Haywood Nelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Haywood Nelson
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Nelson in 2007
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Haywood Knowles Nelson Jr.
March 25, 1960 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Spouse(s) | Sheryl Piland (m.1981; div.1984) Diana Ramos (m.1987; div.1998) Khnadya Skye (2014–2020) Paula DeJesus (2023–present) |
| Children | 3 |
Haywood Knowles Nelson Jr. (born March 25, 1960) is an American actor. He is famous for playing Dwayne Nelson in the TV show What's Happening!!. This show was on from 1976 to 1979. He also starred in its follow-up series, What's Happening Now!!, from 1985 to 1988.
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About Haywood Nelson
Haywood Nelson has been working in entertainment for over forty years. He was born in New York City. He started his career very young, at just six years old. He appeared in many national TV commercials. These included ads for popular brands like Campbell's Soup, Polaroid, Hot Wheels, and Burger King.
Early Acting Roles
Haywood appeared in several movies when he was younger. These included Mixed Company and This Property Is Condemned. He also performed on Broadway in a play called Thieves for two years.
He made guest appearances on popular TV shows. He was in an episode of Kojak called "The Godson." When he was 14, he guest-starred on Sanford and Son. He played the grandson of a character named Grady. He then acted in the spin-off series Grady in 1975.
Becoming Dwayne Nelson
In 1976, when Haywood was 16, he got a big role. He was cast as Dwayne in the TV series What's Happening!!. This show became a huge hit for ABC. As Dwayne, Haywood became very popular with teenage viewers. He was one of the first Black teen idols.
After What's Happening!! ended its three seasons, Haywood had a short role on The White Shadow. Later, the cast of What's Happening!! got back together. They made a new show called What's Happening Now!!. This show ran for three seasons in syndication. Haywood also worked as a Technical Director for this series.
Later Career
Haywood Nelson has continued to act. He appeared in a play at New York's Lincoln Center. He also played himself in the movie Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. He made a cameo appearance on the TV show The Parkers.
Haywood Nelson's TV Shows and Movies
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–74 | As the World Turns | Jerry Smith | |
| 1974 | Mixed Company | Freddie | Movie |
| 1975 | Sanford and Son | Haywood Marshall | Episode: "The Family Man" |
| 1975–76 | Grady | Haywood Marshall | Main cast (10 episodes) |
| 1976–79 | What's Happening!! | Dwayne Nelson | Main cast (65 episodes) |
| 1977 | Kojak | Bobby Moore | Episode: "The Godson" |
| 1977 | The Brady Bunch Hour | Dwayne Nelson | Episode #1.8 |
| 1979 | The White Shadow | Randy Judd | Episode: "Sudden Death" |
| 1983-84 | That Teen Show | Haywood Nelson | Co-host |
| 1985–88 | What's Happening Now!! | Dwayne Nelson | Main cast (66 episodes) |
| 1990 | Dragnet | Lyle Peters | Episode: "The Book" |
| 2000 | The Parkers | Himself (cameo) | Episode: "Whassup with Heyyy?" |
| 2003 | Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star | Himself (cameo) | Movie |
