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![Goodbye Merlin]()
After a battle with mesothelioma, former NFL player and television star Merlin Olsen died on March 10, 2010. He was 69. He played his entire 15-year pro football career with the Los Angeles Rams, and was elected to the Pro Bowl 14 seasons (a current record shared with Bruce Matthews). Olsen is still the Rams' all-time leader in career tackles Moving from football to acting, Olsen appeared in 70s and 80s TV series like “Little House on the Prairie” and “Aaron’s Sons.” Olsen starred in his own series, “Father Murphy,” from 1981 to 1983. Olsen was married to Susan Wakley from 1962 until his death, and the couple have 3 children. He is survived by four grandchildren. Click through to see highlights of the athlete actor's career. (REUTERS)![Speaking Engagement]()
The Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor spoke in Urbandale, Iowa in June of 2001. Olsen was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December of 2009 and reportedly underwent three courses of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the star passed away in a L.A. hospital on March 10, 2010. In January 2010 Olsen had filed a lawsuit against NBC Studios, NBC Universal, and 20th Century Fox for exposing him to asbestos. Visit tmz.com for more info. (AP)![Merlin with George W. Bush]()
Merlin, dressed as Santa Clause, greets U.S. President George W. Bush. The pair met up at the end of the Christmas Pageant of Peace on the Ellipse in front of the White House in Washington in December of 2005. (REUTERS)![From Football Star to Actor]()
Olsen acted in the movie "The Undefeated" opposite John Wayne and Rock Hudson. The film, along with other acting gigs led to his own show, "Father Murphy" (at left).![Rams Legend]()
Merlin Olsen of the L.A. Rams is seen in Irving, Texas in 1973. Olsen is still the Rams' all-time leader in career tackles with 915. (AP)![Merlin Greets Fans]()
The Los Angeles Rams' defensive tackle signed autographs for young fans in 1972. (AP)![Fearsome Foursome]()
Merlin Olsen, right, of the Los Angeles Rams, battles Atlanta guard Gregg Kindle, in Los Angeles in December of 1976. Olsen was part of the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, which set an NFL record for the fewest yards allowed during a 14-game season in 1968. (AP)![All-American Merlin Olsen]()
Olsen was an All-American at Utah State and a first-round draft pick of the Los Angles Rams in 1962.Merlin Olsen: 1940-2010
The football legend and TV star died Wednesday in Los Angeles, home of his former team, the Rams.
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- Merlin Olsen: 1940-2010
