In the 1950s and '60s the Nelsons were one of the most popular families on television, but on Tuesday the last surviving castmember of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," David Nelson, died at the age of 74. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nelson passed away in his Century City, California, home after battling complications from colon cancer.
In an age before reality TV, Nelson was one of the first true reality stars. Appearing alongside his actual family in the long-running sitcom that starred his parents, Ozzie and Harriet, and younger brother and future music/film star Ricky, David Nelson got his start on the radio in 1949 with the original incarnation of the sitcom, which his parents had launched five years earlier.
The show made the transition to television in 1952, beginning a quirky run as a program that Time.com described as blurring "the line between fact and fiction." At one point during the series' time on the air, David and Ricky's actual wives were brought on to play their fictional spouses. In another twist, David's character was sent off to college and joined a fraternity at the same time he did those things in real life. And, as he would for most of his younger brother's life, David played something of a second banana to Ricky on the program, letting him have the best laugh lines and contenting himself with being a part of the family ensemble.
If anything, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" has been lampooned and criticized over the years for depicting a family that was almost too perfect, creating a suburban ideal that few families, even the Nelson's themselves, could ever hope to achieve.
David Nelson appeared in a string of films during the show's heyday, including "Peyton Place," "The Big Circus" and "Day of the Outlaw," and continued to act sporadically when "Ozzie and Harriet" ended its record TV run in 1966. He was last seen on the big screen playing the father of Traci Lords' character, Wanda, in director John Waters' 1950s spoof film "Cry-Baby" in 1990.
Surviving David are his wife, five children and seven grandkids. Brother Ricky died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve in 1985.
In the 1950s and '60s the Nelsons were one of the most popular families on television, but on Tuesday the last surviving castmember of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," David Nelson, died at the age of 74. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nelson passed away in his Century City, California, home after battling complications from colon cancer.
In an age before reality TV, Nelson was one of the first true reality stars. Appearing alongside his actual family in the long-running sitcom that starred his parents, Ozzie and Harriet, and younger brother and future music/film star Ricky, David Nelson got his start on the radio in 1949 with the original incarnation of the sitcom, which his parents had launched five years earlier.
The show made the transition to television in 1952, beginning a quirky run as a program that Time.com described as blurring "the line between fact and fiction." At one point during the series' time on the air, David and Ricky's actual wives were brought on to play their fictional spouses. In another twist, David's character was sent off to college and joined a fraternity at the same time he did those things in real life. And, as he would for most of his younger brother's life, David played something of a second banana to Ricky on the program, letting him have the best laugh lines and contenting himself with being a part of the family ensemble.
If anything, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" has been lampooned and criticized over the years for depicting a family that was almost too perfect, creating a suburban ideal that few families, even the Nelson's themselves, could ever hope to achieve.
David Nelson appeared in a string of films during the show's heyday, including "Peyton Place," "The Big Circus" and "Day of the Outlaw," and continued to act sporadically when "Ozzie and Harriet" ended its record TV run in 1966. He was last seen on the big screen playing the father of Traci Lords' character, Wanda, in director John Waters' 1950s spoof film "Cry-Baby" in 1990.
Surviving David are his wife, five children and seven grandkids. Brother Ricky died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve in 1985.
Seeing Willie Nelson, whether it's your first time or your tenth, whether you've followed his career for fifty years or five, is like seeing an old friend. As folks assembled outside his Friday night sold-out appearance at Mystic Lake Casino (a sold-out Saturday night show to follow), everyone, young and old, was buzzing about "Willie." Just "Willie." To everyone, he's just Willie. He feels like an old friend.
For me, my earliest memories of Willie were of hearing my grandmother complain about his warbly voice and eventually about his tax problems - she liked to gossip about country music stars. Of attending a community fair with my cousin, strapping red bandannas on our heads and working up the nerve to sing "On the Road Again" at karaoke, the only song on the list we knew. Of thinking my uncle Jimmy Joe was Willie, because he sported a long braid and had a diminutive stature. Since Willie Nelson was the only other guy I knew who braided his hair, Jimmy Joe must'a been Willie, or vice versa. By the same logic, James Sr., my grandfather, was George Burns - or George Burns was him, whatever.
As Willie walked onstage Friday night, sporting short (for him) locks, a long black jacket which he quickly shed, a red, white and blue guitar strap, and, of course, his signature sneakers, the house stood up and everyone clapped enthusiastically, as if giving a hero's welcome to a long-gone friend. Willie waved, picked up his beat-up acoustic guitar, Trigger, and behind him, a giant Texas flag unfurled.
For the next two hours, Willie and his band - a small one on this night consisting of a bassist, harmonica player, drummer on snare only, and his little sister Bobbie on grand piano - played an energetic and engaging set consisting of his old hits, old hits by others, and a handful of newer songs. To put it this way - by the time they wrapped up their performance around 10 P.M., I was thinking they'd only been playing less than an hour, wanted to cry out for more, checked my watch then thought, yep, two hours, that's 'bout right. My deficient attention span rarely allows for that to happen.
As in every live performance I've heard him play, and like a poet choosing whatever cadence strikes him in the moment, Willie has the most unconventional style of singing and guitar playing. As legend tells it, some Nashville bigwig back in the day scoffed at Willie's style: "That ain't singin', that's talkin'." Sure, maybe. But whatever he's doin' be it singin' at me, or talkin' at me, or talksingin' at me, I like it. And as always, his band provides the solid structure allowing him to weave in and out at will, a performing style much more characteristic of jazz than country. Makes sense, then, that Willie so often and so easily blends other genres with his country.
And the best part about seeing Willie Nelson? He's never gonna sound like that recording of that song you've grown to know, whether it's his song or one someone else has made famous. And he'll definitely never sound the same as the last time you saw him, or the next. I don't know how he does it - the man's nearing 80, you'd think he'd finally be set in some sort of way - but it's as if from moment to moment something new still strikes him, and he goes with it. The result? The audience feels a real connection to him as a performer. You're never gonna accuse Willie Nelson of phoning it in. And it sure as hell means you ought never, ever miss one of his performances, each one as unique as the newest scratch dent or hole he's put in that old guitar.
Critic's bias: Willie's not my favorite person to listen to on record, yet by a country mile is my favorite to hear live or in collaboration with other people. That seems to be where he shines.
The crowd: Ranged from younger'n me to older'n Willie. The two things they had in common? 1. They all likely just ate at the Mystic Buffet (and as well they should; you can line up prime rib, and mac & cheese, and stuffing, and fried catfish, and egg rolls, all on one plate). 2. If Willie had joined them at their table at the Mystic Buffet, they probably would've been pleased as punch but wouldn't have thought it was all that different than having a favorite uncle over for dinner.
Overheard in the crowd: WE LOVE YOU WILLIE! (Duh.)
Random notebook dump: Willie has long worn sneakers, not fancy cowboy boots. Now, that's outlaw country to the nth.
For more photos: See our full slideshow by Steve Cohen.
Set List:
Whiskey River
Still Is Still Moving to Me
Beer for my Horses
Shoeshine Man
Funny How Time Slips Away
Crazy
Night Life
Down Yonder
Help Me Make It Through the Night
Me and Bobby McGee
Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Good Hearted Woman
Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground
On the Road Again
Always on My Mind
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
I'll Fly Away
Nuages
Jambalaya
Hey Good Lookin'
Move It On Over
Georgia On My Mind
Superman
You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore
Healing Hands of Time
City of New Orleans
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Rainy Day Blues
I Never Cared For You
So Lonesome I Could Cry
I Saw the Light
Encore: None. His band played "I Saw the Light" on repeat while Willie bent over the stage to sign autographs and dole out handshakes and kisses. He was remarkably generous in doing so for as long as he did. I don't think Willie's for real. Every time I see him, I don't think he could be for real. Willie - I salute you.
Seeing Willie Nelson, whether it's your first time or your tenth, whether you've followed his career for fifty years or five, is like seeing an old friend. As folks assembled outside his Friday night sold-out appearance at Mystic Lake Casino (a sold-out Saturday night show to follow), everyone, young and old, was buzzing about "Willie." Just "Willie." To everyone, he's just Willie. He feels like an old friend.
For me, my earliest memories of Willie were of hearing my grandmother complain about his warbly voice and eventually about his tax problems - she liked to gossip about country music stars. Of attending a community fair with my cousin, strapping red bandannas on our heads and working up the nerve to sing "On the Road Again" at karaoke, the only song on the list we knew. Of thinking my uncle Jimmy Joe was Willie, because he sported a long braid and had a diminutive stature. Since Willie Nelson was the only other guy I knew who braided his hair, Jimmy Joe must'a been Willie, or vice versa. By the same logic, James Sr., my grandfather, was George Burns - or George Burns was him, whatever.
As Willie walked onstage Friday night, sporting short (for him) locks, a long black jacket which he quickly shed, a red, white and blue guitar strap, and, of course, his signature sneakers, the house stood up and everyone clapped enthusiastically, as if giving a hero's welcome to a long-gone friend. Willie waved, picked up his beat-up acoustic guitar, Trigger, and behind him, a giant Texas flag unfurled.
For the next two hours, Willie and his band - a small one on this night consisting of a bassist, harmonica player, drummer on snare only, and his little sister Bobbie on grand piano - played an energetic and engaging set consisting of his old hits, old hits by others, and a handful of newer songs. To put it this way - by the time they wrapped up their performance around 10 P.M., I was thinking they'd only been playing less than an hour, wanted to cry out for more, checked my watch then thought, yep, two hours, that's 'bout right. My deficient attention span rarely allows for that to happen.
As in every live performance I've heard him play, and like a poet choosing whatever cadence strikes him in the moment, Willie has the most unconventional style of singing and guitar playing. As legend tells it, some Nashville bigwig back in the day scoffed at Willie's style: "That ain't singin', that's talkin'." Sure, maybe. But whatever he's doin' be it singin' at me, or talkin' at me, or talksingin' at me, I like it. And as always, his band provides the solid structure allowing him to weave in and out at will, a performing style much more characteristic of jazz than country. Makes sense, then, that Willie so often and so easily blends other genres with his country.
And the best part about seeing Willie Nelson? He's never gonna sound like that recording of that song you've grown to know, whether it's his song or one someone else has made famous. And he'll definitely never sound the same as the last time you saw him, or the next. I don't know how he does it - the man's nearing 80, you'd think he'd finally be set in some sort of way - but it's as if from moment to moment something new still strikes him, and he goes with it. The result? The audience feels a real connection to him as a performer. You're never gonna accuse Willie Nelson of phoning it in. And it sure as hell means you ought never, ever miss one of his performances, each one as unique as the newest scratch dent or hole he's put in that old guitar.
Critic's bias: Willie's not my favorite person to listen to on record, yet by a country mile is my favorite to hear live or in collaboration with other people. That seems to be where he shines.
The crowd: Ranged from younger'n me to older'n Willie. The two things they had in common? 1. They all likely just ate at the Mystic Buffet (and as well they should; you can line up prime rib, and mac & cheese, and stuffing, and fried catfish, and egg rolls, all on one plate). 2. If Willie had joined them at their table at the Mystic Buffet, they probably would've been pleased as punch but wouldn't have thought it was all that different than having a favorite uncle over for dinner.
Overheard in the crowd: WE LOVE YOU WILLIE! (Duh.)
Random notebook dump: Willie has long worn sneakers, not fancy cowboy boots. Now, that's outlaw country to the nth.
For more photos: See our full slideshow by Steve Cohen.
Set List:
Whiskey River
Still Is Still Moving to Me
Beer for my Horses
Shoeshine Man
Funny How Time Slips Away
Crazy
Night Life
Down Yonder
Help Me Make It Through the Night
Me and Bobby McGee
Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Good Hearted Woman
Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground
On the Road Again
Always on My Mind
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
I'll Fly Away
Nuages
Jambalaya
Hey Good Lookin'
Move It On Over
Georgia On My Mind
Superman
You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore
Healing Hands of Time
City of New Orleans
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Rainy Day Blues
I Never Cared For You
So Lonesome I Could Cry
I Saw the Light
Encore: None. His band played "I Saw the Light" on repeat while Willie bent over the stage to sign autographs and dole out handshakes and kisses. He was remarkably generous in doing so for as long as he did. I don't think Willie's for real. Every time I see him, I don't think he could be for real. Willie - I salute you.
JOHANNESBURG — Heartbreak intruded on the opening day of the soccer World Cup when Nelson Mandela’s 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani was killed in an auto accident here early on Friday. In response, Mr. Mandela canceled a much-heralded appearance at a tournament depicted as a triumphant showcase for his country and his continent.
Zenani Mandela was returning home from the event’s Thursday night kickoff concert in Soweto, an extravaganza with stars like Alicia Keys and Shakira that was meant to launch the contest on a joyous note. At its conclusion, the sky lit up with fireworks as happy attendees made way to their parked vehicles.
According to police, Zenani died in a one-car accident on a Johannesburg highway. The man behind the wheel, who has yet to be named, was accused of drunk driving and may also be charged with culpable homicide, the police said.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation issued a statement saying the former president would now be unable to attend the opening ceremonies of the tournament.
The World Cup is being played in Africa for the first time, and the presence of Mr. Mandela, the frail, 91-year-old liberation hero, was expected to be an emotional highpoint to one of South Africa’s proudest days.
“We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr. Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy,” the statement read.
“We continue to believe the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba will be there with you in spirit today,” the statement said, using a title from the Xhosa language by which Mr. Mandela is widely known.
Details of the accident remain incomplete. The Associated Press quoted a police spokeswoman, Edna Mamonyane, saying the driver was found to be drunk: “He lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a barricade.”
Zenani had turned 13 on Wednesday. She is the grandchild of Nelson Mandela’s daughter Zindzi.
Early reports said that Zenani’s great-grandmother — Mr. Mandela’s second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela — had been in the car, but this was later denied. A family spokesman told the South African Press Association that Ms. Mandela, herself an iconic figure in the freedom struggle, was briefly hospitalized for shock after learning the news.
Statements of condolence to the Mandela family immediately began circulating. President Jacob Zuma said, “The nation shares your loss and mourns with you, especially on the day in which our dreams and hopes come alive in the opening of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil.”
The Mandelas might rightly be considered the nation’s first family. Mr. Mandela’s triumphs are well known to his countrymen, and so are his tragedies. His oldest child, Thembikele, died in a car accident in 1969. His second child, Makaziwe, died after living only nine months. His third child, Makgatho, died of an AIDS-related illness.
Zenani was one of Mr. Mandela’s nine great-grandchildren. She was the grandchild of Zindzi Mandela, the elder of two daughters born to Nelson and Winnie.
Winnie and Nelson Mandela divorced in 1996, ending a 38-year marriage that endured the persecution of apartheid and the separation caused by his 27 years in prison. In 1998, he married Graça Machel, the widow of the Mozambican leader, Samora Machel.
Even before the accident on Friday, there had been questions about whether his frail health would allow him to attend.
It was not immediately clear whether the tournament organizers would acknowledge the death in the pageantry of the opening day.
The cancellation of his appearance offered a sharp counterpoint to Mr. Mandela’s earlier and more vigorous years when, in a bold gesture as president, he saluted South Africa’s victorious team at the rugby World Cup in 1995, urging his countrymen — black and white — to support a squad associated by many black people with the Afrikaner elite of the apartheid years.
The opening ceremony Friday had inspired hopes for a similar transcendent moment, this time from soccer, the favorite sport of the nation’s blacks.
Mr. Mandela was freed from prison in 1990 and became president after the first democratic elections in 1994. In 1999 he stepped back from power, and his successor, Thabo Mbeki, was elected to office.
But Mr. Mandela continued to exert enormous influence both within and outside South Africa.
He played a central and persuasive role in lobbying for South Africa to host the tournament. In 2004, when international soccer authorities awarded South Africa the 2010 World Cup, Mr. Mandela said their decision was a perfect gift for his country 10 years after its first democratic elections.
Then 85, he held aloft the trophy and said he felt “like a young man of 50.”
The tournament is set to open Friday with a ceremony at a glittery new 90,000-seat stadium called Soccer City followed by its first game pitting low-ranked South Africa’s national team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, or, The Boys, against Mexico.
In a letter to Mr. Mandela made public on FIFA’s Web site, Joseph S. Blatter, the head of the soccer governing body, said, “The entire football family mourns with you and your family, and today we stand by your side.”
JOHANNESBURG — Heartbreak intruded on the opening day of the soccer World Cup when Nelson Mandela’s 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani was killed in an auto accident here early on Friday. In response, Mr. Mandela canceled a much-heralded appearance at a tournament depicted as a triumphant showcase for his country and his continent.
Zenani Mandela was returning home from the event’s Thursday night kickoff concert in Soweto, an extravaganza with stars like Alicia Keys and Shakira that was meant to launch the contest on a joyous note. At its conclusion, the sky lit up with fireworks as happy attendees made way to their parked vehicles.
According to police, Zenani died in a one-car accident on a Johannesburg highway. The man behind the wheel, who has yet to be named, was accused of drunk driving and may also be charged with culpable homicide, the police said.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation issued a statement saying the former president would now be unable to attend the opening ceremonies of the tournament.
The World Cup is being played in Africa for the first time, and the presence of Mr. Mandela, the frail, 91-year-old liberation hero, was expected to be an emotional highpoint to one of South Africa’s proudest days.
“We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr. Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy,” the statement read.
“We continue to believe the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba will be there with you in spirit today,” the statement said, using a title from the Xhosa language by which Mr. Mandela is widely known.
Details of the accident remain incomplete. The Associated Press quoted a police spokeswoman, Edna Mamonyane, saying the driver was found to be drunk: “He lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a barricade.”
Zenani had turned 13 on Wednesday. She is the grandchild of Nelson Mandela’s daughter Zindzi.
Early reports said that Zenani’s great-grandmother — Mr. Mandela’s second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela — had been in the car, but this was later denied. A family spokesman told the South African Press Association that Ms. Mandela, herself an iconic figure in the freedom struggle, was briefly hospitalized for shock after learning the news.
Statements of condolence to the Mandela family immediately began circulating. President Jacob Zuma said, “The nation shares your loss and mourns with you, especially on the day in which our dreams and hopes come alive in the opening of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil.”
The Mandelas might rightly be considered the nation’s first family. Mr. Mandela’s triumphs are well known to his countrymen, and so are his tragedies. His oldest child, Thembikele, died in a car accident in 1969. His second child, Makaziwe, died after living only nine months. His third child, Makgatho, died of an AIDS-related illness.
Zenani was one of Mr. Mandela’s nine great-grandchildren. She was the grandchild of Zindzi Mandela, the elder of two daughters born to Nelson and Winnie.
Winnie and Nelson Mandela divorced in 1996, ending a 38-year marriage that endured the persecution of apartheid and the separation caused by his 27 years in prison. In 1998, he married Graça Machel, the widow of the Mozambican leader, Samora Machel.
Even before the accident on Friday, there had been questions about whether his frail health would allow him to attend.
It was not immediately clear whether the tournament organizers would acknowledge the death in the pageantry of the opening day.
The cancellation of his appearance offered a sharp counterpoint to Mr. Mandela’s earlier and more vigorous years when, in a bold gesture as president, he saluted South Africa’s victorious team at the rugby World Cup in 1995, urging his countrymen — black and white — to support a squad associated by many black people with the Afrikaner elite of the apartheid years.
The opening ceremony Friday had inspired hopes for a similar transcendent moment, this time from soccer, the favorite sport of the nation’s blacks.
Mr. Mandela was freed from prison in 1990 and became president after the first democratic elections in 1994. In 1999 he stepped back from power, and his successor, Thabo Mbeki, was elected to office.
But Mr. Mandela continued to exert enormous influence both within and outside South Africa.
He played a central and persuasive role in lobbying for South Africa to host the tournament. In 2004, when international soccer authorities awarded South Africa the 2010 World Cup, Mr. Mandela said their decision was a perfect gift for his country 10 years after its first democratic elections.
Then 85, he held aloft the trophy and said he felt “like a young man of 50.”
The tournament is set to open Friday with a ceremony at a glittery new 90,000-seat stadium called Soccer City followed by its first game pitting low-ranked South Africa’s national team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, or, The Boys, against Mexico.
In a letter to Mr. Mandela made public on FIFA’s Web site, Joseph S. Blatter, the head of the soccer governing body, said, “The entire football family mourns with you and your family, and today we stand by your side.”