In this episode, we explore the role of the background actor and how the terminology has changed from Extras. We have the wonderful Gaye Nelson, who grew up with Hollywood parents Anne Roberts Nelson and Harmon Oscar Nelson, Jr. Did you know the Oscars are named after her dad? And her dad's first wife was the talented Bette Davis. Gaye dishes on the life of growing up amongst the stars.
Gaye Nelson has been an expert in astrology and tarot for many years. She began studying at age 17 and has been a full-time professional since 1988. She has thousands of clients, including many celebrities and interesting people from all walks of life. She is President of the Los Angeles chapter of NCGR (National Council for Geocosmic Research) and is a member of SCAN (Southern California Astrological Network). As the daughter of Hollywood parents, Gaye's life has been fascinating. Her family was filled with creativity and accomplishment. Gaye's mother, Anne Roberts Nelson, had a legendary executive career in business affairs at CBS Television from 1945 until she died in 2009. She started in radio and was there at the birth of television. She remains the longest-serving employee at CBS, working there for 64 years. She is featured in the book Women Who Run the Show. The "Anne Nelson Mezzanine" at CBS TV City is named for her. Gaye's father, Harmon Oscar Nelson, Jr., was a brilliant musician and advertising executive. He was the original bandleader at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and played with the Dorsey Brothers and Harry James during the Big Band era, as well as singing in his gorgeous tenor voice. Thanks to him, the house was filled with music throughout Gaye's childhood. He died on September 28, 1975, but continues to be an inspiration to her. Harmon's first wife was his Boston prep school sweetheart, Bette Davis. They married in 1932, and Hollywood legend has it that she gave the Academy Award its famous nickname "Oscar" because she thought the "golden statuette" resembled him, particularly from the rear. Gaye's sister, Amy Nelson Frelinger, was a dancer and fitness instructor and now sells real estate. Her brother, Amy's twin, Harmon Oscar Nelson III, was a talented graphics and environmental designer and signage expert. He died in 2020. With this family, a career in show business was natural.
Gaye began to work at age three as the Campbell's Soup girl on live TV, followed by more than 30 years of consistent appearances on stage, film, television, and radio as both actress and singer. As a teenager, she was a soloist with Sing Out Los Angeles, the local Up with People cast. She has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since she was three years old and is a lifelong union activist. She was elected Delegate for the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Conventions and is the Communications Director for the Membership First party. She serves in the Los Angeles Local as Co-Chair of the MOVE committee (Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts) and Chair of the Open Board Meeting Committee. She also serves as a delegate for SAG-AFTRA to the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. She played a school administrator on the reboot of "Saved by the Bell" for Peacock, NBC's streaming service. She worked on the CBS shows "Criminal Minds" (8 Years as a BAU agent) and "The Big Bang Theory" (6 Years in the cafeteria scenes). In the ABC comedy "The Mayor", she played the Mayor's Receptionist. She worked on the film "Moneyball" and the shows "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders", "Rizzoli & Isles", "Eastwick", and many other TV shows. She has been used as a technical advisor for childbirth scenes. As a Double Gemini, she has many interests and talents. She was a Casting Director for actor Robert Conrad's production company and loved being on the other side of the camera while apprenticing to become an astrologer.
