Nelson McDowell (August 14, 1870 – November 3, 1947) was an American actor.

He attended Leadville (Colorado) High School and Normal College in Freemont, Nebraska, before earning A.B.

In 1901, he was appointed professor of orthodontics at the University of Illinois.

[3] In 1902, McDowell acted on stage in Chicago and in Lincoln, Nebraska.

[2] McDowell died in Hollywood, California after he shot himself.