Although he never had a leading role, Craig Richard Nelson was often times the one actor that would be remembered long after the final credits. Often cast as the snobbish outsider, his characters brought conflict and tension to many movies and television shows throughout the 1970's, '80's and '90's.
His first film role was as the mean-spirited law student, Willis Bell, in the Oscar nominated, The Paper Chase, and from there he managed to bounce back and forth from film to the small screen with memorable moments from many popular movies and television shows like My Bodyguard, Square Pegs and Star Trek: The Next Generation, just to name a few.
However his best work was with director Robert Altman where he had supporting roles in three of his films, with his most memorable, the little seen, A Wedding, where he played a pivotal part in one of the most powerful shower scenes since Psycho.
On his IMDB page, Craig Richard Nelson has been known to talk to his fans, so Mr. Nelson, if you should happen to discover this little blog, we hope that you can chime in and tell us a little about your experiences in Hollywood and why we haven't seen you in anything new for the last ten years. We miss you.
His first film role was as the mean-spirited law student, Willis Bell, in the Oscar nominated, The Paper Chase, and from there he managed to bounce back and forth from film to the small screen with memorable moments from many popular movies and television shows like My Bodyguard, Square Pegs and Star Trek: The Next Generation, just to name a few.
However his best work was with director Robert Altman where he had supporting roles in three of his films, with his most memorable, the little seen, A Wedding, where he played a pivotal part in one of the most powerful shower scenes since Psycho.
On his IMDB page, Craig Richard Nelson has been known to talk to his fans, so Mr. Nelson, if you should happen to discover this little blog, we hope that you can chime in and tell us a little about your experiences in Hollywood and why we haven't seen you in anything new for the last ten years. We miss you.
WOW,just found this through a Google image search. I am stunned. Thank you for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteI retired from acting at the turn of the century, which, coincidentally was the same time I stopped getting jobs!
Thanks for responding, Mr. Nelson. It's an honor. Would love to know more about your experiences if you're willing to share. What was Robert Altman like to work with? Also to the right of this blog and down, you will see under Labels all of the other actors I've written about. If you've worked with any of these, I'd love to hear your comments. I hope that you'll stay in touch. Feel free to comment often.
DeleteMr. Nelson ... I just watched "The Paper Chase" (a big favorite) again and I must say that "Bell" resonates across time. The confrontation scene near the end (where Bell is ejected from the study group) was a great performance by all.
DeleteI have to add that Richard is a dear friend and one of the nicest people I know. His acting career was quite successful and he may have portrayed "snobbish" roles, but he is anything but.
ReplyDeleteRichard, you are a wonderful person and it is a privilege to call you -- friend.
Okay
DeleteI am a name dropper!
Craig Richard Nelson is my wonderful brother...
Mike, your blog brings years to my eyes...
What a powerful endeavor!
Carol Ann - I guess I'm a name dropper too, because I will now tell all of my friends that your brother responded to this blog.
DeleteI worked with Richard at eBay for 11 years. (I still call him "Lars") -
ReplyDeleteHe really is a kind, generous soul, and I'm honored to know him.
Great find, Mike!
WELL----I get to call my sweet Richard my friend as well. Mike, he not only is an actor but he sings and has translated opera libretto's, directed operas and starred in them. He is a fabulous director. Have worked with him as an opera singer myself and those are some of my best and favorite memories. He also has had fun conducting symphony orchestra's and we try and keep him out of retirement here in MI as much as possible. One of the dearest friends we know and love!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust rewatched "The Paper Chase" on TCM, and discovered almost accident via a Google search that Mr. Nelson and myself share something in common, that being
ReplyDeletewe were both born on the same day, same year. I have yet to encounter another person in the cinema or theatre who shares that commonality with me, although the late Anne Bancroft and Roddy McDowell share the same birthday as I; ditto tv reality show celeb Nate Berkus, among possibly others unknown to me presently.
I just finished watching on DVD borrowed from Calgary's fabulous libraries the movie My Bodyguard. I've seen it before but it's a great reminder and certainly timely about the effects of bullying and hurt. Mr. Nelson gave a wonderful performance as an Assistant Hotel Manager who was constantly pointing fingers and trying to get the Hotel Manager fired. A somewhat subtle yet unkind type of bullying. A very worthwhile movie to watch. Thank you to wonderful actors like Mr. Nelson.
ReplyDeleteWe are watching Richard in the role of psychiatrist on the Eunice and Mama show. I remembered him and wondered from where. Found this blog. We laughed so hard! A break from his "snobby" roles -- thanks for a good belly laugh! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're my favorite actor in the Maude AT THE GAY BAR episode and in the Golden Girls TWAS THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Miss seeing you.
ReplyDeleteBJ
I have been trying to find out Craig Richard Nelson's sexual orientation... There doesn't seem to be anything about him ever being married... Does anyone know?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your role on Fernwood, then America 2-Night (which I fortunately have all the shows). The humor in those shows was as good as any. I especially liked your/his character as Dr. Van Moot when you/he talked about his "no frills hospital." It is just too bad that the shows were summer replacements when people tend not to watch as much television.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, folks. It's been a long time since I've posted anything and I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Craig Richard Nelson. Would love to know about him when you get the chance. He seems like a great guy. Yet he's another actor I've never heard of. Info would be nice. Please let me know what you can about him. Thanks.
ReplyDelete