Richard Nelson (December 7, 1938 – November 6, 1996) was an American theatrical lighting designer. Born in New York City, Nelson studied at the High School of the Performing Arts and began his career off-Broadway in 1955. He made his Broadway debut with The Caucasian Chalk Circle in 1966. His many credits include Coco, The Magic Show, So Long, 174th Street, The Lady From Dubuque, The Tap Dance Kid, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and revivals of Morning's at Seven, Awake and Sing!, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Blithe Spirit, The Night of the Iguana, and Private Lives, among others.