Craig T. Nelson

Craig T. Nelson’s first wife was Robin McCarthy, with whom he had three children named Tiffany, Chris and Noah. The couple divorced in 1978.

Later, he married Doria Cook who is a martial arts instructor, and a freelance writer.

Craig Theodore Nelson was born on 4 April1944 in Spokane, Washington, United States. His mother was Vera Margaret, a dancer, while his father was Armand Gilbert Nelson, a businessman.

From an early age, he was quite interested in sports as well as martial arts. Nelson used to play both football and baseball at high school. He also earned himself a brown belt in karate.

He attended Central Washington University, where he studied criminology, with the intent to join the Central Intelligence Agency of America. However, he dropped out and went to Yakima Valley Community College, where he studied English literature. The he dropped out yet again.

Later, he went to Switzerland where he studied communications at Northfielde Universität Herisau. After spending a semester there, he eventually received a drama scholarship to the University of Arizona. There he supported himself financially by working as a security guard during the day while he took acting classes at night.

Craig T. Nelson began his career as a comedian and became a member of a comedy troupe known as ‘The Groundlings’. He eventually found standup comedy unfulfilling for himself and thus he left the group.

He made his acting debut with the vampire horror movie ‘The Return of Count Yorga’ in 1971, where he played a supporting role. The film was a mild success.

His next few years were a struggle. Unable to find meaningful work, and impoverished, he moved to a place named Mount Shasta, where there was neither electricity nor running water. He did various odd jobs to support himself, such as a janitor and a carpenter, only to return to acting after some years.

After his return, he first appeared in the 1979 American courtroom drama film ‘…And Justice for All.’ The film, which was directed by Norman Jewison, turned out to be a success, and brought Nelson to limelight.

He appeared in a major role in the 1982 supernatural horror film ‘Poltergeist’ where he played the lead role. The film was a big success, becoming the highest grossing film of the year. It was also loved by both the audience and critics.

*‘…And Justice for All’ a 1979 courtroom drama film, was the first major work in Craig T. Nelson’s career. The film was directed by Norman Jewison and starred several well-known actors such as Al Pacino, Jack Warden, John Forsyth, and Lee Strasberg. The film turned out to be a moderate hit, grossing over $ 33 million in North America alone, and becoming the 24th highest grossing film of the year. It was also reviewed positively by critics, and it earned two Academy Award nominations as well.

Nelson’s appearance in the 1982 American supernatural horror movie ‘Poltergeist, brought him much fame and success. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the film starred Nelson in the lead role. Other actors in the film included JoBeth Williams, Heather O’Rourke, Dominique Dunne, and Richard Lawson. The story, which is set in California, is about a family whose daughter is abducted by a group of evil spirits.

The film was a commercial success, and became the eighth highest grossing film of the year. It was not just a commercial success, but also gained a cult following. It was named the 20th scariest film ever made by ‘The Chicago Film Critics Association.’

His role in ‘Coach,’ a popular American TV show aired on ABC television network, can be regarded as the most significant work in his career. He played a character named Hayden Fox, who was the head coach of a college football team. Other actors in the show included Christine Armstrong, Jerry Van Dyke, Luther Van Dam and Kelly fox. It won Nelson several award nominations as well as the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.