The Life of Beloved Star Ricky Nelson and His Tragic Demise

In 1952, Ricky appeared alongside Ozzie, Harriet, and David in the feature film Here Come the Nelsons. The comedy brought the family’s familiar personalities to movie theaters and helped prepare audiences for an even bigger change coming later that year.

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet moved from radio to television in October 1952, with the Nelson family once again playing versions of themselves. Ricky was suddenly growing up in front of millions of viewers each week. Yet the family sitcom would not be the only place Hollywood found a role for him.