Gene Nelson
Gene Nelson (
March 24,
1920 -
September 16,
1996), born
Leander Eugene Berg, was a dancer, film actor and director.
He was inspired to become a dancer by watching
Fred Astaire and
Ginger Rogers movies when he was a child. After serving in the Army in World War II, Nelson began performing in films including
Oklahoma! (1955).
As a director for television, Nelson directed episodes of the original
Star Trek, the first season of
I Dream of Jeannie and
Gunsmoke.
Legally changed his name in 1964.
Died of cancer, aged 76, in
Los Angeles, California; survived by 3 children.
