Classic Film Journeys: Lori Nelson
Dixie Kay Nelson was born on August 15, 1933 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was the daughter of the superintendent of the American Metal Mine Company and the great-grandniece of John J. Pershing.
Nelson’s time in the entertainment industry began when she was two years old, appearing in local theater productions and earning the nickname “Santa Fe’s Shirley Temple”. By the time she turned four, her family had moved to Encino, California. Soon after, she won the title of Little Miss America, toured veterans’ hospitals, took part in more theatrical performances, and modeled for local photographers.
Unfortunately, Nelson contracted severe rheumatic fever at the age of seven, which left her bedridden for four years. After recovering, she began appearing in beauty pageants again, winning the title of Miss Encino at 17.
Nelson graduated from Canoga Park High School and pursued a modeling career. After an unsuccessful test for a role in Warner Brothers’ line of kings (1942) Nelson teamed with agent Milo O. Frank, Jr. to attempt to work in films. She trained with the studio drama coach at Universal-International and reenacted a scene for the front office. In 1950 she signed a seven-year contract with Universal International. There she adopted the stage name Lori Nelson.
Nelson’s film debut came in bend of the river (1952), followed by supporting appearances in Ma and Pa kettles at the fair (1952), Francis goes to West Point (1952), Destroy (1954), and Ma and Pa Kettle in Waikiki (1955). She also played along revenge of the creature (1955) and Underwater! (1955). Nelson continued to perform day the world ended (1955), I’ve died a thousand times (1955) and partner (1956). Nelson had starring roles in Hot Rod Girl (1956) and Untamed youth (1957).
Nelson has also worked in television on numerous occasions, including a co-lead role in The rat catcher from Hameln (1957). She worked on the sitcom How to marry a millionaire alongside Barbara Eden and Merry Anders, which is based on the 1953 film of the same name. She also made many television guest appearances, including roles on The Tab Hunter Show, wagon trainand bachelor father.
In 1960, Nelson married composer Johnny Mann. The couple had two daughters named Susan and Jennifer before divorcing in 1973. Nelson later married Joseph J. Reiner, who worked as a police officer. Nelson’s last film role was as Dr. Helen Dobson The naked monster (2005).
Nelson died at her Porter Ranch home on August 23, 2020 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was 87 years old.
Few tributes to Nelson exist today, but some of their former residences remain. In 1940, Nelson resided at 4611 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, California. In 1950 the family lived at 14544 Haynes St., Los Angeles, California. These apartments are no longer there.
Nelson’s alma mater, Canoga Park High School, continues to exist as a high school, but not in the same building Nelson would have attended. The building was damaged in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and demolished in 1975. The new building is located at 6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, California.
In 1960, Nelson lived at 5044 Bellaire Ave., North Hollywood, California. The house still stands today.
In the 1970s she lived at 19764 Corbin Dr., Chatsworth, California. Her husband, Johnny Mann, registered this location as Johnny Mann Productions, Inc. in 1970 and later registered Great American Choral Festival, Inc. at this address. The house is no more.
In 1973, Nelson moved to 19558 Pine Valley Ave., Porter Ranch, California. She lived here with her second husband, Joseph J. Reiner. The house remains today.
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–Annette Bochenek for Classic Movie Hub
Annette Bochenek writes our monthly Classic Movie Travels column. Here you can read all articles from Annette’s Classic Movie Travel.
Annette Bochenek, from Chicago, Illinois, is a graduate student at Dominican University and an independent scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the blog Hometowns to Hollywood, where she writes about her travels exploring the legacies and hometowns of Golden Age stars. Annette also hosts the Hometowns to Hollywood film series in the Chicago area. She has appeared in Turner Classic Movies and is the President of the Chicago chapter of TCM Backlot. Not only does she write for Classic Movie Hub, but also for Silent Film Quarterly, nostalgia digestand Magazine of the Chicago Art Deco Society.
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