Little House on the Prairie NBC TV Cast Information

Film Credits

Born to Lynn Jay and Merle Barrus Olsen in Logan, Utah, Sep 15, 1940, Olsen is the second of nine children. He attended Utah State University, is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and was a three-year letterman in football as a defensive tackle. In football, as a senior, he was a consensus All-American selection (making the vast majority of All-America teams) and was the winner of the Outland Trophy. After Olsen's junior year of 1960 he was also named All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and Newspaper Enterprise Association. He was also All-Conference in both 1960 and 1961 and an Academic All-America in 1961.

As a senior the Aggie defense Olsen anchored gave up an average of 50.8 rushing yards (which led the nation), 88.6 passing yards, and 139.4 total yards which all still stand as school records for defense. The 1961 Aggie defense gave up an average 7.8 points a game, which is second in team history behind Olsen's 1960 team, which allowed 6.5 points per game.[1] Additionally, the Aggie defense held four opponents to less than 100 total yards. One, the University of Idaho, was held to a school-record 23 total yards, with the Aggies winning 69-0.

The Aggies, not known as a national power football program, finished 10th in both the AP and UPI post-season polls, the only time that has occurred in school history. The Aggies had a combined 18-3-1 record during Olsen's junior and senior seasons under coach John Ralston and were conference champions those two seasons as well.

Olsen played in the East-West Shrine Game in 1961 and in 2003 was voted to the game's Hall of Fame. He also played in the Hula Bowl after his senior season and was voted MVP of the game.

Olsen is a member of the State of Utah’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Utah State University Sports Hall of Fame and USU’s All-Century Football Team. In 2000, he was selected by Sports Illustrated as one of the State of Utah’s Top 50 Athletes of the Century. He was voted to the All-Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1969 he was voted to the Newspaper Enterprise Association All-Time All-America team with collegiate greats such as Bronco Nagurski, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, and O.J. Simpson, among others.

Olsen played professionally (from 1962 to 1976) for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. A leading defensive star of his era, he did not miss a single game in his 15-season NFL career. He was All-Pro in 1964, and 1966 through 1970. He was voted second team All-Pro in 1965, 1973 and 1974.

Following his retirement as a player, Olsen went to television as a color commentator, teaming with Dick Enberg on NBC's coverage of the AFC throughout the 1980s. He and Enberg also teamed for the Rose Bowl Game broadcast beginning with the 1980 Rose Bowl through the 1988 Rose Bowl.

He also enjoyed success as an actor. When Little House on the Prairie actor Victor French left to star in his own comedy Carter Country in 1977, Olsen was tapped to play Michael Landon's new sidekick Jonathan Garvey. One memorable quote from Merlin during the series, "I don't know a thing about football" was when Charles and Jonathan were to coach a boys football team. A couple of years later, Landon cast Olsen as the masquerading priest Father Murphy. He has been a commercial spokesman for FTD Florists. His most recent television acting work was in the short-lived 1988 TV series Aaron's Way, in which he played the lead role. Olsen has often co-hosted the Children's Miracle Network telethons, a humanitarian organization founded in 1983 by Marie Osmond and John Schneider. He also appears in many Sigma Chi promotional campaigns; Olsen is a Life Loyal Sig, Significant Sig (given to members for distinguishing acts outside the fraternity) and a member of the Order of Constantine (given for service to the Fraternity).

Olsen donated one of his cleats, which were bronzed, to be used during the annual football rivalry between two Las Vegas high schools, Eldorado High School and Chaparral High School, which both opened in 1973. Each year, Olsen presents the "trophy" in the ceremony at the rivalry game.

In March 2010, Merlin Olsen passed away at the age of 69.

Did you know?

One of his younger brothers is Phil Olsen. They played together with the Rams from 1971-1974. Brothers, Merlin, Phil and Orrin all played in the NFL. Another brother, Clark, has a son, Hans, who later played professional football, in the family tradition.

Merlin is a passionate fisherman, and enjoys fly fishing the most. In total, he has three brothers and five sisters. Colleen, Clark, Lorraine, Gwen, Phil, Winona, Ramona, and Orrin. Merlin is the first son, and second child of nine children born to Merle Barrus and Lynn Jay Olsen. He has four grandchildren.

Was original member of the Los Angeles Rams "Fearsome Foursome"

Graduated Utah State University in 1962.

Played defensive tackle for Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League, 1962-1976.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Does the voice-over for FTD commercials, as well as commercials for syndicated airings of "The X-Files."

Along with biological brother Phil, member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Both have been inducted into the Order of Constantine, the Fraternity's highest honor; they are also both Significant Sigs.

High school debate partner was astrophysicist Kip Thorne.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.