Harmon Nelson

Harmon Nelson (born Harmon Oscar Nelson) (19?? - 19??) was the first husband of actress Bette Davis. He was married to her from 1932 until 1938.

Life and Career
Harmon Oscar Nelson Jr. was a musician best known for being the legendary inspiration for Bette Davis' claimed nicknaming of the Academy Award statuette "Oscar," although the story likely is apocryphal as his nickname was "Ham." Davis' high school sweetheart, Ham (or "Oscar") Harmon married Bette on August 18, 1932. They divorced seven years later on December 6, 1938.

In contrast to Davis's success, Nelson failed to establish a career for himself, and their relationship faltered. In 1938, Nelson obtained evidence that Davis was engaged in a sexual relationship with Howard Hughes and subsequently filed for divorce citing Davis's "cruel and inhuman manner".

Oscar/Academy Award History
Bette Davis claimed to have given the Academy Award the name "Oscar" after her first husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson.

Filmography
For Auld Lang Syne (1938) (uncredited) .... Himself - introduced as Bette Davis' husband
... aka For Auld Lang Syne #3 (USA: series title)
A Day at Santa Anita (1937) (uncredited) .... Himself
A Dream Comes True (1935) .... Himself

Archive Footage:
Stardust: The Bette Davis Story (2006) (TV) .... Himself

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See Also

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