‘Oklahoma’ Star Dies Of Cancer

Gene Nelson, a loose-limbed dancer in 1950s Warner Bros. musicals who became a film and television director later in his career, died at age 76, his daughter said Tuesday.

Nelson died of cancer Monday.

Nelson’s most famous role was cowboy Will Parker in the film version of “Oklahoma!” in 1955, a part remembered especially for his lasso twirling to the tune “Kansas City.”

He also appeared with Doris Day, Virginia Mayo and other musical stars in such films as “The Daughter of Rosie O’Grady,” “Tea for Two,” “The West Point Story” (with James Cagney), “Lullaby of Broadway,” “She’s Working Her Way Through College” (with Ronald Reagan) and “Three Sailors and a Girl.”

For television, he directed episodes of such series as “The Rifleman,” “The Donna Reed Show,” “I Dream of Jeannie” and “The Mod Squad,” among others.