Acting
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).
Acting
- 2022Joe Montana: Cool Under PressureSelf (archive footage)1 ep.
- 1988Aaron's WayAaron Miller14 ep.
- 1986Fathers and Sons4 ep.
- 1981Father MurphyJohn Michael Murphy35 ep.
- 1974Little House on the PrairieJonathan Garvey50 ep.
- 1972Kung FuPerlee Skowrin1 ep.
- 1972The Brian Keith Show1 ep.
- 1970Monday Night FootballDefensive tackle15 ep.
- 1964Shindig!1 ep.
- 1963Petticoat Junction1 ep.
Guest appearances
- 2022Joe Montana: Cool Under PressureSelf (archive footage)1 ep.
- 1977Little House on the PrairieJonathan Garvey50 ep.
- 1970Monday Night FootballDefensive Tackle, Defensive tackle, Left Defensive Tackle15 ep.
- 1973Kung FuPerlee Skowrin1 ep.
- 1972The Brian Keith Show1 ep.
- 1970Petticoat Junction1 ep.
- 1965Shindig!1 ep.
Also known as: Merlin Jay Olsen