The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from October 3, 1952, to April 23, 1966, and starred the real-life Nelson family. After a long run on radio, the show was brought to television, where it continued its success, initially running simultaneously on radio and TV. In terms of seasons, it was the longest running live-action sitcom in U.S. television history until It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia surpassed it on December 1, 2021 (though it still retains the record in terms of total episodes produced: 435). The series starred the entertainment duo of Ozzie Nelson and his wife, singer Harriet Nelson, and their sons, David and Ricky. Don DeFore had a recurring role as the Nelsons' neighbor "Thorny". Cast The Nelsons Ozzie Nelson Harriet Nelson David Nelson Ricky Nelson Supporting The following represents the show's major supporting cast.(Source: The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present (Ninth edition)) Don DeFore as Erskin "Thorny" Thornberry Parley Baer as Clarence Darby Lyle Talbot as Joe Randolph Mary Jane Croft as Clara Randolph Connie Harper (Constance Nelson) as Miss Edwards Skip Young as Wally Plumstead Gordon Jones as Butch Barton Frank Cady as Doc Frank Elroy Williams Lloyd Corrigan as Wally Dipple Joseph Kearns as Herb Dunkle James Stacy as Fred Jack Wagner as the announcer and the soda clerk Joe Flynn as Mr. Kelley Kent McCord as Kent, Kappa Sigma fraternity brother Jimmy Hawkins as Jimmy, Kappa Sigma fraternity brother Background Early radio days In the early 1930s, a booking at the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York, gained national network radio exposure for Ozzie Nelson's orchestra. After three years together with the orchestra, Ozzie and Harriet signed to appear regularly on the radio show, The Baker's Broadcast (1933–1938), hosted first by Joe Penner, then by Robert Ripley (famed for Ripley's Believe it or Not!), and finally by cartoonist Feg Murray. The couple married on October 8, 1935, during this series run, and realized working together in radio would keep them together more than continuing their musical careers separately. The Red Skelton Show In 1941, the Nelsons joined the cast of The Red Skelton Show, also providing much of the show's music. The couple stayed with the series for three years. They also built their radio experience by guest appearances, together and individually, on many top radio shows, from