Biography for
Haywood Nelson

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Mini Biography

Haywood Nelson is best known as Dwayne Nelson from the legendary TV show, "What's Happening." Haywood played Dwayne a pretty boy who was a little shy, friendly, down to earth teen who was likable and with his catch phrase, "Hey, Hey, Hey" he became a favorite, memorable character by all who watched him then and now. He maintained that persona as an adult on "What's Happening Now" as well. Haywood arguably became the first Black TV teenage sex symbol while on What's Happening, young teenage girls finally had someone of their age group to swoon over and Haywood was the perfect match with his pretty boy looks and dimpled smile. Upon that he had a sweetness, a sense of humor, wit, and a natural likability about him that complimented his character and made him successful and likable. He was a guy, guys liked and girls liked which is a rare quality.

Haywood was a child star, appearing in many national commercials, he appeared on Broadway in a successful show, "Thieves" at the age of 14, he also guest starred on "Sanford and Son" as Grady's grandson at 15 and was in the cast of a spin-off of Sanford and Son called "Grady," the show was short lived but Haywood wasn't, the next year in 1976 at the age of 16 he finally got his break and became a TV star in a role of a lifetime as Dwayne on "What's Happening."

Haywood Nelson is still in the entertainment business, mainly behind the scenes, he has done talk shows, TV shows and many interviews.

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Trivia

Has twice portrayed characters that shared his first or last name. In "What's Happening!!" and its spin-off, "What's Happening Now!!", he portrayed Dwayne Nelson. In a guest appearance on "Sanford and Son" and the show's spin-off "Grady", he played Grady's grandson Haywood.

Personal Quotes

Hold on to that. You have an autograph. I'm going to be famous some day. [after handing in an assignment to his English teacher in high school]

My family was my guide to my reality.

Where Are They Now

(March 2002) A partner with an Internet Company.

(October 2007) Currently a digital media executive of IEG Holding

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