Barry Nelson (1968)

Barry Nelson’s bio from the 1969 program for Cactus Flower:

Light comedy was Barry Nelson’s forte for many years; shining brilliantly are such smash hits as F. Hugh Herbert’s “The Moon is Blue” and Jean Kerr’s “‘Mary, Mary.” With his performance in Edward Albee’s “Everything in the Garden,” he successfully made the transition to dramatic roles. His true merits as a versatile actor in a serious play became startlingly evident. Appearing with Mr. Nelson in the Albee play was Barbara Bel Geddes with whom he co-starred in “The Moon is Blue” and “Mary, Mary.” In the screen version of the latter, he emulated his footlight triumph. For two years, he starred with Lauren Bacall in the Abe Burrows comedy “Cactus Flower,” in which his portrayal of the dashing philandering dentist rated
both critics’ cheers and audience acclaim.

Barry Nelson is a native of San Francisco. He began acting at the University of California, where his portrayal of ‘Macbeth led to a contract with MGM. Subsequently, Moss Hart engaged him to play the fledgling dramatist in his comedy, “Light Up the Sky,” and Carson Kanin cast him as a saxophone player opposite Betty Field in “The Rat Race.” Shortly after this he made his London debut as Will Stockdale in “No Time for Sergeants,” playing the role for a year and a half. When “The Only Game in Town” opened in New York, Mr. Nelson made his debut as a director in addition to co-starring in the play with Tammy Grimes and Leo Genn. He appeared in the Frank Gilroy play at Flitch Theatre last year with Julie Newmar and James Karen. Mr. Nelson has recently completed a co-starring role in Ross Hunter’s star-studded fiIm, “Airport.” A favorite guest panelist on network television quiz shows, he has also starred in such television series as “The Hunter” and “My Favorite Husband.” For several years he was an interviewer on NBC. Mr. Nelson is the author of many articles on the theatre for the New York Times, the Actors Equity Publication, the New York Screen Actor (organ of the Screen Actors Guild) and other publications.
[Historic Elitch Theatre Program for Cactus Flower]

Seasons at the Theatre

1968
1969
1971

Productions/Roles:

1968 – The Only Game in Town
1969 – Cactus Flower as Dr. Winston
1971 – Plaza Suite

Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:

In 1978, Nelson was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Dan Connors in the Broadway musical The Act (1977) with Liza Minnelli.