Merlin Olsen
ActingAbout 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).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Merlin Olsen reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 7 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Western
The majority of Merlin Olsen's filmography leans towards the Western genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Merlin Olsen remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Undefeated, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Merlin Olsen Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Merlin Olsen's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Merlin Olsen.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Time Bomb | Jake Calahan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Story | Todd Simms | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | A Fire in the Sky | Stan Webster | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Mitchell | Benton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1971 | Something Big | Sgt. Fitzsimmons | Flop | Similar → |
| 1971 | One More Train to Rob | Eli Jones | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Undefeated | Little George | Average | Similar → |
Merlin Olsen - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Merlin Olsen?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Merlin Olsen is "The Undefeated" with a rating of 6.2/10.
How many movies has Merlin Olsen acted in?
Merlin Olsen has been featured in at least 7 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Merlin Olsen?
Other notable films include "A Fire in the Sky", "One More Train to Rob", and "Something Big".