Writer, producer Don Nelson dies at age 86

Screenwriter, film producer and musician Don Nelson passed away Tuesday at age 86. Nelson contributed to over 200 episodes of the long-running sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Nelson suffered from Parkinson's disease and died of an aortic aneurysm in his home.

In addition to Ozzie and Harriot, Ozzie's younger brother (by 21 years) wrote for TV shows The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, The Dorris Day Show, The Donna Reed Show, Julia, Bridget Loves Bernie and The Mothers-in-Law, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

The comedy writer used his talents to get gigs at Universal Studios, Fox Studios and Hanna-Barera Productions. Nelson also spent some time co-writing for Disney. He contributed to several films, including popular titles No Deposit, No Return, Gus, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo and Hot Lead and Cold Feet.

As a musician, Nelson put out two albums in which he was featured as a jazz singer and soprano saxophonist. He played his saxophone in Ozzie's band starting when he was just 16. He also played in a band while he served in the Navy.

Nelson is survived by his third wife Marilyn and daughters Kathy Nelson and Laurie Nelson Weatherston.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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