‘Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet’ star David Nelson dies at 74

David Nelson, the last surviving member of the family who starred on “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” has passed away at the age of 74 due to colon cancer.

Along with his brother Ricky, and parents Ozzie and Harriet, David Nelson starred on the longest running live-action show on American TV for fourteen years, beginning in 1952. While Ricky Nelson went on to become a musician, David continued in television and film, acting and directing in his later years. (His last feature film appearance was in “Cry-Baby.”)

Of growing up in front of the cameras, David said in 1971:

“We would keep up the front of this totally problemless, happy-go-lucky group,” he said. “There might have been a tremendous battle in our home, but if someone from outside came in, it would be as if the director yelled, ‘Roll ’em,’ We’d fall right into our stage roles.

“It’s an awfully big load to carry, to be everyone’s fantasy family.”

Nelson is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren. Memorial services and his burial will be held Thursday.