Nelson Lyon

Nelson Lyon (February 28, 1939 – July 17, 2012) was an American writer, actor, photographer and film director, known for his directorial debut The Telephone Book. He started working in advertising and later as a writer for Saturday Night Live during the early 1980s. He attended Columbia University. In the 1960s he was an active member of the counterculture movement and was friendly with several key figures, like Andy Warhol and William Burroughs.

After Belushi's death, Lyon's character was stained by his association with the case and he struggled to find work. According to Mark Mothersbaugh, a close friend, "in his later years he was dependent on the largess of his friends." He died of liver cancer on July 17, 2012.

Filmography Film Year Title Credit Notes 1971 The Telephone Book Director, screenwriter film debut 1977 The Baron Screenwriter 1988 Spike of Bensonhurst Co-Producer alternative title: Mafia Kid 1994 Floundering Chief Merryl Fence 1996 Baja Nelson (final film role)2005PhobiasShane Free

Television Year Title Role Notes 1981–1982 Saturday Night Live Writer 20 episodes