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Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000950133-97-001663.txt : 19970507
<SEC-HEADER>0000950133-97-001663.hdr.sgml : 19970507
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000950133-97-001663
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	497J
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
FILED AS OF DATE:		19970506
SROS:			NONE

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000869799
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	UNKNOWN SIC - 0000 [0000]
		IRS NUMBER:				911325756
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			AR
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		497J
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	033-41830
		FILM NUMBER:		97596809

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		800 SCUDDERS MILL RD
		STREET 2:		C/O MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE CO
		CITY:			PLAINSBORO
		STATE:			NJ
		ZIP:			08536
		BUSINESS PHONE:		6092821429
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>497J
<SEQUENCE>1
<DESCRIPTION>MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1
[Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P.]


                                  May 6, 1997


VIA EDGAR

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

         Re:     Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account (File No.
                 33-41830)

Commissioners:

                 On behalf of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company (the
"Company") and Merrill Lynch Variable Life Separate Account (the "Account"),
pursuant to Rule 497(j) of the Securities Act of 1933, I hereby certify that
the form of prospectus dated May 1, 1997 that would have been filed pursuant to
paragraph (b) of Rule 497 does not differ from that contained in the most
recent amendment to the registration statement.  The text of the most recent
amendment has been filed electronically.

                 Please contact the undersigned at (202) 383-0314, or Mary E.
Thornton of our firm at (202) 383-0698, if you have any questions or comments
regarding this letter.


                                        Sincerely,

                                        /s/ Kimberly J. Smith

                                        Kimberly J. Smith


cc:      Edward W. Diffin, Jr., Esq.
         Mary E. Thornton, Esq.
</TEXT>
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