelson, of actor-director David Nelson and of actor-singer Ricky Nelson.
Interred at Forest Lawn (Hollywood Hills), Hollywood, California, USA, on the right as you enter, on the steep slope under the third tree, two rows below son Ricky Nelson.
Before they got their own radio show , Ozzie and Harriet were regulars on Red Skeltons radio show.
Shortly before his death, Ozzie Nelson published his autobiography, in which he shocked many of his Bible-belt fans by revealing that he was a lifelong atheist.
At the age of 13, he became one of the youngest persons to become an Eagle Scout.
His portrayal of himself on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952) , was ranked #21 in TV Guides list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].
Son of Swedish immigrants.
He graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey with a Bachelors degree and earned a law degree from Rutgers Newark School of Law in Newark, New Jersey in 1930.
Was made a doctor of humane letters by Rutgers University in 1957.
He and Harriet were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 6260 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Pictured with wife Harriet Nelson Nelson on a 44 USA commemorative postage stamp, issued 11 August 2009, in the Early TV Memories issue, honoring "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952) .
Brother of Don Nelson.
He and Ricky Nelson were nominated for the 2017 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts category.
