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Merlin Olsen

Acting

Merlin Olsen

Born
1940-09-15 · Logan, Utah, USA
Died
2010-03-10
Filmography
17 titles on TMDB
About Merlin Olsen

Merlin Jay Olsen (September 15, 1940 – March 11, 2010) was an American professional football player, announcer, and actor. For his entire 15-year professional football career (1962 - 1976), he was a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl a then-record 14 times (surpassed only by Tom Brady). He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. As an actor, Olsen is best known for portraying farmer Jonathan Garvey on the fourth through seventh seasons of Little House on the Prairie (1977 - 1981). He went on to star as the title character in the Western series Father Murphy (1981 - 1983).

Backdrop from The Undefeated

Films & television

7 titles

Biography and credits supplied by TMDB. Credits may include upcoming titles and guest appearances.