Ed Nelson

Ed Nelson

Actor

Active: 1959

About Ed Nelson

Ed Nelson was an American actor who appeared in Roger Corman's 1959 cult horror film 'A Bucket of Blood.' His role as Art Lacroix, though relatively minor, placed him within the context of American International Pictures' low-budget but influential horror productions of the late 1950s. Nelson was part of the ensemble cast that helped bring Corman's satirical take on beatnik culture and the art world to life. His character, Art Lacroix, was one of the beatnik artists who frequented the coffee house where much of the film's action takes place. Unfortunately, detailed information about Nelson's broader career, training, or other film appearances is scarce, suggesting he may have been a character actor with limited filmography or possibly used this name as a professional pseudonym. His appearance in 'A Bucket of Blood' represents his documented contribution to classic American cinema during the transitional period from studio dominance to independent filmmaking.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Roger Corman's cult classic 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959)

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Art Lacroix in 'A Bucket of Blood'

Must-See Films

  • A Bucket of Blood (1959)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Roger Corman

Studios

  • American International Pictures

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Ed Nelson's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, is preserved through his participation in 'A Bucket of Blood,' a film that has become a cult classic and represents an important example of Roger Corman's early horror work. The film itself has gained significance as a commentary on beatnik culture and artistic pretension, with Nelson's character helping to populate the authentic beatnik atmosphere that Corman sought to create. His performance, though brief, contributes to the ensemble that makes the film a time capsule of late 1950s counter-culture aesthetics.

Lasting Legacy

Ed Nelson's legacy is primarily tied to his single documented film appearance in 'A Bucket of Blood,' which has endured as a cult favorite among horror enthusiasts and fans of Roger Corman's work. While his individual contribution may be modest, the film itself continues to be studied and appreciated for its place in the history of American independent cinema and its role in launching Corman's reputation as a master of low-budget filmmaking.

Who They Inspired

As a character actor with limited documented work, Ed Nelson's direct influence on other performers or filmmakers is difficult to trace. However, his participation in 'A Bucket of Blood' places him within the ecosystem of actors who contributed to the rise of independent horror cinema in the late 1950s, a movement that would significantly influence subsequent generations of filmmakers.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about Ed Nelson's personal life, family background, or activities outside of his documented film appearance.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in Roger Corman's 'A Bucket of Blood,' which was filmed in just five days
  • Played Art Lacroix, one of the beatnik artists in the film
  • The film was one of Corman's most successful early productions
  • His character was part of the coffee house scene that satirized beatnik culture
  • The film has since become a cult classic despite its modest budget
  • Nelson was part of the ensemble that helped establish the film's authentic atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ed Nelson?

Ed Nelson was an American actor best known for his role as Art Lacroix in Roger Corman's 1959 cult horror film 'A Bucket of Blood.' He was part of the ensemble cast that portrayed beatnik artists in this influential low-budget production.

What films is Ed Nelson best known for?

Ed Nelson is primarily known for his single documented film appearance in 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959), where he played the character Art Lacroix among the beatnik artist community.

When was Ed Nelson born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Ed Nelson are not documented in available film records, as he appears to have been a minor character actor with limited filmography.

What awards did Ed Nelson win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Ed Nelson, who appears to have had a brief acting career with his only known film credit being 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959).

What was Ed Nelson's acting style?

Based on his role in 'A Bucket of Blood,' Ed Nelson contributed to the film's authentic beatnik atmosphere as part of the ensemble cast, though detailed information about his specific acting techniques or style is not available due to limited documentation of his career.

Learn More

Films

1 film