The Life of Beloved Star Ricky Nelson and His Tragic Demise

In 1961, Rick began dating Kristin “Kris” Harmon, the daughter of football legend Tom Harmon and actress Elyse Knox. Kristin had grown up in another well-known Hollywood family, while her younger siblings included future actor Mark Harmon and model and actress Kelly Harmon.

The relationship connected two families already familiar with fame, sports, movies, and television. Rick was still only in his early twenties, but the romance quickly became an important part of his life as he tried to move beyond his teenage image. Within two years, the relationship would lead to marriage under complicated circumstances.