Craig Richard Nelson (born September 17, 1947) is an American actor in theater, film and television.

[1] Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After graduation, he was cast in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Two Gentlemen of Verona.

This led to a long career in film and television, including three Robert Altman films, A Wedding,[1] 3 Women,[1] and Quintet[1] as well as a role in the coming-of-age comedy My Bodyguard.

[1] He also had a recurring role as drama teacher Mr. Spacek on the 1980s television show Square Pegs.