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Barry Nelson Obituary
Nelson died on April 7 while traveling in Bucks County, Pa., his wife, Nansi Nelson, said Friday. The cause of death was not immediately known, she said.
After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1941, Nelson was signed to MGM after being spotted by a talent scout. He appeared in a number of films for the studio in 1942, including "Shadow of the Thin Man," "Johnny Eager" and "Dr. Kildare's Victory." He also landed the leading role in "A Yank on the Burma Road," playing a cab driver who decides to lead a convoy of trucks for the Chinese government.
Nelson entered the Army during World War II and went on the road with other actors performing the wartime play "Winged Victory," which was later made into a movie starring Red Buttons, George Reeves and Nelson.
After the war, Nelson starred in a string of movies, including "Undercover Maisie," "Time to Kill" and "Tenth Avenue Angel."
He is the answer to the trivia question: Who was the first actor to play James Bond? Before Sean Connery was tapped to play the British agent on the big screen in 1962's "Dr. No," Nelson played Bond in a one-hour TV adaptation of "Casino Royale" in 1954.
Nelson switched to the stage during the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on Broadway in "Seascape" "Mary, Mary" and "Cactus Flower." He earned a Tony nomination in 1978 for his role in "The Act," which also starred Liza Minnelli.
"He was a very naturalistic, believable actor," said his agent, Francis Delduca. "He was good at both comedy and the serious stuff."
Among his other film credits were "Airport" and "The Shining," and he also appeared on such TV shows as "Murder, She Wrote," "Dallas" and "Magnum P.I."
More recently, Nelson and his second wife (they married in 1992) spent a lot of time traveling. He planned to write a couple of books about his time on stage and in Hollywood.
Nelson is survived by his wife. He did not have any children from either marriage.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
39 Entries
Amanda Stevenson
June 26, 2018
I was his friend for many years because I was a publicist for MGM and he was a very pleasant and very amusing dinner date. His birth name was Haakon and that was my father's name too because both of our fathers came from Norway. I saw nearly every show on Broadway that he starred in, and also all of his movies.
Harry Simpson
April 7, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Barry, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
April 1, 2010
For Barry...As the first actor
to play James Bond you surely
had earned your place in
motion picture history.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
How you can show support
Jay Eicholtz
September 5, 2007
Nansi, I had not heard about Barry. You know how fond I was of him. I will miss him. Get in touch
ELLIE LEVIN
April 20, 2007
NANSI... I HAVE MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF BARRY.. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.. ELLIE LEVIN.. CHICAGO
Carol Wright
April 18, 2007
I'll miss you! A long time fan, Carol
pat smith
April 18, 2007
to Barry's wife,,,so sorry for your lost.
william bishop
April 18, 2007
sorry for lost my prey with family
sue skee
April 17, 2007
rest in peace
janet singh
April 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kathy Goehring
April 16, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Nelson Family. I enjoyed him most when he was in a comedy. He will be sorely missed, but always remembered.
Charlene Kase-Shaw
April 16, 2007
He brought such humanity and humor to the stage and screen. I always admired his work.
Cindy Hall
April 16, 2007
Nanci,
May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories of Barry and the time you spent together hunting for those treasures and experiencing life together to its fullest. Bill and I enjoyed the diverse conversations with you both at the Richmond shows. Since we stopped the shows, we have lost contact with so many wonderful people who enriched our lives. It was truly a pleasure to know Barry and we are sadden that we will not see the two of you together again in this world... but in the next......
Thinking of you,
Bill and Cindy Hall
William II Antiques
Roberta Kay
April 16, 2007
I had a crush on Barry Nelson way back when. I saw him in "Mary,Mary" with Barbara Bel Geddes and in "Cactus Flower", both on Broadway. He was a gifted actor. May you cherish your many happy memories.
Cheryl Polk
April 15, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal! May the Lord get you through this. May you feel His love, peace and comfort!
ray interlandi
April 15, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
toni costanzo
April 14, 2007
Our deepest sympathies to the Nelson Family. Thank You Mr. Barry Nelson for some of the greatest movies.
Julia
April 14, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
William & Marie Fretz
April 14, 2007
NANCI: PLEASE ACCEPT OUR PERSONAL CONDOLANCES AND PRAYERS FOR YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. ALLOW FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND GOD TO SEE YOU THROUGH THIS. WE KNOW BARRY ENJOYED COMING TO THE SHOWS WITH YOU.. NOW BARRY'S AT THE BIG ANTIQUE SHOW IN THE SKY, CHANCES ARE HE WILL RUN INTO MY OLD FRIEND AND PARTNER, GEORGE MILLER. (GEORGE WAS NEVER AT LOSS FOR WORDS)..
HOPING TO SEE YOU WHEN TIME ALLOWS.
LOVE BILL & MARIE FRETZ
mariann
April 14, 2007
rest in peace
Connie Beach
April 14, 2007
I am sure you will miss Mr. Nelson greatly. He starred in my favorite movie, Mary, Mary. He was absolutely fabulous and I am surprised I haven't heard more discussion of him in that role over the years. His talent was immense. I appreciate the great enjoyment he gave me. May God give you peace and may God give him joy.
Gail Siegel
April 14, 2007
Rest In Peace.
sull
April 14, 2007
sull
R Davis
April 14, 2007
To:the Nelson Family
So sorry for your loss,death is never easy even though it does happen. When we look at what God has outlined forus,and the promise that are foretold in the bible we look forward to a time when the earth is made into a paradise and our loved ones like Mr. Nelson is brought back to live on the earth. What a " Reunion" that will be. RevRevelation 21:3-5 say" death will be no more" Isaiah 33 :24 say " No resident will say I'am sick" May these word of hope give you comfort.
Robert Watkins
April 14, 2007
Great Actor. God Bless his family. He will be missed.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
April 14, 2007
REST IN PEACE,BARRY
angela mason
April 14, 2007
God bless you.
Jocelyn Cool
April 14, 2007
Great and talented actor who gave many enjoyable performances
Sheila Smith
April 13, 2007
Rest in Peace Barry.
April 13, 2007
FRANK MINUCCI WHITING NJ
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