David Nelson Grew up in Brother’s Shadow Yet He Kept an Eye on Ricky’s Son after His Death

Actor David Nelson grew up in the limelight but always lived in his brother Ricky Nelson’s shadow. When Ricky passed away, David looked out for his family and kept his sibling’s legacy alive. Despite their fame, both brothers felt their childhood was stolen.

Ricky and David Nelson were born into stardom. Their parents, Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Nelson, had a hit television series detailing their personal lives. Their sons quickly joined the production and became the highlight for many viewers.

However, life behind the scenes of “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” differed from the on-screen version. The family struggled with unresolved personal issues, and the kids felt burdened by the pressure of performing.

The Nelson family portrait for their show, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, 1952-1964. | Source: Getty Images

The impact of the television series on the brothers was far-reaching. Ricky and David believed their dad stole their childhood for commercial success. In his book, David Halberstam wrote:

“[Ozzie] had taken what was most private and made it terribly public.”

To add to their struggles, TV’s first family knew one member was more popular than the rest. Younger brother Ricky was beloved, and David grew up in his shadow. Ozzie blatantly told his sons about Ricky’s unmatched success and never tried to spare David’s feelings.

David and Ricky Nelson in Hollywood, California. March 1, 1949. | Source: Getty Images

At the ages of only 12 and eight, David and Ricky starred in their own radio show and made a movie. The siblings were shy but managed to put their characteristics aside for their family’s fame.

David admired Ricky’s outstanding ability to perform on stage and camera despite his natural introversion. He described his sibling as the “wisecracking kid brother who grew up on television.”

The Nelson Family Came Together after Tragedy Struck

The Nelsons faced unimaginable pain when a shocking tragedy occurred in 1985. Ricky was in a plane crash and passed away at 45. His death broke many hearts and forced David to step up in their family.

Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky Nelson pose of the photograph in 1951. | Source: Getty Images

David was the executor of his sibling’s estate and watched over Ricky’s son, Sam Nelson. The beloved star’s life was cut short, and his loved ones were devastated. Sam recalled the unexpected moment he learned of his father’s passing:

“I walked in, and all the televisions were on, and there was a fiery plane crash on TV, and I had no idea of what I was watching. My mother rushed into the room and said, ‘Turn that off immediately.'”

Sam asked his mother what was wrong, and she frantically told him that Ricky had been involved in an accident. When the reality sunk in, Sam was in disbelief and revealed: “It turned out it was Pop, and it kind of — it hit me.”

The Nelson family circa 1955 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

David sorted out the logistics and administrative issues after his brother’s death, but he also became a source of support for Sam and his family. Everyone was heartbroken, and David and his wife tried to keep the relatives together.

It wasn’t easy, and Sam noted that his mother and his uncle David didn’t have the best relationship. However, they remained friendly for his sake. Sam longed for his dad and shared that David differed from Ricky.

While he wished his uncle was more like his father, he was grateful for the love and care he did receive after the tragic loss. Sam was also happy to have been brought into the fold regarding the family business. He felt honored that his uncle watched his life and career, choosing to include him.

Ricky Nelson and his family, Matthew Nelson, Sam Nelson, Kristin Nelson, Tracy Nelson, and Gunnar Nelson pose while he gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 17, 1975. | Source: Getty Images

Sam gave insight into his favorite memory with his dad. Surprisingly it came after Ricky’s death. Sam received a CD for Christmas, and it was an 11-minute recording from the day he was born.

The cassette titled “A Sam Was Born” featured his dad’s voice and excitement about his newborn son. The bond between the members of the Nelson family wasn’t always strong, but when it mattered, they were there for each other.

The Nelson Brothers Shared a Twin-like Bond

David kept his family legacy alive after his parents and brother passed away. He was the last remaining member, and throughout his life, he was consistently asked if he was jealous of his younger sibling.

Ricky Nelson and his brother David Nelson pose for a photo in 1957. | Source: Getty Images

David denied the accusations of jealousy but shared a story that revealed there may have been a level of resentment between the duo. On David’s 21st birthday in 1957, Lew Chudd stopped by unexpectedly and gave Ricky a gold record for one of his songs.

To this, David quipped: “At least Chudd could have waited until I blew out the candles.” Despite the slight animosity, David happily spoke about his friendly rapport with his brother. He said:

“It’s hard for me to imagine two brothers being any closer than Rick and I, especially considering we were four years apart. There was a bond between us like twins. We knew each other so well we didn’t have to talk much.”

Ozzie and Harriet Nelson with their children David and Ricky arriving back in America after their European holiday, circa 2000. | Source: Getty Images

David passed away in 2011 after battling colon cancer, but until his dying breath, he held up his family’s good reputation and legacy.

Sam eventually took over the responsibility of carrying their family’s name after all the “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” cast members died. He put together a Legacy box set featuring Ricky’s work and allowing his dad to shine again for the first time in decades.

While the Nelson brothers felt like they had a stolen childhood because of their unique upbringing, they also gained treasured memories and filled many homes with joy and laughter during their time in the limelight.

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