Barry Nelson Dies

Barry Nelson, an MGM contract player during the 1940s who later had a prolific theater career and was the first actor to play James Bond on screen, has died. He was 89.

Nelson died on April 7 while traveling in Bucks County, Pa., his wife, Nansi Nelson, said Friday. The cause of death was not immediately known, she said.

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He is the answer to the trivia question: Who was the first actor to play James Bond? Before
Sean Connery was tapped to play the British agent on the big screen in 1962's "Dr. No," Nelson played Bond in a one-hour TV adaptation of "Casino Royale" in 1954.

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Nelson is survived by his wife. He did not have any children from either marriage.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

Rest In Peace, Barry.