The Tragic Death of Former Teen Idol Ricky Nelson of TV's Classic 'Ozzie and Harriet' Sitcom

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The late actor/musician Ricky Nelson had been performing since almost the day he was born.

Nelson's parents, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson were also talented and in the public eye. Together, the former band leader and vocalist wife, joined Ricky and their other son, David Nelson, to star in the TV sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

A Closer Look

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (which began on radio) became one of the small screen's most beloved weekly appointments. In retrospect, the TV series (which ran on ABC TV from 1952 to 1966) has been compared to Seinfeld (NBC, 1989-1998) for its similar "show about nothing" premise.

Consequently, in the history of television programming, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is considered a pioneering sitcom.

Memorable Stars

All four main members of the original Nelson family have since passed away. But it's Ricky Nelson whose demise was the most the most tragic.

Nelson died in a horrific plane crash at only 45 years old on December 31, 1985, in De Kalb, Texas.

The accident also took the lives of his band members, Patrick Woodward, 35; Rick Intveld, 32; Andy Chaplain, 30; Clark Russell, 35, and Bobby Neal, 38, and Nelson's fiance Helen Blair.

Nelson and all aboard had left for a 3-stop American tour after Christmas. Their final stop was in Dallas, Texas on New Year’s Eve. Only the plane's two pilots were able to exit the aircraft before it caught fire.

Today, Ricky Nelson's body is interred at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills near his parents. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Conclusion

Ricky Nelson and his remarkable talent and charisma will be remembered forever by fans of his timeless music and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.