Merlin Olsen, ex-Rams star and actor was 69 *

When the Rams were a big deal in Los Angeles, Olsen anchored their Fearsome Foursome defensive line. He went on to be longtime color commentator for NBC’s pro football and Rose Bowl telecasts, and a television actor on “Little House on the Prairie” and in his own series, “Father Murphy.” His death at City of Hope hospital in Duarte was announced by his brother Orrin, who said he had been treated for mesothelioma, a form of cancer, the New York Times says.

* Noted: An LAO reader recalls that Olsen and Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel used to have their names on a Porsche and Volkswagen dealer on Ventura Boulevard in Encino.