David Nelson

David Nelson grew up before America's eyes; he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself for all 14 seasons of the popular family sitcom "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," which was based largely around his family, and later worked as a TV producer and director. David was born in New York City, raised in New Jersey, and moved to California when his parents decided to stop touring with their eponymous band and embark upon a stable radio career. "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," went on the air in 1944 but David and his younger brother Ricky didn't appear until a few years later. The program followed the everyday lives of Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky and became a major radio hit all across the country. In 1952 the Nelson family appeared in the comedy film "Here Come the Nelsons," which was followed by the TV premiere of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet."

The series, which ran from 1952 until 1966, became a symbol of suburban life in '50s America and stands as the longest continuously-aired live action sitcom in television history. David later directed several episodes of the half-hour series while branching out with roles in more serious films like the Esther Williams drama "The Big Show" and the melodramatic "Peyton Place," where he portrayed the son of a domineering New England woman. In 1990 David appeared as an oblivious father in John Waters' cult film "Cry-Baby," which later became an award-winning Broadway musical.