Frank Nelson
(1911 - 1986)One of the most recognizable stars of the 1950s, 60s & 70s on television was Frank Nelson who had to deal with the likes of Jack Benny and Lucille Ball. Slightly rotund with a round face, neatly groomed mustache, bulgy eyes and a most sarcastic demeanor, his trademark was an introductory "Yesssssssss!" whenever he greeted someone. His voice which was also quite memorable had a twinge of sarcasm in it. He was born Frank Brandon Nelson on May 6, 1911 and very little is known of his early years. He worked in radio at the very early age of 15, in Denver, Colorado at station KOA, and throughout most of his career. He was so devoted to his craft that he was a charter member of AFRA (American Federation of Radio Artists) which later became AFTRA when television was added. He served AFTRA up to the time of his death and was, as its President (1954-57), instrumental in securing a decent pension plan for actors. He worked in radio from 1926-1986 appearing on such shows as: "The Great Gildersleeve"; "Lux Radio Theatre"; "Burns & Allen"; "Fibber McGee & Molly" and many others. His film credits, many voice-overs in films and cartoons, include: "Black Legion" (1937) uncredited as Radio Announcer; "Hold 'em Navy" (1937) uncredited as Radio Announcer; "International Crime" (1938) uncredited as E.R.O.M. Announcer; "Gang Bullets" (1938) as Radio Announcer; "Make Mine Freedom" (1948) again uncredited as ISM Salesman; "Beyond Civilization to Texas" (1949) Voice; "The 3 Minnies: Sota, Tonka and Ha-Ha" (1949) Narrator; "Bungle in the Jungle" (1949) Voice; "Romantic Rumbolia" (1949) Voice; "Down Memory Lane" (1949) as Mr. Jefford's Boss; "When You're Smiling" (1950) as a Jeweler, his film debut; "The Milkman" (1950) as Mr. Green; "Fourteen Hours" (1951) as Impatient Hotel Guest; "You Never Can Tell" (1951) as Police Lt. Gilpin; "Here Come the Nelsons" (1952) with TV's Ozzie & Harriet, as Clifford Hastings; "My Pal Gus" (1952) as McNary; "The Clown" (1952) with Red Skelton, as Charlie; "Bonzo Goes to College" (1952) with Ronald Reagan, as Dick; "Remains to Be Seen" (1953) as Fleming; "Money from Home" (1953) uncredited as Radio Exercise Announcer; "It Should Happen to You" (1954) uncredited as Harold a Macy's Salesman; "It's Always Fair Weather" (1955) as Midnight with Madeleine Announcer; "Kelly and Me" (1957) as Conductor; "Kiss Them for Me" (1957) as R.L. Nielson, Hotel Manager; the animated "The Mouse and His Child" (1977) as voice of a Crow and "The Malibu Bikini Shop" (1985) as Richard J. Remington, his final film role. On TV he was seen as a regular on: "The Hank McCune Show" (1950) as a Regular; "The Jack Benny Show" (1950-65) as a Regular in various roles; "I Love Lucy" (1951-57) as both Freddy Fillmore & Ralph Ramsey; "The Betty White Show" (1958) as a Regular; he also appeared on the animated series "The Jetsons" (1962-63) as various voices and "Monchichis" (1983) as the voice of Wizzar. He guest starred on many TV series including: "Sanford and Son" and "Petticoat Junction." He loved fishing and hunting and once was awarded 'Man of the Year' award by Rod and Reel Club for reeling in a 4 lb. trout. In 1958 he was awarded the George Heller Memorial Gold Card AFTRA's highest honor. He was married twice, first to Mary Lansing in 1933, by whom he had 2 children, they were later divorced. He married Veola Vonn in 1970. He was honored for his work by TV's "The Simpsons" who featured his caricature. He died of cancer on September 12, 1986 in Hollywood, California at age 75.
From Great Character Actors, Page 5.
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