Born Dixie Kay Nelson in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Nelson was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Nelson. Her father was superintendent of the American Metal Mine Company in Tererro, New Mexico. She was the great-gr… See more

In 1950, she was signed to a seven-year contract with Universal-International after a studio scout saw her performing in a little theater production. She made her film debut in the 1952 Western Bend of the River. Later that … See more

In the early 1950s, Nelson dated actor Tab Hunter. The relationship was fodder for gossip columnists at the time, and there was speculation that the two would marry. In his 2005 autobiography Tab Hunter Confidentia… See more