Acting · Teaneck, New Jersey, USA · Born May 8, 1940
Eric Hilliard Nelson (May 8, 1940 – December 31, 1985), better known as Ricky Nelson or Rick Nelson, was an American singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and actor. He placed fifty-three songs on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1957 and 1973, including nineteen top-ten hits, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 21, 1987. Nelson began his entertainment career in 1949 playing himself in the radio sitcom series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and, in 1952, appeared in his first feature film, Here Come the Nelsons. In 1957, he recorded his first single, debuted as a singer on the television version of the sitcom, and recorded a number one album, Ricky. In 1958, Nelson recorded his first number one single, "Poor Little Fool", and, in 1959, received a Golden Globe Most Promising Male Newcomer nomination after starring in the western film, Rio Bravo. A few films followed, and, when the television series was cancelled in 1966, Nelson made occasional appearances as a guest star on various television programs. Nelson and Sharon Kristin Harmon were married on April 20, 1963, and divorced in December 1982. They had four children: Tracy Kristine, twin sons Gunnar Eric and Matthew Gray, and Sam Hilliard. On February 14, 1981, a son was born to Nelson and Georgeann Crewe. A blood test in 1985 confirmed Nelson was the child's father. Nelson was engaged to Helen Blair at the time of his death in an airplane crash on December 31, 1985.
Kenny Rogers and Friends
2010
as Self
MovieThe Wrecking Crew
2008
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
MovieRicky Nelson Sings
2005
MovieLa Classe américaine
1993
as George's Friend (archive footage)
MovieDeath In Hollywood
1990
MovieHappy Birthday, Mr. Christian
1984
as Mr. Christian
MovieHigh School U.S.A.
1984
as Principal Pete Kinney
MovieMen Who Rate a 10
1980
as Self
TVSolid Gold
1980
as Self
MovieThree on a Date
1978
as Bob Oakes
TVThe Love Boat
1977
as Ted Wilcox
TVThe Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries
1977
MovieThe Shootist
1976
as Books' Fellow Lawman in Flashback (archive footage / uncredited)
TVSaturday Night Live
1975
as Self - Host
TVDinah!
1974
as Self
TVPetrocelli
1974
as Country Boy White
MovieSonic Boom
1974
as Jess of the Van
MovieEasy to Be Free
1973
as Himself
TVRock Concert
1973
as Self
MovieThe Men Who Made the Movies: Howard Hawks
1973
as Self (archive footage)
TVThe Streets of San Francisco
1972
MovieFol-de-Rol
1972
as The Minstrel (as Rick Nelson)
TVOwen Marshall: Counselor at Law
1971
as Vic
MovieThe Resurrection of Broncho Billy
1970
as Voice Over
TVMcCloud
1970
MovieSwing Out, Sweet Land
1970
as Confederate Soldier
The Jim Nabors Hour
1969
MovieThe Over the Hill Gang
1969
as Jeff Rose
TVThe Johnny Cash Show
1969
as Self
MovieThe Movie Orgy
1968
as Self (archive footage)
TVHondo
1967
Malibu U
1967
as Self - Host
MovieOn the Flip Side
1966
as Carlos O'Connor
TVABC Stage 67
1966
as Carlos O'Connor
MovieLove and Kisses
1965
as Buzzy Pringle
TVMiss USA
1963
as Self - Performer
TVThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1962
as Self (archive footage)
TVThe Mike Douglas Show
1961
as Self
MovieThe Wackiest Ship in the Army
1960
as Tommy Hanson
MovieDisneyland '59
1959
as Self
MovieRio Bravo
1959
as Colorado Ryan
MovieThe Story of Three Loves
1953
as Young Tommy
TVGeneral Electric Theater
1953
as Lonnie Follett
TVThe Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
1952
as Ricky
MovieHere Come the Nelsons
1952
as Ricky Nelson
TVWhat's My Line?
1950
as Self - Mystery Guest
TVThe Ed Sullivan Show
1948
as Self
MovieRicky Nelson & Fats Domino - Rockin' With Rick and Fats
