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NFL, TV Star Merlin Olsen Dead at 69

After career with LA Rams, Olsen acted in 'Little House on the Prairie'

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 11, 2010 11:26 AM CST

(AP) – Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen is dead at 69. Olsen was an All-American at Utah State and a first-round draft pick of the Los Angles Rams in 1962, where he was part of the "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line that set an NFL record for the fewest yards allowed during a 14-game season in 1968. He moved on to acting with roles in Little House on the Prairie and later his own series, Father Murphy, which ran from 1981 to 1983. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma last year.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen in 2001.
Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen in 2001.   (AP Photo)
This Dec. 4, 1976, file photo shows Merlin Olsen, right, of the Los Angeles Rams.
This Dec. 4, 1976, file photo shows Merlin Olsen, right, of the Los Angeles Rams.   (AP Photo/File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
youngblood
Mar 12, 2010 3:39 PM CST
Loved him in Little House...R.I.P Merlin
LoudProudLib
Mar 11, 2010 6:47 PM CST
He was a good actor for an ex football player. And for such a big man he seemed gentle. Loved his character in The Undefeated. Rest in peace friend!
Count-Spatula
Mar 11, 2010 5:50 PM CST
Unless he used to beat his dog, Merlin seemed like a very gentle soul. RIP.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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