Ricky Nelson

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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.

Filmography

Movies and shows, newest first

2010
Kenny Rogers and Friends
Movie Self
2008
The Wrecking Crew
Movie Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
2005
Ricky Nelson Sings
Movie
1993
La Classe américaine
Movie George's Friend (archive footage)
1990
Death In Hollywood
Movie
1984
Happy Birthday, Mr. Christian
Movie Mr. Christian
1984
High School U.S.A.
Movie Principal Pete Kinney
1980
Men Who Rate a 10
Movie Self
1980
Solid Gold
TV show Self
1978
Three on a Date
Movie Bob Oakes
1977
The Love Boat
TV show Ted Wilcox
1977
The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries
TV show
1976
The Shootist
Movie Books' Fellow Lawman in Flashback (archive footage / uncredited)
1975
Saturday Night Live
TV show Self - Host
1974
Dinah!
TV show Self
1974
Petrocelli
TV show Country Boy White