Merlin Olsen
Biography
Merlin Olsen was an American football player, broadcaster, and actor who spent his entire 15-year NFL career as a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. Born in Logan, Utah, he attended Utah State University, where he won the 1961 Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman. Selected by the Rams in 1962, he was named NFL Rookie of the Year and was chosen for the Pro Bowl 14 times, a record at the time. After retiring in 1976, he became a television color commentator, working with Dick Enberg on NBC and later for CBS. He also acted, playing Jonathan Garvey in Little House on the Prairie and starring as John Michael Murphy in Father Murphy. He acted in the John Wayne film The Undefeated (1969). His Pro Football Hall of Fame induction came in 1982, and he died in 2010.
69years old at death
- Born Logan
- Died City of Hope National Medical Center
- Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22
- Also credited as Merlin Jay Olsen
Movie Career
- Films
- 3
- Career span
- 6 years1969 to 1975
Every film, newest first
- 1975"Mitchell"!IMDb rating 2.8
- 1971Something BigIMDb rating 5.8
- 1969The UndefeatedIMDb rating 6.6
Genres
Share
Did you know?!
A change of course
In high school Olsen went out for athletics, but in grade 9 the basketball coach cut him and advised him that sports were not his calling, suggesting instead that he pursue the arts.
A first
Olsen was named to the Pro Bowl 14 times, which set a record at the time. He was left off the team only in his final year.
Merlin Olsen movies on Netflix
Most often with
Andrew V. McLaglen directed three of these films. Three actors appear in two of them each. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Paul Fix's page
Harry Carey Jr.'s page
Ben Johnson's page
All films by Andrew V. McLaglen
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Pro Football Hall of Fame | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.