Where is Nancee Kellee? AKA Kelly Jean Van Dyke… Dead, Suicide by Hanging

10 10 2007

Nancee Kelle was born Kelly Jean Van Dyke, daughter of TV actor Jerry Van Dyke, and niece of TV star Dick Van Dyke. Kelly was married to actor Jack Nance who had a long history of alcohol dependency. Nance was best knows for his work with director David Lynch in Eraserhead and Twin Peaks. Van Dyke also battled drug dependency for years and according to her father had been popping Quaaludes since the age of 13. In the early 90’s Kelly delved into the lower end of the porn industry making only two low budget films including one titled the Coach’s Daughter. The film title was a reference to the popular TV series Coach that her father was best know for. Kelly Jean and Jack Nance’s marriage was on the rocks only months after the ceremony. Jack a recovering alcoholic was worried that his wife’s wild lifestyle was going to lead him back to drinking. On July 15th 1991 Jack spoke with Kelly Jean by telephone and told her he was going to leave her. Kelly Jean threatened to kill herself and shortly after the conversation she did just that. Kelly Jean used a rope plant hanger and a hook and was found a short time later after Nance had phoned LAPD. She was 33 years old. Her failed marriage, her drug problem and her decision to make porn all were factors contributing to her suicide. Her father did not even know Kelly Jean had resorted to making porn when he found out about her suicide. Jack Nance distraught over his wife’s suicide began drinking again and was found dead in his apartment on December 30th 1996 under mysterious circumstances.