Nancy Nelson

Inducted 2009

One of Minnesota’s best-loved personalities, Nancy Nelson began her 45-year broadcasting career while still in high school, hosting KMSP TV’s teen dance show Date with Dino.  Working with Mel Jass on WTCN TV’s Mel’s Matinee Movie, she interviewed Don Stolz of the Old Log Theater, leading to nearly 20 years on the Old Log stage.  As WCCO TV’s “Saturday Night Weather Girl,” she appeared between Dave Moore’s Bedtime Nooz and Bill Carlson’s This Must Be the Place.  She was also  “Princess of Prizes” on Don Dahl’s Bowlerama.  As Miss Minnesota, she was first runner-up to Miss United States. In 1970 she married the love of her life, WCCO TV’s Bill Carlson.  In 1972 Nancy began a 13-year run as host and producer of What’s New? on WTCN TV.  Next it was on to Los Angeles, where she anchored the news at KTTV for three years, earning several Emmy nominations.  She did a talk show at KABC Radio in L.A., covered the Academy Awards and the Rose Parade for international satellite, and hosted a dozen nationally syndicated television shows. Nancy did one of the country’s first infomercials, and to date has done nearly one hundred.  CBS News dubbed her the “Queen of Infomercials, seen in nearly every country in the world daily.  Nancy says, “I’ve been so fortunate.  It’s a privilege to do this work.  I’m grateful.  I love this business.”