Ann Nelson - Cast Member of the Month

Ann Nelson

Ann Nelson was born on May 27, 1916 in Los Angeles, California as Margaret Ann Barnes, under the star sign Gemini. Gemini’s have been described as outgoing, adaptable and intelligent. They are also very funny and it’s been said that there is never a dull moment with a Gemini.  

Ann was educated at Hollywood High School before becoming the youngest person to Pasadena 

Playhouse.

Growing up she loved to go to the Movies and was keen to be an actress but instead she decided to marry and raise her 3 sons before she started her acting career.

In the 1970s when she was in her late 50s she started performing in Community Theatre productions including: “The Glass Menagerie” and “Barefoot in the Park”. 

  

1977 she played the lead in a psychological TV horror film called “Ghosts Still Walk” and then came TV appearances in TV shows like: “Lou Grant”, “Family Ties”, “Dallas” and “The Dukes of Hazzard”.

She also had small but memorable parts in the 1980 movie “Airplane!” and the 1982 Sequel “Airplane II: The Sequel “ .

Then in 1982 came her role as ditzy school secretary in “Fame”.  A small guest spot at first but the producers loved her that she became a more integral part of the show and by Season 4 was a full time main cast member.

Ann stayed with “Fame” for all of it’s six seasons and starred in  93 episodes.

After “Fame”, Ann continued guest starring in TV shows like: “The Golden Girls”, “Married With Children” and “Growing Pains”.

In 1990/1991 she guest starred on 6 episodes of “Knots Landing” as Mrs Richardson.

Later in 1991 she appeared with Macaulay Caulkin in the feature movie “My Girl”.     

On June 2, 1992 she passed away in Los Angeles aged 76.