Biography
A strapping and celebrated defensive lineman in college and professional football, Merlin Olsen spun his success on the gridiron into an acting career on television series like "Little House on the Prairie" (NBC, 1974-1983) and "Father Murphy" (NBC, 1981-83). Olsen established his talent for defense while at Utah State University, and further proved it as one of the infamous "Fearsome Foursome" of defensemen for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 …
Latest Tv Credits
1 - 4 of 4
Career Milestones
| Teamed with Dick Enberg as a color commentators for NBC's coverage of the American Football Conference (AFC) | ||
1962 | After graduating from Utah State he signed with the Los Angeles Rams for a record amount of $50,000 for two years, plus a signing bonus | |
1962 | Played defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League | |
1969 | Made acting debut in the movie, "The Undefeated," opposite John Wayne and Rock Hudson | |
1977 | Played Jonathan Garvey on NBC's long-running series, "Little House on the Prairie" | |
1980 | Teamed with Enberg for the Rose Bowl Game broadcasts | |
1981 | Cast as the masquerading priest in "Father Murphy" (NBC); created by Michael Landon | |
1982 | Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame | |
1988 | Played the lead role in the short-lived NBC series, "Aaron's Way" | |