David Nelson of “Ozzie and Harriet” TV family dies

David Nelson dies at 74

Actor David Nelson, the last surviving member of the wholesome television family portrayed in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” has died at age 74, his spokesman said.

Nelson died in Los Angeles on Tuesday of complications from colon cancer, his representative Dale Olson said.

He played a fictionalized version of himself as the eldest son of the Nelson family in the sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” during the series’ entire ABC run from 1952 to 1966.

Viewers were treated to a depiction of idealized suburban American life, and to the domestic exploits of David and his younger brother, Ricky, who went on to become a popular singer, as they grew up on the small screen.

David Nelson also starred in a number of movies, including the 1990 release “Cry-Baby,” in which he played the father of the female lead.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Yvonne, four sons, a daughter and several grandchildren.