Gary Nelson (October 6, 1934 – May 25, 2022) was an American television and film director. He directed many television series, including Get Smart, Gunsmoke, Have Gun – Will Travel, The Patty Duke Show, Gilligan's Island and Happy Days. In addition, Nelson directed five feature films, including Disney's Freaky Friday (1976), and many television movies, including Murder in Coweta County starring Johnny Cash and Andy Griffith.

In 1978, Nelson was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for Washington: Behind Closed Doors.

Nelson was born in Los Angeles, California. He was married to actress Judi Meredith (died April 30, 2014); the couple had two sons.During semi-retirement, he continued to occasionally guest lecture at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He died in Las Vegas on May 25, 2022, at the age of 87.