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).
Merlin Olsen Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Merlin Olsen reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 7 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Merlin Olsen's work falls within the Western genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 0% of Merlin Olsen's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Undefeated, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Merlin Olsen Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Merlin Olsen's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Merlin Olsen has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Time Bomb | Jake Calahan | Average | 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 6.3/10.
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 "Time Bomb", "A Fire in the Sky", and "One More Train to Rob".