Bobby Nelson was an American actor who is best known for Oliver Twist (1933), Custer’s Last Stand (1936), and Perils of the Jungle (1927). He was born on January 17, 1922, in Santa Monica, California, and passed away on December 5, 1974, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Bobby Nelson, born Robert Julius Nelson, was the son of Jack Nelson. He attended the Lawlor Professional School for young performers where he learned under Viola F. Lawlor. During World War II, Bobby served in the U.S. Army, enlisting in 1942 and being discharged in 1946. After his acting career primarily as a child actor in the 1930s, he transitioned to a 43-year career as a public accountant.
Death and Legacy
Bobby Nelson died on December 5, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. Despite his relatively brief career in acting, particularly as a child star, he left an impact on early Hollywood. His unique transition from acting to public accounting showcases the diverse paths one can take in life.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rough Riding Ranger | 1935-05-12 | Bobby Francis |
| The Gambling Terror | 1937-02-15 | Jerry Garret |
| Boothill Brigade | 1937-08-02 | Tug Murdock |
| Custer’s Last Stand | 1936-01-02 | Bobby Nelson |
| Two-Gun Caballero | 1931-12-15 | Jimmy Thompson |
| King of the Arena | 1933-06-01 | Jimmy Hiller |
| The Cowboy and the Bandit | 1935-04-02 | Bobbie Barton |
| Cyclone of the Saddle | 1935-04-03 | Dick |
| The Ghost Rider | 1935-04-07 | Bobby |
| Thunderbolt | 1935-12-15 | Bobby |
| Valley of the Lawless | 1936-01-25 | Billy Jenkins |
| Captured in Chinatown | 1935-07-13 | Bobby–Newsboy |
| Custer’s Last Stand | 1936-04-02 | Bobby Trent |
| Tarzan the Mighty | 1928-10-29 | Bobby Trevor |
| The White Gorilla | 1945-07-12 | The Jungle Boy |
| Roaring Ranch | 1930-04-27 | Bobby Morgan |
| Honeysuckle Rose | 1980-07-18 | Bobbie |
| Bulldog Pluck | 1927-06-12 | Danny Haviland |
| The Way of the West | 1934-10-14 | Bobbie Parker (as Little Bobbie Nelson) |
| On Your Guard | 1933-01-31 | ‘Buddy’ Shannon |
| The Red Rope | 1937-07-19 | Jimmy Duncan |
| Two Fisted Justice | 1931-10-20 | Danny |
| Spell of the Circus | 1930-11-13 | Bobby |
| The Texan | 1932-02-01 | Bobby |
| The Border Whirlwind | 1926-11-15 | Petie |
| Partners | 1932-01-08 | Bud Roach |
| The Cheer Leader | 1928-01-01 | Chester Grant |
| The Drunkard | 1935-04-03 | Messenger Boy |
| The Cowboy Counsellor | 1932-10-14 | Bobby Avery |
| Perils of the Jungle | 1927-07-01 | Kimpo |
| The Doughboy | 1926-09-21 | The Orphan |
| Life of an Actress | 1927-02-15 | Bobby Judd |