Tracy Nelson

Who Is Tracy Nelson?

Tracy Nelson gained prominence with her notable role alongside Sarah Jessica Parker in the sitcom Square Pegs. Her career continued to flourish as she made guest appearances on several acclaimed television shows of the 1980s, including St. Elsewhere and Family Ties. Nelson’s career faced a significant challenge when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After undergoing treatment, she achieved remission and went on to achieve further success, most notably portraying Sister Stephanie “Steve” Oskowski in the popular series Father Dowling Mysteries.

Early Life and Family

Tracy Nelson was born on October 25, 1963, in Santa Monica, California, into a prominent show business family. As the eldest of four children, she was the daughter of singer, songwriter, and actor Ricky Nelson and actress Kristin Harmon. Her paternal grandparents were the renowned entertainment duo Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, while her maternal grandparents included football star and sportscaster Tom Harmon and actress Elyse Knox. This legacy of performance and talent extended into Tracy’s generation, with her younger brothers Matthew and Gunnar forming the band Nelson, and her youngest brother Sam pursuing a career as a musician and music executive. Tracy herself embarked on a performing career at an early age, making her debut opposite Lucille Ball in the Henry Fonda film Yours, Mine and Ours before she turned five.

Tracy’s parents married in April 1963 in a grand Catholic ceremony attended by 400 guests. However, their marriage was marked by turbulence, with both Ricky and Kristin accusing each other of infidelity and substance abuse. Tracy experienced frequent conflicts with her mother and spent much of her teenage years living with her father. The couple’s marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1982.

Personal Tragedy and Cancer Diagnosis

On December 31, 1985, the Nelson family faced a devastating loss when Ricky Nelson was tragically killed in a plane crash in De Kalb, Texas. The accident also claimed the lives of Nelson’s girlfriend and several of his band members. In the wake of this tragedy, his daughter, Nelson, found herself grappling with grief and uncertainty.

Two years later, at the age of 23, Nelson married actor Billy Moses, known for his role in the soap opera Falcon Crest. However, shortly after the wedding, Nelson began experiencing severe health issues. She recounted a dream in which her deceased father spoke to her, advising her to seek medical attention. This haunting vision prompted her to consult a doctor.

In December 1987, a biopsy revealed a malignant tumor the size of a grapefruit in her chest. Nelson was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. She attributed her illness to the immense stress following her father’s death and the ensuing family conflict over custody of her youngest brother.

The situation was further complicated when her father-in-law was diagnosed with inoperable throat cancer around the same time. Nelson underwent a grueling seven-hour surgery to remove parts of her liver and lymph nodes, followed by extensive chemotherapy that led to a dramatic weight loss, reducing her to just 87 pounds. Remarkably, within six months, her cancer went into remission.

Despite the severity of her condition and the rigors of treatment, Nelson continued her professional career. She starred as Sister Stephanie “Steve” Oskowski in the Father Dowling Mysteries series and appeared in various television shows, including Perry Mason and Melrose Place. Despite concerns that radiation treatments might have affected her fertility, Nelson gave birth to a daughter, Remington, in August 1992.

Personal Life

Nelson and her former husband, Billy Moses, divorced in 1997 and continue to share custody of their daughter. In 2001, Nelson welcomed a second child, Elijah Nelson Clark, with her partner Chris Clark. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Nelson remains resolute in her commitment to personal growth. She reflects, “Things happen for a reason, and I believe I was given a chance to become a stronger person.”