Frank Nelson (actor)
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Frank Nelson | |
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Hollywood, California , U.S. | |
Occupation(s) | Actor Comedian |
Years active | 1926–1986 |
Spouses |
Frank Brandon Nelson (May 6, 1911 – September 12, 1986) was an American comedic actor best known for playing put-upon
He made numerous guest appearances on television shows, including The Jack Benny Program, I Love Lucy, The Real McCoys, The Addams Family, Alice, and Sanford and Son. He also provided voices for animated series such as The Flintstones, Mister Magoo, The Jetsons, Dinky Dog and Snorks.
Career
Radio
Nelson began his entertainment career in radio, and later moved into television and movies. In 1926, at age 15, Nelson played the role of a 30-year-old man in a series broadcast from
In 1929, Nelson moved to
Work with Jack Benny
Nelson first found fame as the put-upon foil to Jack Benny on Benny's radio show during the 1940s and 1950s. Nelson began to appear on Benny's radio show in the late 1930s,[3] doing various roles, but his eventual character began to take form around 1942.[4] Nelson, whose character was never given a name,[5] typically portrayed a sales clerk, dentist or customer service worker, and Benny's character would run into him seemingly out of nowhere.[citation needed] Whatever his occupation in a particular episode, Nelson's character would usually be polite and patient with all of his customers except for Benny.[5]
Nelson also appeared on Benny's television show beginning in 1950, doing the same "rude clerk" shtick. His other catchphrase, that would be worked into every routine, would have Benny asking something mundane, such as, "Do these shirts come in a medium?", and Frank would bellow, "Oo-oo-oo-ooh, DO they!" Nelson's sudden appearances usually led to spontaneous laughter or applause on the part of the audience.[citation needed]
Other work
Nelson performed on a number of Hollywood-based radio shows during this time, including Fibber McGee and Molly, and did radio work well into the late 1950s, on the few shows that remained on the air, including dramatic roles on such programs as Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.[citation needed]
After Jack Benny, Nelson continued to work in sitcoms in similar roles, most notably in The Hank McCune Show and I Love Lucy. Nelson appeared as various characters during all six seasons of I Love Lucy (including the recurring role of game show host Freddie Fillmore) and also appeared in two episodes as neighbor Ralph Ramsey, after the Ricardos moved to Westport, Connecticut in season six. He further appeared in The New Phil Silvers Show[citation needed] and The Addams Family in the 1960s,[6]
Later years
Toward the end of his life, Nelson enjoyed some newfound stardom among a younger generation of fans. He appeared in a string of commercials for
In addition to his onscreen work, Nelson was an in-demand
Nelson occasionally appeared in films in variations of his oily clerk characterization. One of his roles is in Down Memory Lane (1949), in which he plays the manager of a TV station. He also appears in So You Want to Know Your Relatives, a Joe McDoakes spoof of This Is Your Life; Nelson plays the master of ceremonies, ushering guests onstage.[citation needed]
Death
Nelson was diagnosed with cancer in 1985. After a yearlong battle, he died in
Legacy
His distinctive appearance and manner of saying "yes?" has been parodied frequently in film, radio and television, most notably with the character on
Partial filmography
- Fugitive in the Sky (1936) as Radio Announcer (uncredited)
- Gang Bullets (1938) as Radio Announcer (uncredited)
- The Milkman (1950) as Mr. Green
- Bonzo Goes to College (1952) Dick
- It Should Happen To You(1954) as Harold At Macy's (uncredited)
- It's Always Fair Weather (1955) (uncredited)
- The Malibu Bikini Shop (1986) as Richard J. Remington (final movie role, film released after his death)
References
- ^ a b c d e "Regular on Jack Benny Show, Radio and TV Actor Frank Nelson Dies". Los Angeles Times. September 15, 1986. p. 2. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
- ISBN 0-679-72036-7.
- ^ Leff, Laura (2004): 39 Forever - Volume 1: Radio May 1932 - May 1942. p. 326.
- ^ Leff, Laura (2004): 39 Forever - Volume 1: Radio May 1932 - May 1942. p. 492.
- ^ a b Josefsberg, Milt (1977): The Jack Benny Show. New Rochelle: Arlington House. p. 113.
- ^ "The Addams Family". TVGuide.com. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
- ^ "Classic SNL Review: December 5, 1981: Tim Curry / Meat Loaf & The Neverland Express (S07E07)". August 7, 2010.
- ^ "Frank Nelson". The New York Times. September 16, 1986. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
- ^ "Regular on Jack Benny Show Radio and TV Actor Frank Nelson Dies". Los Angeles Times. September 15, 1986. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
- ^ Groening, Matt and McCann, Jesse L.: The Simpsons—One Step Beyond Forever, page 54.
- YouTube
- YouTube
- ^ "Chalk One Up to Experience". June 23, 2009.
- ^ . December 11, 2023 Alley https://www.gocomics.com/gasolinealley/2023/12/11?ct=v&cti=1960742/title=Gasoline Alley.
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Further reading
- Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924–1984. McFarland & Company. ISBN 978-0786403516.