THE HAT SQUAD: DAVID NELSON

David Nelson, along with his parents Ozzie and Harriet, and his brother Rick, was a true multiversal. Nelson, who passed away at the age of 74 the other day, was known more for being a member of the League of Themselves in Toobworld than as an actor, playing himself on his parents' long-running sitcom.

Of course, he started out as we all do, part of the Trueniverse, the real world. But in 1949, he took over the role of himself in Ozzie and Harriet's radio show. When the program was transferred to television in 1952, David Nelson gained a televersion, and one of the longest-running ones at that - 'The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet' ran 14 years! That seems incredible today for a sitcom - 'Cheers', 'Frasier', and 'M*A*S*H' couldn't do it - especially with a premise that was so ordinary.

And in between the radio and TV shows, the Nelsons also appeared in a movie called "Here Come The Nelsons" in which they had top billing over Jim Backus, Gale Gordon, Sheldon Leonard... and Rock Hudson! David Nelson's televersion didn't lead the same life as he did in real life. Although he tried a few more acting projects after 'Ozzie & Harriet' concluded its run in 1966, he turned his attention to directing. But the David Nelson of Toobworld became a lawyer. Perhaps in later years he got back into entertainment, but on the business side.....

David Nelson was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ricky; the supporting players from the main cast have also long since gone. With his passing the door closes on another segment of Classic TV.
Good night and may God bless.

BCnU....