Ed Nelson, a veteran actor who starred in the popular 1960s soap opera Peyton Place, died of congestive heart failure on August 9, 2014, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his family at his home in Greensboro, North Carolina, according to his obituary.
Early Life and Career
Nelson was born on December 21, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman during World War II and later attended Tulane University. He began his acting career in New Orleans, where he also worked as a television director and producer.
He moved to Los Angeles in 1956 and appeared in many films and television shows, often working with producer Roger Corman. He acted in and produced the sci-fi horror movie The Brain Eaters (1958), which featured a young Leonard Nimoy. He also had roles in Valley of the Redwoods (1960), Soldier in the Rain (1963), Airport 1975 (1974), and Midway (1976).
Peyton Place and Beyond
Nelson’s most famous role was Dr. Michael Rossi, a physician who moved to a small New England town and became involved in its scandals and secrets. He played the character for five seasons on Peyton Place, which was one of the first primetime soap operas on American television. The show was a huge hit and made Nelson a household name.
After Peyton Place ended in 1969, Nelson continued to work in television and film. He guest-starred on shows such as The Fugitive, The Twilight Zone, Mission: Impossible, The Outer Limits, Murder, She Wrote, and Columbo. He also starred in several TV movies and miniseries, such as The Silent Force (1970), The Bionic Woman (1976), Washington: Behind Closed Doors (1977), and The Crash of Flight 401 (1978).
In the 1980s, Nelson moved to New Orleans and became active in local politics. He ran for Congress in 1986 as a Democrat but lost to Republican Bob Livingston. He also served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985.
Nelson retired from acting in 2003 and moved to North Carolina with his wife Patricia, whom he married in 1951. They had six children, 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Legacy and Tributes
Nelson was remembered by his fans and colleagues as a talented and versatile actor who could play both heroes and villains with ease. He was also praised for his professionalism, generosity, and kindness.
His Peyton Place co-star Mia Farrow tweeted: “Ed Nelson- Dr Rossi- my friend- RIP.” His former SAG vice president Mike Farrell said: “He was a lovely man, a good friend, a delight to work with and a loyal unionist.” His friend and fellow actor John Saxon said: “He was one of those people who always had a smile on his face.”
Nelson’s death was reported by several media outlets, such as CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and Wikipedia. His fans expressed their condolences and shared their memories of him on social media.
Ed Nelson Cause of Death: How the Peyton Place Star Passed Away is an article that pays tribute to the life and career of Ed Nelson, who died of congestive heart failure at the age of 85. He was best known for playing Dr. Michael Rossi on Peyton Place, one of the first primetime soap operas on American television. He also appeared in many other films and TV shows, such as The Brain Eaters, Soldier in the Rain, Airport 1975, and Midway. He was also active in politics and served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild. He is survived by his wife Patricia and their large family.
