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Jan Merlin (born Jan Wasylewski, April 3, 1925 – September 20, 2019)[1] was an American character actor, television writer, and author.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Born as Jan Wasylewski and reared in New York City. Merlin was of Polish American descent with ancestry in Poland. He attended the Grace Church School for Boys and later the renowned premier academic Stuyvesant High School in New York City, before dropping out to join the United States Navy, serving as a Torpedoman, during World War II.[2] He later attended and graduated from the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.[3]

Career

[edit]

After Merlin's discharge from naval service, he worked in summer stock theater beginning in 1946, and then enrolled in the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater, making his Broadway debut in live theater in 1949 in Mister Roberts, which also starred Henry Fonda, (along with the subsequent feature film of the same title).[4]

His professional acting career, which spanned more than five decades, included performances in stage plays on and off Broadway, radio dramas, live and filmed episodes of television series, and more than 30 feature motion pictures. His most recent performances were in live radio dramas broadcast in June 2010. In his film and television work, Merlin was frequently cast as the heavy, and consequently his character very often died onscreen. An early role for him was in the 1956 western playing Billy a small town boy getting mixed up with a gunfighter that dropped in the town in A Day of Fury. In 1960, Merlin played Travers in Hell Bent for Leather, and his other film credits include roles in Guns of Diablo (1965), The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967), Take the Money and Run (1969), The Twilight People (1972), I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973), The Slams (1973), The Hindenburg (1975) and Time Trackers (1989).

Merlin had co-starring roles in two early television series: from 1950 to 1953 as Cadet Roger Manning in Tom Corbett, Space Cadet,[5]: 1091-1092  and in 1959 as Lieutenant Cullen Kirby in the ABC western series The Rough Riders.[5]: 912  In 1958, he also played Kenneth on the NBC drama Kitty Foyle.[5]

In 1960, he was cast as Mick Norton, guesting in the episode "Hostage Island" of the ABC adventure series The Islanders, set in the South Pacific.

Also in 1960 he again died on the screen in season 3, episode 10 of Gene Barry (1919-2009)'s famous Western and historical / biographical television series, Bat Masterson, (1958-1961), playing a wild, gun slinging cowboy, the troubled son of a deceased war hero whose mother left him when he was a child, in the episode "Last Stop To Austin".

He also appeared as Hendry Grant in the 1961 episode "First Blood" of the NBC western series The Tall Man. He made two guest appearances on the famous long-running legal / courtroom drama Perry Mason: in 1958, as Tony Davis in "The Case of the Black-Eyed Blonde", and in 1961 as Ralph Quentin in "The Case of the Jealous Journalist." Merlin has earlier appeared in a 1954 episode of Dragnet "The Big Rod", cast as Gregory Moore, a felony hit and run suspect. In 1957, he appeared in Season 1 Episode 21 of Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre opposite Ernest Borgnine, also a former US Navy man. In 1962, he was cast as Bill Enders in the episode "The Ride" of the NBC western series Bonanza. That same season of 1962, he was cast as bad guy Clint in the western series Laramie episode "The Stolen Tribute" . He would go on to play bad guys twice more on that show set in the old Wyoming Territory, once as actor Karl Swenson's son in the episode "Trial By Fire" and again in 1963, he played Joel Greevy in "The Fugitives". In 1966, he co-starred in the World War II action drama / war TV series in German-occupied Western Europe in Combat! - season 4, episode "One at a Time" as a German Army sniper named Sgt. Erich and again in 1966 in the season 5 episode "Headcount" as a Lt. Geiben. In 1967 Merlin appeared as a hostile alien in episode 18 ("Visitors From Beyond The Stars") of the Irwin Allen sci-fi series The Time Tunnel (1966–1967), and also played a villain on the futuristic nuclear submarine USOS Seaview in three episodes of another Irwin Allen series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea: "No Way Out", "The X Factor" and "Death From The Past".

Merlin received a Daytime Emmy Award in 1975 for Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Drama Series as part of the NBC Daytime soap opera Another World.[citation needed] He was nominated again in 1976.

His first novel was published in 1982. He currently has a number of novels in print, including Gunbearer, Part I, Gunbearer, Part II, Ainoko, Gypsies Don't Lie, Crackpots, and Shooting Montezuma. He has also self-published several works of fiction and non-fiction with co-author William Russo, including The Paid Companion of J. Wilkes Booth, Troubles in a Golden Eye, MGM Makes Boys' Town, Hanging with Billy Budd, and Frankie Thomas: the Eternal Cadet.

He also appeared in the western frontier television series based on the historical fiction novels of author Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957), set on the Minnesota prairie, ''Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983).

Personal life and death

[edit]

Merlin married his first wife Patricia Datz in 1951.[2] They had a son, Peter William Merlin (born 1964). Patricia died in 1986. Two years after his wife's death, Merlin married his second wife Barbara Doyle, and remained married until his death on September 20, 2019. He was 94.[6][7]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1954 Them! Radio Man on the SS Viking Uncredited
1955 Six Bridges to Cross Andy Norris
1955 Big House, U.S.A. Tommy, Accomplice on Fishing Boat Uncredited
1955 Illegal Andy Garth
1955 Running Wild Scotty Cluett
1956 A Day of Fury Billy Brand
1956 Screaming Eagles Lt. Pauling
1956 A Strange Adventure Al Kutner
1956 The Peacemaker Viggo Tomlin
1957 Woman and the Hunter Robert Gifford
1958 Cole Younger, Gunfighter Frank Wittrock
1960 Hell Bent for Leather Travers
1962 Bonanza: The Ride Bill Enders
1963 The List of Adrian Messenger The Whistling Man / The Clergyman / The Workman / The Shepherd Uncredited
1963 Gunfight at Comanche Creek Nielsen
1964 The Virginian Sam Lake
1964 Gunsmoke Ed Sykes
1965 Guns of Diablo Rance Macklin
1966 The Oscar Actor Frankie Pulls Knife on Uncredited
1967 The Time Tunnel Centauri Episode 18 "Visitors from Beyond the Stars"
1967 The St. Valentine's Day Massacre Willie Marks
1969 Strategy of Terror Jon
1969 Take the Money and Run Al – Bank Robber
1972 The Twilight People Steinman
1973 The Slams Saddler
1973 I Escaped from Devil's Island Rosenquist
1974 Little House on the Prairie Jon Nordstrom
1975 The Hindenburg Speck
1988 Permanent Record Minister
1989 Nowhere to Run Mr. Groker
1989 Time Trackers Max Barker
1989 Silk 2 Hancock Gish
1990 False Identity Potter – Pete

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Jan Merlin

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Jan Merlin (born Jan Wasylewski; April 3, 1925 – September 20, 2019) was an American , television writer, and novelist best known for specializing in villainous roles across dozens of films and television series from the through the , as well as for winning a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on the Another World. Born in , he adopted the stage name Jan Merlin early in his career and initially gained prominence through recurring roles in early and Western television programs. Merlin's acting career began in the early , with standout recurring performances as Roger Manning in the children's series (1950–1955), where he portrayed a hot-tempered crew member aboard a space training ship, and as Lieutenant Colin Kirby in the Western adventure (1958–1959), depicting a former Union officer. He frequently appeared as antagonists in popular Westerns and dramas, including guest spots on The Life and Legend of , , Rawhide, Gunsmoke, The Virginian, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., often bringing a smirking, intense menace to his characters that became his signature. In film, he contributed to over 30 projects, including roles in Them! (1954) and Take the Money and Run (1969). His television work extended into with appearances on (1966) and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964–1968), and later into crime dramas like Ironside, The F.B.I., , and . Transitioning to writing in the 1970s, Merlin penned scripts for daytime and primetime series, including a five-year stint on the soap Another World, for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award in 1975 for Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Drama Series (shared with the writing team) and a nomination in 1977. Beyond screenwork, he authored several novels, including his debut The Paid Companion of J. Wilkes Booth (1982), drawing on his experiences in entertainment. Merlin, who was married to Barbara Doyle at the time of his death and survived by a son and stepchildren, passed away in after a career that spanned , writing, and , leaving a legacy of memorable heavies in American television history.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Jan Merlin was born Jan Wasylewski on April 3, 1925, in to Polish American immigrant parents, Peter Wasylewski and Theresa Gusiakowna. His father, a Russian national, had immigrated to the in 1912, while his mother, of Austrian Polish descent, arrived the following year; the couple married in 1914. The family resided on the , where his parents worked as caretakers for a on East 4th Street, immersing young Jan in a blend of Eastern European traditions and urban immigrant life. Merlin's early years were shaped by his Polish heritage, including familial customs and community ties in the bustling, multicultural neighborhood of the , which fostered a strong sense of cultural identity amid economic challenges typical of immigrant households. He attended local public schools, beginning with P.S. 15. Following his father's death when Merlin was about 10 years old, family circumstances altered his educational path, leading him to briefly attend before dropping out to enlist in the U.S. Navy during .

Education and military service

Merlin attended for Boys in following his father's death at age ten, where he sang in the choir to help fund his education until his voice changed at fifteen. This early responsibility fostered a sense of independence amid family challenges. He later spent a brief period at before dropping out to enlist in the U.S. Navy in April 1942, shortly after the entered . During his service, Merlin rose to the rank of Torpedoman First Class (TM1) and was assigned to destroyers, performing duties that included loading and firing torpedoes, maintaining equipment, and participating in combat operations. He served on three successive ships—USS Terror (CM-5), USS Bullard (DD-660), and USS Gainard (DD-706)—across the European-African-Middle Eastern and Asiatic-Pacific theaters from 1942 to 1946, earning ten battle stars for engagements in key campaigns such as the , , and Okinawa. His wartime experiences included intense naval battles in the South Pacific, culminating in entering Japan's with the initial occupation forces after the country's surrender in 1945. Honorably discharged in April 1946, Merlin's Navy tenure provided him with discipline and a firsthand perspective on global conflict that later influenced his creative work. Following his discharge, Merlin adopted the stage name Jan Merlin—suggested by actor Frank Butler, who recommended the acting school—to better suit professional opportunities in entertainment. He enrolled at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in in 1947, where he pursued formal training over two semesters. There, he studied under the renowned instructor , whose technique emphasized truthful emotional responses and living in the moment during performance. Merlin graduated in 1949, gaining early exposure to theater through participation in the school's student productions, which honed his skills in scene work and before transitioning to professional opportunities.

Acting career

Stage and early roles

Jan Merlin began his professional stage career following training at the Neighborhood Playhouse in . His Broadway debut came in 1949 as a replacement in the long-running production of Mister Roberts, a comedy-drama by Thomas Heggen and directed by Logan, which had opened on February 18, 1948, at the Alvin Theatre and starred as Lieutenant Doug Roberts. The play, which explored the frustrations of naval life during aboard a , received widespread acclaim for its sharp wit and poignant themes, earning the 1948 and running for 1,725 performances until January 6, 1951. Merlin appeared in ensemble roles, including as Ensign Payne, contributing to the ensemble's depiction of the ship's crew dynamics amid the production's established success. In the late and early , took on additional stage work, primarily in productions that honed his skills in intimate theater settings. Notable among these was his portrayal of Brandon in a revival of Patrick Hamilton's thriller , where he played one of two young men who commit a and attempt to conceal it by hosting a dinner party on the victim's chest; this role showcased his ability to embody morally complex antagonists in tense, psychological dramas. These appearances, often in smaller venues, allowed to build experience in character-driven parts, establishing his early reputation for portraying villains and conflicted figures with a mix of intensity and subtlety. The transition from to television in the early 1950s presented significant challenges for Merlin, as the medium demanded rapid adaptation to live broadcasts and the unpredictability of early network programming. After initial forays into radio, he entered television with roles in live anthologies and serials, highlighting the era's high failure rate for experimental formats. This period marked a shift from the controlled environment of theater to the high-stakes immediacy of live TV, where technical glitches and tight schedules tested performers' resilience, yet it solidified Merlin's versatility in character roles that often leaned toward villainous archetypes first explored on .

Television appearances

Merlin's television career began with a prominent recurring role as Roger Manning in the groundbreaking series , which aired live from 1950 to 1953 across multiple networks. Portraying the impulsive, affluent, and often rebellious second-in-command aboard the training vessel , Manning's arc emphasized personal growth through conflicts with authority and space hazards, reflecting the show's blend of juvenile adventure and Cold War-era optimism about space travel. In a shift to the Western genre, Merlin co-starred as Lieutenant Colin Kirby in The Rough Riders from 1958 to 1959, a 39-episode ABC series depicting three Union Army veterans—Kirby, Captain Jim Flagg, and Sergeant Buck Sinclair—tackling post-Civil War injustices in the American Southwest. His portrayal of the sharp-shooting, duty-bound officer contributed to the program's emphasis on camaraderie and moral vigilance in a lawless frontier, marking one of Merlin's few heroic leads amid his typical antagonist roles. Merlin frequently appeared as a guest star in episodic television, often embodying tough or villainous figures in Westerns and other dramas. Notable examples include his turn as the desperate outlaw Ed Sykes in the Gunsmoke episode "Blue Heaven" (1964), where his character schemes amid Dodge City's tensions. He also featured in similar capacity on shows like Laramie, as the vengeful Clint Wade in "Stolen Tribute" (1961). From the 1950s through the 1970s, Merlin amassed appearances in dozens of television episodes, predominantly as antagonists that showcased his brooding intensity and reliability as a heavy, totaling over 100 credits in the medium.

Film roles

Jan Merlin's film career spanned from the mid-1950s to the 1980s, during which he appeared in over feature films, predominantly in supporting roles as antagonists or tough characters. His work in cinema often built upon his television success, which provided initial exposure and led to opportunities in larger productions. Merlin was frequently typecast as a , leveraging his intense screen presence to portray menacing figures in Westerns, crime dramas, and historical epics. A breakthrough came with his role as Billy Brand in the 1956 Western , directed by Harmon Jones. In this film, set in a tense frontier town, Merlin played a volatile young gunslinger who aligns with outlaw Jagade (), escalating the conflict with the local marshal and preacher. His performance as the hot-headed was noted for its raw energy, contributing to the film's exploration of vigilante justice and moral ambiguity in a community under siege. Critics praised the casting of supporting players like Merlin for adding depth to the ensemble-driven . Merlin later took on the role of Speck, a suspicious crew member, in the 1975 disaster film The Hindenburg, directed by . This fictionalizes the 1937 explosion of the German airship, blending espionage thriller elements with meticulous recreation of the era's tensions. As Speck, Merlin portrayed a shadowy figure potentially involved in , heightening the suspense amid the ensemble cast led by . His contribution underscored the film's focus on intrigue aboard the doomed vessel, earning acclaim for the production's technical achievements in depicting the tragedy. Other notable appearances included his turn as Al, a bank robber, in Woody Allen's 1969 mockumentary crime comedy Take the Money and Run, where he embodied a gritty criminal in a satirical take on the gangster genre. In Roger Corman's 1967 gangster film The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Merlin played Willie Marks, a henchman in the bootlegging underworld, capturing the brutal rivalry between Al Capone's and Bugs Moran's gangs leading to the infamous 1929 Chicago massacre. These roles exemplified Merlin's versatility within villainous archetypes, from comedic heavies to historical thugs, across genres that defined his cinematic output.

Writing career

Television writing

Jan Merlin transitioned to television writing in the early after a prolific acting career spanning the and , leveraging his on-screen experience to craft character-focused narratives amid shifting industry demands for episodic television. His background in portraying nuanced villains and supporting roles informed a writing style that emphasized emotional depth and interpersonal dynamics, particularly suited to the serialized format of daytime dramas. Merlin's primary television writing contributions centered on the Another World, where he served as a breakdown writer from 1970 to 1975, scripting around 690 episodes between 1973 and 1975. Working collaboratively under head writer Harding LeMay, he partnered with Tom King, Charles Kozloff, and Douglas Marland to outline daily breakdowns and dialogue that propelled multi-year story arcs, such as family conflicts and romantic entanglements central to the show's enduring appeal. This team effort focused on sustaining viewer engagement through layered character motivations rather than isolated plots, adapting to the 's demand for continuous evolution in ensemble casts. The pinnacle of Merlin's television writing came with a shared Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Series in 1975 for Another World, honoring the team's innovative handling of episode clusters like #1.2887, which advanced key dramatic tensions through collaborative scripting. He earned a subsequent nomination for the award in 1977, reflecting his sustained impact on the genre's narrative sophistication. Through these efforts, Merlin helped elevate daytime serials by integrating psychological realism and relational complexity, drawing directly from his acting insights to enhance plot authenticity.

Novels and other literary works

Jan Merlin transitioned from television writing to authoring novels in the early 1980s, drawing on his experience to craft works blending historical adventure, personal struggle, and . His debut novel, (1982, Avon Books), was a war romance later revised and republished as Ainoko (2002). Merlin's Gunbearer series, comprising Part I (published 2002) and Part II (published 2002), is presented as the journal of Sidi Mubarak , a Yao tribesman who accompanies British explorers on perilous across 19th-century . The in Part I details Mumbai's early treks and encounters with the "Dark Continent," emphasizing themes of loyalty, survival, and cultural clash during colonial expeditions. In Part II, the focus shifts to a aimed at verifying John Hanning Speke's theory on the River's source, highlighting rivalry among explorers and the human cost of discovery. These volumes underscore Merlin's interest in historical figures and underrepresented perspectives in . Ainoko (2002) examines the through the lens of mixed-race identity in occupied . The story follows an unmarried Japanese woman exiled from her family to raise her child, fathered by an American soldier, amid societal rejection and economic hardship. The protagonist's son, facing as an "ainoko" (half-breed), turns to and survival tactics like pimping and , yearning for belonging in a society scarred by occupation. Merlin critiques American influence and cultural alienation, weaving personal tragedy with broader historical echoes. In 2003, Merlin co-authored The Paid Companion of J. Wilkes Booth with William Russo, a historical novel reimagining the Lincoln assassination from the viewpoint of Lewis Powell (also known as Paine), a Confederate soldier and Booth associate. Drawing on extensive research, the book portrays Powell as a reluctant participant in the conspiracy, influenced by Booth's charisma and Southern loyalties, while reducing Lincoln and Booth to supporting roles. Themes of , , and moral ambiguity drive the plot, offering an alternative perspective on a pivotal American event. Merlin's Gypsies Don't Lie (2002) evokes the era in New York City's tenements, centering on a resilient Polish immigrant mother striving to support her two children amid and urban grit. The narrative contrasts everyday hardships with the escapist allure of Hollywood films, portraying real immigrant contributions to American society through authentic character struggles. Merlin employs a naturalistic style reminiscent of and to highlight themes of endurance and cultural adaptation. Beyond these, Merlin contributed short stories to Western fiction anthologies, incorporating frontier themes informed by his acting roles in , though specific collections remain lesser-documented.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Merlin married his first wife, actress Patricia Ann Datz, in 1951. The couple had one son, Peter William Merlin, born in 1964. Their marriage lasted until Datz's death from cancer in 1986. In 1988, Merlin married Barbara Doyle, a union that continued until his death. From his second marriage, he became stepfather to son and daughter Heidi. During his later career years, the family resided in . Merlin maintained a private family life, with limited public information available on personal dynamics or relationships beyond these details.

Later years and death

In the later years of his life, following an extensive career in acting that spanned several decades, Jan Merlin shifted his primary focus to writing and enjoying time with family. He particularly cherished simple moments, such as shared breakfasts with loved ones. Residing in , anthologies like Awesome Tales #11 were dedicated to him posthumously, featuring stories by other authors with recurring characters from his acting roles, such as Roger Manning from . Merlin died on September 20, 2019, at his home in Burbank at the age of 94. Funeral arrangements were managed by Valley Funeral Home in Burbank. Following his passing, tributes poured in from family and the entertainment industry, emphasizing his warmth and versatility. His stepdaughter, Heidi Davenport, remembered him fondly for his loving presence in family life. Industry outlets like and Deadline highlighted his enduring impact, noting his skill in portraying villains across dozens of films and television shows as well as his Emmy-winning contributions to television writing. Merlin's legacy lies in his nuanced approach to character acting, where he excelled at bringing depth to antagonistic roles, influencing subsequent generations of performers in genre and film. His writing, particularly for soap operas like Another World, demonstrated a lasting influence on dramatic storytelling in the medium.

Filmography

Film credits

Jan Merlin appeared in over 30 films, often in supporting or villainous roles. Notable credits include:
  • Six Bridges to Cross (1955) as Jerry Mahoney
  • The Peacemaker (1956) as Viggo Tomlin
  • A Day of Fury (1956) as Billy Brand
  • Cole Younger, Gunfighter (1958) as Nate McCobb
  • Hell Bent for Leather (1960) as Travers
  • Take the Money and Run (1969) as Al
  • Twilight People (1972) as Steinman
  • I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973) as Leduc
  • The Slams (1973) as Wescott
  • The Hindenburg (1975) as Speck
  • Permanent Record (1988) as Minister
  • Buried Alive (1990) as Attorney General
  • Silk 2 (1990) as Unspecified role

Television credits

Jan Merlin's television career as an began in the early with a recurring role in the series , where he portrayed Cadet Roger Manning across three seasons from 1950 to 1953. This marked the start of his extensive work in episodic television, often in Westerns and anthology dramas, culminating in guest spots through the . His credits include both series regulars and one-off appearances, with a focus on supporting and villainous characters.

1950s

Merlin's early television work was predominantly in live anthology series and emerging Westerns. He appeared in the pilot episode of Somerset Maugham Theatre in 1950, though specific role details are limited. His breakthrough came with the recurring role in (1950–1953) as Roger Manning. In 1958, he took on a co-starring role as Lt. Colin Kirby in , appearing in all 39 episodes of the ABC Western series from 1958 to 1959. Guest spots included ("The Case of the Black-Eyed Blonde," 1958) as Tony Davis, (two episodes, 1958–1959), (three episodes including "The Ride," 1959), (two episodes, 1959), and (1959).

1960s

The saw Merlin transition to more diverse genres, including spy thrillers and adventure series, while maintaining his Western roots. Notable appearances include Outlaws ("The Legend," 1960) as Jed Evans, The Tall Man (1960) as Hendry Grant, and Coronado 9 (1960) as Boxer. He guest-starred in ("The Case of the Jealous Journalist," 1961) as Ralph Quentin, The Fugitive ("The Blessings of Liberty," 1964), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. ("The King of Knaves Affair," 1964), Combat! ("Head Count" and "One at a Time," 1963–1966), ("Blue Heaven," 1964) as Ed Sykes, Rawhide ("Incident at Crooked Hat," 1963) as Little Sam Talbot, The Time Tunnel ("Visitors from Beyond the Stars," 1966) as Centauri, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea ("Death from the Past," "No Way Out," and "The X Factor," 1964–1968). He also appeared in the TV movie Take the Money and Run (1969) as Al, the bank robber.

1970s

Merlin's 1970s credits emphasized crime dramas and family Westerns, with appearances in ("A Chance at the Roses," 1970) as Vodich, Branded ("A Destiny Which Made Us Brothers," 1971), (1974), Switch (1975), ("If You Can't Pay the Price," 1975), The F.B.I. ("Blood Ties," "," and "The Outcast," 1970s), Ironside ("Something for Nothing," 1973), Search ("Moment of Madness," 1973), Buck T. James ("For Life," 1970s), and (additional episodes).

1980s–1990s

In later decades, Merlin appeared in action-adventure series and TV movies, often in authoritative or antagonistic roles. Key credits include (1982), Masquerade (1983) as Borisov, ("," 1983), Riptide (1984) as Hub Wheeler, Covenant (1985 TV movie) as Karl, The Gladiator (1986), Paradise ("A House Divided," 1988) as Joe Miller, Time Trackers (1989) as Max Barker, Guns of Paradise (1989) as Joe Miller, Sweet 15 (1990 TV movie), After the Shock (1990 TV movie) as Mr. Wallace, False Identity (1990 TV movie) as Potter, Buried Alive (1990 TV movie) as Attorney, and (1992 TV movie) as Jury Foreman. His final credited TV role was in 1992, reflecting a shift toward made-for-TV films in his later career.
DecadeNotable Recurring RolesKey Guest Appearances and TV Movies
1950sTom Corbett, Space Cadet (1950–1953, Roger Manning); The Rough Riders (1958–1959, Lt. Colin Kirby, 39 episodes)Perry Mason (1958), Bonanza (1959), Tales of Wells Fargo (1958–1959)
1960sNoneCombat! (1963–1966), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964–1968), Gunsmoke (1964), Rawhide (1963), Take the Money and Run (1969 TV movie)
1970sNoneMannix (1970), Little House on the Prairie (1974), The F.B.I. (multiple, 1970s), Ironside (1973)
1980s–1990sNoneThe A-Team (1983), Riptide (1984), After the Shock (1990 TV movie), A Child Lost Forever (1992 TV movie)

References

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  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073113/
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095893/
  52. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/buried_alive_1990
  53. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/silk_2
  54. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/104625-jan-merlin?language=en-US
  55. https://cinemorgue.fandom.com/wiki/Jan_Merlin
  56. https://watch.plex.tv/person/jan-merlin
  57. https://www.tvmaze.com/people/108269/jan-merlin
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