Gene Nelson

Biography

Gene Nelson was born Leander Eugene Berg in Astoria, Oregon, and began his career as a dancer inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He landed his first Broadway role in Lend an Ear, earning a Theatre World Award, and went on to appear in notable films like Oklahoma! and Lullaby of Broadway, alongside Doris Day. Nelson's work spanned directing eight episodes of Star Trek and The Rifleman, as well as writing the screenplay for Elvis Presley's film Kissin' Cousins, earning a WGA award nomination.