David Nelson

David Nelson, who co-starred with his parents and little brother Rick on the popular television show 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,' has died after battling complications of colon cancer, a family spokesman told the Associated Press. He was 74.

Nelson died Tuesday at his home in the Century City area of Los Angeles.

Nelson was born in New York City and moved to Los Angeles with his parents, where he attended Hollywood High School and USC. When "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" moved from radio to TV, he and Rick convinced their parents to be on the show.

"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" aired on ABC from 1952 to 1966; many of the episodes were directed by Nelson, who was the last surviving member of the TV family.

Nleson's film credits included 'Peyton Place,' 'The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker,' 'The Big Circus,' and 'The Big Show.' In 1976 he co-starred with his mother in 'Smash-Up on Interstate 5.' His television credits included 'Up in Smoke,' 'The Love Boat,' 'High School USA' and 'A Family For Joe.'
His directing credits included 'O.K. Crackerby,' 'Childish Things,' 'Easy to Be Free,' 'Ozzie's Girls' and 'A Rare Breed.'

Nelson was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; and seven grandchildren. A service will be held Thursday at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary.