Craig T. Nelson Reflects on ‘Traditional, American Values’ of Farm Life

Craig T. Nelson attends Swing for Kids Golf Tournament benefitting Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2017. Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Orthopaedic Institute for Children

Craig T. Nelson, best known for his roles in “Poltergeist” and “Coach,” has gained a newfound appreciation for farmers after working on his newly released film “Green and Gold.”

During an interview with Fox News published Jan. 31, the 80-year-old actor shared how the experience gave him a deeper understanding of the vital role farmers play in society. Although farming is part of his family’s history, Nelson said it was his involvement in the film that truly opened his eyes to the challenges and dedication required to sustain the industry.

He talked about the contribution of farmers, saying their work is essential in “feeding our country and trying to make a living at it.” Through his time on the project, he was able to understand the farming lifestyle from a new perspective.

“And the margins that they’re living on are so small. And so you identify with the struggle, and the beauty of that is within that, there is a humor and there’s a reverence and there’s a sense of community and … American values, traditional,” Nelson said.

The actor highlighted the importance of experiencing farm life firsthand. “Spend a couple of weeks on a farm and, you know, you'll find out quickly where your heart lies,” he said.

Green and Gold

“Green and Gold” tells the story of a struggling farmer named Buck, played by Nelson, who must navigate the challenges of modern agriculture while holding onto the traditions of the past. In a daring move, he bets his farm on the Green Bay Packers making it to the Super Bowl in an attempt to save it.

The film, directed by Anders Lindwall and produced by Davin Lindwall, is inspired by their real-life grandfather, a dairy farmer from the Wisconsin and Northern Michigan area.

“Our grandfather was a dairy farmer and that farm was closed when we came around, but we kind of grew up around some of that community, and it’s as close physically, location-wise, it’s really close to our home, which is kind of right on the Wisconsin, Northern Michigan border,” Anders told Christian Broadcasting Network.

“But yeah, we just always had a passion for telling stories about that area, and this is really our first opportunity to get a chance to share kind of the beauty of what we grew up around and the beauty of the people up there,” he said.

Nelson’s Career

Born on April 4, 1944, in Spokane, Washington, Craig Theodore Nelson began his career in comedy in the 1970s. He became an early member of The Groundlings and a regular performer at The Comedy Store. He got his first major film role in the 1979 legal drama “... And Justice For All,” starring Al Pacino.

His breakthrough role came in 1989 when he was cast as the lead in the popular NBC sitcom Coach, where he portrayed Hayden Fox, the head coach of a fictional college football team. The role earned him several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination, solidifying his status as a household name.

Nelson’s career expanded beyond television, and he found success in films. His notable movie roles include playing the father in 1982’s “Poltergeist,” a classic horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, and his voice work as the character Mr. Incredible in the 2004 animated film “The Incredibles.”

As an avid Green Bay Packers fan, Nelson got this opportunity to sing the national anthem at Lambeau Field ahead of the football team’s game against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 5.

Nelson has three children from his first marriage with Robin McCarthy and is currently married to actress Doria Cook-Nelson.