Merlin Olsen Suing Studios for Asbestos Exposure

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 4th 2010 10:59AM

Football and acting star Merlin Olsen is taking legal action against NBC, Fox and other companies who he claims negligently exposed him to asbestos that led to him developing mesothelioma -- a rare form of cancer linked to the dangerous chemical. In the lawsuit papers obtained by TMZ (see the document), Olsen links blames NBC Studios, NBC Universal, 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, Sherwin Williams and Lennox industries for his disease.

Merlin On and Off the Field

NFL Career

'Father Murphy'

According to the suit, the companies "were engaged in the business of manufacturing, fabricating, designing, assembling, distributing, leasing, buying, selling, inspecting, servicing, installing, repairing, marketing, warranting and advertising a certain substance the generic name of which is asbestos."

He is currently undergoing chemotherapy to treat the disease.

Olsen played for 15 years with the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, going to the Pro Bowl a whopping 14 times and landing himself on 1999's '100 Greatest Football Players' list in The Sporting News.

and later went on to a career in broadcasting and acting. He had roles on 'Father Murphy,' 'Little House on the Prairie' and 'Aaron's Way,' and was also a commercial spokesman for FTD Florists.

In the lawsuit, Olsen calls mesothelioma "a vicious, painful, and invariably fatal malignancy." There's no word of how much Olsen and his wife are seeking from the lawsuit.

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Merlin Olsen is undergoing chemotherapy for mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The football legend and actor is suing past employers, including NBC and Fox, claiming they exposed him to the dangerous chemical.

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Tags: merlin olsen, MerlinOlsen, nbc

Comments

(128)

Monday 04 January

By Ken

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Anything for a buck. Sailors were subjected to Asbestos and many, not most, but many ended up with Metho. For sure a actor will get much more than our sailors got...and you can take that to the bank along with his check.

By toddshindler

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

How would you know, were you in TV Shows?

By Ginger Root

Having worked for a law firm specializing in Asbestos cases, including those with Mesothelioma, the plan of action was to sue anyone and everyone who had the slightest tie to asbestos. Just because the Network is a being sued now doesn't mean they'll have to settle or remain a part of the suit. This is indeed a very painful disease. I wish Mr. Olsen the best.

Saturday 16 January

By mocosobobo

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Only jerks get cancer.

Tuesday 05 January

By Deb

If you never have had a loved one with Asbestos then you have no Idea what they go thru and it is very painful and you do not get it from smoking. If you don't know anything about it then you need to learn. The only ones that benefit from the suit is the Lawyers and what is left for the Family. Most of the time the Asbestos Patient doesn't live long enough to collect on the settlement. I am sure that Sailors were exposed to it to but my question to you is why didn't they initate a law Suit?
Also the patient can also expose it to there spouse's to.
So do some more research before you start critizing someone that you no nothing about.
Deb

By flilguy

Yes it's easier for a celebrity to sue. I am being exposed to things at my job that is harmful to my health. It's very difficult for anyone to obtain a safe and healthy work environment. I will probably get cancer. If someone famous can sue and change things for the better. More power to them!

By barrie

I worked with Merlin Olsen in the broadcast booth for Superbowl 17 and he was the most professional, classiest broadcaster ever. Which is not a surprise, becuase he was also the most professional, classiest defensive lineman ever. 100 Greatest NFL? Try 50 Greatest Players in the NFL.

By Steve

I agree, the man was pure class both on and off the field. Always a hero of mine.
Good luck Merlin.

By KEVIN

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

YOUR FULL OF SHIZZZZZ U NEVER WORKED WITH HIM MAYBE WAXING HIS SHOES LOL

By chantelmargo

I have always loved watching Merlin on Little House and I am surprised that he is taking this route. Whether it is true or not is not up to us to say.

By Dugan

What surprises you about his actions?

By time2b

I'm so sorry to hear of Mr Olsen's illness. My heart goes out to him and his family. I've always enjoyed the roles he played. He's a great actor, athlete, and man. Best wishes and God speed.

By Boston Blackie

This is sad. I remember when his twin died all those years ago.

By GAZ

Asbestos is not the only cause of mesothelioma and it is not a rare cancer. I know/knew several people with that cancer and they all smoked.
Just wondering if Merlin Olsen smoked...

By DAG

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Source: National Cancer Institute

By Joe Williams

Olsen is a practicing Mormon. He has never smoked.

By Marilyn

No Mr. Olsen never smoked...he's a good Latter-Day Saint also.

By vos

he's Mormon -- I doubt if he smoked

By beatrice44

being a ''good mormon'', I doubt that he was allowed to smoke.

By zratly33

Merlin is a Mormon, and his family lived in Orem, Utah. I am pretty sure he never smoked. My Dad worked with his brother (Orrin) on a construction project at Brigham Young University, and said Orrin was one of the best indivduales he ever worked with. Since it has been a number of years so I am not sure of the status of the family at this time

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