Ed Nelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed Nelson
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Nelson as Dr. Michael Rossi in Peyton Place
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Edwin Stafford Nelson
December 21, 1928 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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| Died | August 9, 2014 (aged 85) |
| Alma mater | Tulane University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1952–2003 |
| Spouse(s) | Patricia Miller "Patsy" Nelson (m. 1951–2014, his death) |
| Children | 6 |
Edwin Stafford Nelson (born December 21, 1928 – died August 9, 2014) was an American actor. He was best known for playing Dr. Michael Rossi in the popular TV show Peyton Place. During his long career, he acted in over 50 movies, many TV shows, and hundreds of plays.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Ed Nelson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but grew up in North Carolina. He went to Edwards Military Institute and Camp Lejeune High School. There, he enjoyed playing both football and basketball.
He started acting while studying at Tulane University in New Orleans. After two years, he left college to learn more about radio and television at a school in New York. Nelson also served in the United States Navy as a radioman on the light cruiser USS Dayton. Later, he worked as a director at a TV station in New Orleans. By 1956, acting became his main focus, and he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream.
Acting Career Highlights
Early in his career, Ed Nelson often worked on "B-movies" (lower-budget films). He even did stunt work for producer Roger Corman in movies like Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957) and A Bucket of Blood (1959). In 1958, he acted in and helped produce a science-fiction horror movie called The Brain Eaters.
Nelson also had many guest roles on popular TV shows. He appeared in westerns such as Maverick, Wagon Train, and Gunsmoke. He also acted in drama and adventure series like Combat!, The Fugitive, and The Twilight Zone. He even appeared twice on Perry Mason, playing a different character each time.
Starring in Peyton Place
In 1964, Ed Nelson got his most famous role: Dr. Michael Rossi in the drama series Peyton Place. He stayed with the show for its entire run, from 1964 to 1969. He later played Dr. Rossi again in two TV movies that continued the story: Murder in Peyton Place and Peyton Place: The Next Generation.
Later Roles and Stage Work
After Peyton Place, Nelson continued to work a lot in TV and movies. He appeared in many popular dramas of the 1970s and 1980s, including Marcus Welby, M.D., Cannon, Mission: Impossible, Dallas, and Murder, She Wrote. He also hosted his own morning talk show, The Ed Nelson Show, for three years.
In the 1980s, Nelson played Senator Mark Denning in the TV show Capitol. He left the show when his character's storyline changed in a way he disagreed with.
Nelson also appeared in many theatrical films, such as Airport 1975 (1974), Midway (1976), and Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986). He spent several years performing on stage as U.S. President Harry S. Truman in a play called Give 'Em Hell, Harry.
Personal Life and Community
While living in Los Angeles, Ed Nelson was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, a union for actors. He was elected to its board for many years. He was also a long-standing member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which is known for the Academy Awards (Oscars).
In the early 1970s, he ran for city council and mayor in San Dimas, California. However, a rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) meant that if he appeared on TV shows, his political opponents would have to be given equal time on TV. This made it difficult for him to continue his acting career and run for office at the same time.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1999, Ed Nelson returned to Tulane University to finish his college degree. He completed it the following year, at age 71! He and his wife, Patsy, enjoyed a semi-retired life, visiting their six children and 14 grandchildren. One of his children, Christopher S. Nelson, also became an actor.
Until 2005, Nelson taught acting and screenwriting at two universities in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his family moved to Sterlington, Louisiana. Later, he moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he received hospice care.
Death
Ed Nelson passed away on August 9, 2014, in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the age of 85. He died from congestive heart failure.
