Nelson died Monday at his home in the Century City area of Los Angeles after battling complications of colon cancer, said family spokesman and longtime Hollywood publicist Dale Olson.
Born in New York City, Nelson attended the University of Southern California before joining his family on the small screen. He and his teen idol brother, Rick, convinced their parents to be on the show.
"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" aired on ABC from 1952 to 1966 and some of the story lines were taken from the stars' own lives. Nelson was the last surviving member of the well-known TV family and he directed numerous episodes of the series.
His film credits include "Peyton Place," "The Big Circus" and "Love and Kisses." In l976, he costarred with his mother in "Smash-Up on Interstate 5."
He also appeared in various TV roles and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; and seven grandchildren. A service will be held Thursday at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary.
