Learn About Ozzie Nelson: Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Early Life and Career

Oswald George Nelson, better known as Ozzie Nelson, was born on March 20, 1906, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the son of Ethel Irene (Roy) and George Waldemar Nelson, both of Swedish descent. Ozzie showed an interest in music from a young age and learned to play the saxophone while attending Rutgers University, where he also played football and coached the school's team.

After graduating from college, Ozzie started his music career by forming his own band. He funded his band's performances by collecting unsold newspapers and returning them to the newspaper offices for a profit. The Ozzie Nelson Orchestra quickly gained popularity, and in 1935, they released the hit song "And Then Some," which topped the U.S. pop singles chart for a week.

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

Ozzie's big break in the entertainment industry came when he and his wife, vocalist Harriet Hilliard, were cast in the radio show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet in 1944. The show followed the fictionalized lives of the Nelson family and was a huge success on the airwaves.

In 1952, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet made the transition to television, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history. Ozzie both produced and starred in the show, which featured his real-life sons, David and Ricky, as his on-screen children. The show ran for 14 seasons and was beloved by audiences across America.

Personal Life

Ozzie Nelson married Harriet Hilliard in 1935, and the couple remained together until Ozzie's death. They had two sons, David in 1936 and Ricky in 1940. Ricky Nelson would go on to become a successful singer and actor in his own right, following in his father's footsteps.

Throughout his career, Ozzie Nelson appeared in more than 450 episodes of television, showcasing his talent as both an actor and a musician. In addition to his work on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, he also directed the film Love & Kisses in 1965.

Ozzie Nelson passed away on June 3, 1975, at the age of 69. He left behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment, remembered for his contributions to both music and television.

Though gone, Ozzie Nelson's influence continues to be felt, as his family's legacy lives on in the hearts of fans around the world.