Exhibit C(6)


                                             January 13, 1998

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
720 East Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Gentlemen:

     This opinion is furnished in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
to the Registration Statement on Form S-6, Registration No. 333-36865, of
Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account. The prospectus included in the
Registration Statement ("Prospectus") describes the Flexible Premium Variable
Life Insurance Policy to be issued in connection with the Account ("Policy"). 
The Policy form was prepared under my direction, and I am familiar with the
Registration Statement and Exhibits thereto.  In my opinion:

1.   The illustrations of cash values and death benefits included on pages 36
     through 43 of the Prospectus, in the Appendix thereto, based on the
     assumptions stated in the illustrations, are consistent with the provisions
     of the Policies and current charges and experience.  The Policy has not
     been designed so as to make the illustration appear more favorable for a
     prospective purchaser, age 45 on the sex-neutral basis shown, than for
     purchasers at other ages on a sex-neutral basis or for a male or a female.

2.   With respect to the charge of 1.25% of premiums for federal income taxes
     measured by premiums, described on page 6 of the Prospectus,

     (a)  the charge is reasonable in relation to the issuer's increased federal
          tax burden under Section 848 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

     (b)  the targeted rate of return (11%) used in calculating the charge is
          reasonable; and

     (c)  the factors taken into account in determining such targeted rate of
          return are appropriate.

     I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to my name under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus.

                                             Sincerely,

                                             WILLIAM C. KOENIG

                                             William C. Koenig 
                                             Senior Vice President
                                               and Chief Actuary