A Boston native, Nelson was born to two graduates of Brown University. Nelson played hockey in high school and was an avid motorcycle rider. He studied acting in college and later went to a private acting school. Adam Nelson's career began in 1988 and he quickly garnered success as an actor, winning several awards.

Filmography

• 2008Appaloosa — Mackie Shelton
• 2007Broken — Neil
• 2007Cold Ones — Mack
• Criminal Minds — Tommy
• CSI: NY — James Moore
• 2003Dr. Benny — Micheal
• 2003Mystic River — Nick Savage
• Without a Trace — Ken Brown
• Crossing Jordan — Frank Dawber
• Six Feet Under — Match-Lighting Guy
• 2001The Pledge — Deputy #1
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation — Reed Collins
• 1998Phantoms — Scientist Burke
• 7th Heaven — Alan
• 1996If Looks Could Kill — Trooper
• 1995Dead Man Walking — Guard #4
• JAG — Navy Appellate Court Judge #1
• ER
• Diagnosis: Murder — Brad
• The X-Files — Mr. Van De Kamp / Husband
• 1992O Pioneers! — Lou
• 1991Flight of the Intruder — Little Augie
• 1991The Indian Runner — Cellmate
• Booker — Tim
• Mancuso, F.B.I.
• Quantum Leap — Preacher
• 1989The Abyss — Ensign Monk
• American Playhouse — Lou
• Hallmark Hall of Fame — Lou

Appearances as themselves (1)

• 1993Under Pressure: Making 'The Abyss' — Self