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'M*A*S*H' Cast: Actors Still with Us & Those We've Lost

Dayna Remus
Aug 01, 2022
06:10 P.M.

Whether it's the film or series, "M*A*S*H" brought its dedicated viewers many beloved characters played by passionate actors. Learn more about where these performers are now and the ones we have lost since the show ended.

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The war comedy-drama series "M*A*S*H" aired its final episode on February 28, 1983, after it first made its way to television screens in 1972. It still stands as the highest-rated and most-viewed episode in television history. The series follows a group of doctors and hospital staff working in South Korea in a makeshift army surgical facility.

The show was based on the film "M*A*S*H," which is an adaptation of the Richard Hooker novel. The film's script won an Academy Award, and the show itself garnered many accolades over the years. The question is, what happened to the cast who played the beloved characters?

Wayne Rogers, Mike Farrell, Alan Alda, Loretta Swit and William Christoper, the cast of MASH, at the Annual TV Land Awards held on April 19, 2009 in California. | Source: Getty Images

Wayne Rogers, Mike Farrell, Alan Alda, Loretta Swit and William Christoper, the cast of MASH, at the Annual TV Land Awards held on April 19, 2009 in California. | Source: Getty Images

DONALD SUTHERLAND (HAWKEY PIERCE)

87-year-old Donald Sutherland appeared as the adored Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in the original film. He has had many parts following the movie, such as the 1970s films "Ordinary People" and the Academy-Award-winning thriller "Klute."

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He also appeared in more recent movies such as "Fool's Gold" and "Pride and Prejudice." The actor eventually went on to win an Honorary Oscar in 2017 for the many unforgettable characters he has played throughout his lifetime.

Donald Sutherland at the premiere of "Space Cowboys" on August 1, 20,00 in California | Photo: Getty Image

Donald Sutherland at the premiere of "Space Cowboys" on August 1, 20,00 in California | Photo: Getty Image

ELLIOTT GOULD (TRAPPER JOHN MCINTYRE)

Elliott Gould, who played Trapper John McIntyre in the film, is now 83 years old. After his role in the satire comedy, he starred in another one called "Getting Straight."

One of his famous roles to date is playing dad Jack Geller to Monica and Ross in the 1990s iconic sitcom "Friends." He was also briefly married to Barbara Streisand from 1963 to 1971.

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  Elliott Gould at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles on January 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

Elliott Gould at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles on January 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

TOM SKERRITT (DUKE FORREST)

88-year-old Tom Skerritt has had many roles following his portrayal of Duke Forrest in the "M*A*S*H" film, such as in 1986's "Top Gun," "Steel Magnolias," and much more. In 2014 he appeared in the movie "Lucky" and "Field of Lost Shoes." Outside of acting, he started a digital company named Heyou Media.

Robert Duval walks the Red Carpet for the film “Jayne Mansfield's Car” Toronto on September 13, 2012. | Source Getty Image

Robert Duval walks the Red Carpet for the film “Jayne Mansfield's Car” Toronto on September 13, 2012. | Source Getty Image

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ROBERT DUVALL (FRANK BURNS)

Following the "M*A*S*H" film, the 91-year-old went on to have a prestigious career, collecting nominations and winning awards along the way.

His most notable role was when he played Joseph Stalin in the film "Stalin," which came out in the early 1990s. He was also in "The Godfather" trilogy which earned him an Oscar nomination, among many other accolades.

Robert Duval walks the Red Carpet for the film “Jayne Mansfield's Car” Toronto on September 13, 2012.  | Source: Getty Image

Robert Duval walks the Red Carpet for the film “Jayne Mansfield's Car” Toronto on September 13, 2012. | Source: Getty Image

RENÉ AUBERJONOIS (FATHER JOHN PATRICK FRANCIS MULCAHY)

Before he appeared in the "M*A*S*H" film, Rene Auberjonois was a Broadway actor and took home a Tony Award. After the movie and his introduction to screen acting, he had many roles, one of which was Colonel West in 1991's "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country."

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Rene Auberjonois at  the "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Favorites" panel at the 14th annual official Star Trek convention on August 7, 2015 in Las Vegas. | Source: Getty Image

Rene Auberjonois at the "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Favorites" panel at the 14th annual official Star Trek convention on August 7, 2015 in Las Vegas. | Source: Getty Image

ALAN ALDA ("HAWKEYE" PIERCE)

Alan Alda, who played "Hawkey" Pierce in the comedy series, went on to take home five Emmy Awards for his performance on the show. He remains a recognizable actor, appearing in renowned projects such "A Marriage Story" and "Ray Donovan."

Alan Alda speaks during 'Bridge Of Spies' Q&A on October 12, 2015, in East Hampton. | Source: Getty Image

Alan Alda speaks during 'Bridge Of Spies' Q&A on October 12, 2015, in East Hampton. | Source: Getty Image

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LORETTA SWIT (MAJOR MARGARET "HOT LIPS" HOULIHAN)

A now 84-year-old Swit played the role of Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the "M*A*S*H" series, also appearing in many well-loved shows in the early years of the 1970's such as "Mission: Impossible" and "Hawaii Five-O." From the ten nominations for her portrayal in "M*A*S*H," she took home two Emmy Awards.

Loretta Swit, in costume as Major Margaret Houlihan, in the television series "MASH," California, 1975.  | Source: Getty Images

Loretta Swit, in costume as Major Margaret Houlihan, in the television series "MASH," California, 1975. | Source: Getty Images

JAMIE FARR (MAXWELL KLINGER)

Jamie Farr, who acted in the "M*A*S*H" television show, is 88 years old and served in Korea with America before he got his part on the series. He did not have a regular role in "M*A*S*H" until season four.

Jamie Farr on the television show MASH (M*A*S*H) episode, "Margaret's Marriage,"  that aired on  March 15, 1977.  | Source: Getty Images

Jamie Farr on the television show MASH (M*A*S*H) episode, "Margaret's Marriage," that aired on March 15, 1977. | Source: Getty Images

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GARY BURGHOFF ("RADAR" O'REILLY)

Seventy-nine-year-old Gary Burghoff played in both the movie and the series, reprising his well-liked character as the youngest of the cast. He left the show in the late 1970's

Gary Burghoff at the "Hollywood Collectors and Celebrities Show" April 7, 2001 in North Hollywood.  | Source: Getty Images

Gary Burghoff at the "Hollywood Collectors and Celebrities Show" April 7, 2001 in North Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images

GEORGE MORGAN (FATHER MULCAHY)

George Morgan, who is meant to turn 90 years old this year, only appeared in the first episode of the show. Sadly, he has not gathered a lot of roles since losing this role.

  George Morgan as.Lt Father Francis John Patrick Mulcahy on the series MASH. The Series premiered on September 17, 1972.  | Source: Getty Images

George Morgan as.Lt Father Francis John Patrick Mulcahy on the series MASH. The Series premiered on September 17, 1972. | Source: Getty Images

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JEFF MAXWELL (IGOR STRAMINSKY)

Jeff Maxwell, who only became a regular at a later stage of the series, now runs a podcast with Ryan Patrick called "M*A*S*H." It focuses on the series and the entertainment business as a whole.

Jeff Maxwell at the Chiller Theatre Expo Spring 2022 on April 29, 2022, in New Jersey.  | Source: Getty Images

Jeff Maxwell at the Chiller Theatre Expo Spring 2022 on April 29, 2022, in New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

MIKE FARRELL (CAPTAIN HUNNICUT)

Mike Farrell's character replaced Wayne Rogers' character "Trapper" John in season four of the series. The 83-year-old has been a guest star on many shows such as "NCIS and American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace."

Mike Farrell and Shelley Fabare at the Sundance Channel's premiere screening of the series "The Red Road" on February 24, 2014, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

Mike Farrell and Shelley Fabare at the Sundance Channel's premiere screening of the series "The Red Road" on February 24, 2014, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

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ODESSA CLEVELAND (GINGER BAYLISS)

The seventy-eight-year-old played a nurse on the series for three years and was one of the small number of black individuals to have a role in the show. In one episode, her character had to treat a racist patient.

Odessa Cleveland at the Premiere of "Death And Cremation" on August 26, 2010, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

Odessa Cleveland at the Premiere of "Death And Cremation" on August 26, 2010, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

M*A*S*H ACTORS WE LOST

   Television advertisement in the September 22, 1984 issue of TV Guide magazine. An ad for MASH. | Source: Getty Images

Television advertisement in the September 22, 1984 issue of TV Guide magazine. An ad for MASH. | Source: Getty Images

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DAVID ARKIN (SFC WADE DOUGLAS VOLLMER)

Following his portrayal of S.F.C. Wade Douglas in the movie Vollmer, he played many roles, including starring in 1966's "All the President's Men." The actor founded a production company with his wife, Anne E. Curry, Dime Box Productions. Tragically, he passed away when he took his life at 49 years old in 1991.

Polish poster for the movie “MASH.” | Source: Getty Images

Polish poster for the movie “MASH.” | Source: Getty Images

ROGER BOWEN (LIEUTENANT COLONEL HENRY BRAYMORE BLAKE)

After the movie ended, Roger Bowen played a role in the sitcom Arnie which ran from 1970 until 1972. He also acted in "The Main Event," "House Calls," and more. Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack at 63 years old on February 16, 1996.

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Roger Bown in an episode of  "The Arsonist" that aired on October 16, 1975. | Source: Getty Images

Roger Bown in an episode of "The Arsonist" that aired on October 16, 1975. | Source: Getty Images

SALLY KELLERMAN (MAJOR MARGARET "HOT LIPS")

Sally Kellerman played Major Margaret "Hot Lips" in the "M*A*S*H" movie and originally wanted to become a famous singer. Eventually, she discovered it was not for her and chose a different path.

She received many Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for "M*A*S*H " and took the lead role in over 100 films and television shows. The actress passed away on February 24, 2022.

Sally Kellerman poses for portraits during the 2004 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2004, in Utah. | Source: Getty Images

Sally Kellerman poses for portraits during the 2004 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2004, in Utah. | Source: Getty Images

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DAVID OGDEN STIERS (MAJOR CHARLES EMERSON WINCHESTER III)

David Ogden Steirs was a major music lover and lived an opulent life, two attributes he was well known for. According to Swit, he had a deep mutual affection for the whole cast. Sadly he passed away from cancer in 2018.

  David Ogden Stiers at the World Premiere of "Teacher's Pet" in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images

David Ogden Stiers at the World Premiere of "Teacher's Pet" in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images

EDWARD WINTER (COLONEL FLAGG)

Edward Winter played the entertaining Colonel Flagg in the "*M*A*S*H" series. He started his career in the theatre, where he earned a Tony Award nomination for his role in the musical "Cabaret." Winter sadly passed away at 63 years old in 2001.

Loretta Swit, Mike Farrell, David Odgen, Jaime Farr, Alan Alda, Harry Morgan, William Christopher, and MASH cast. | Source: Getty Images

Loretta Swit, Mike Farrell, David Odgen, Jaime Farr, Alan Alda, Harry Morgan, William Christopher, and MASH cast. | Source: Getty Images

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WAYNE ROGERS (TRAPPER JOHN)

Wayne Rogers played his role as the surgeon Trapper John but left the series after three seasons because of a disagreement over his contract. While he was only on the show for a short time, he left a permanent mark on viewers devastated to hear about his passing in 2015 at 82 years old.

  Alan Alda and Wayne Roger in a scene from the 'Kim' episode of the CBS television series "MASH" (M*A*S*H*)on October 20, 1973, in Los Angeles.  | Source: Getty Images

Alan Alda and Wayne Roger in a scene from the 'Kim' episode of the CBS television series "MASH" (M*A*S*H*)on October 20, 1973, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

ALLAN ARBUS (SIDNEY FREEDMAN)

The Army psychiatrist played by Allan Arbus was an intermittent guest character on the series and was so good at his role that Alda would go to him for life guidance in between takes. He passed away in 2013 at 95 years old.

Amy Arbus and her father Allan Arbus pose for a picture in Beverly Hills. | Source: Getty Images

Amy Arbus and her father Allan Arbus pose for a picture in Beverly Hills. | Source: Getty Images

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HARRY MORGAN (COLONEL SHERMAN POTTER)

Harry Morgan was associated with Western films, but he truly made a mark with his role as Colonel Sherman Potter. The actor once said it may have been his best role. Sadly, he passed away from pneumonia in 2011.

Harry Morgan at the 34th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards on March 13, 1982 in Beverly Hills. | Source: Getty Images

Harry Morgan at the 34th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards on March 13, 1982 in Beverly Hills. | Source: Getty Images

KELLYE NAKAHARA (KELLYE YAMATO)

Kellye Nakahara was originally a background actress as a nurse in the series. However, she caught the attention of the director, and when Season 11 came along, an entire episode was written solely for her character. At 73 years old, she died of cancer.

 Kellye Nakahara at the East West Players Anniversary Visionary Awards on 28th April 2003.  | Source: Getty Images

Kellye Nakahara at the East West Players Anniversary Visionary Awards on 28th April 2003. | Source: Getty Images

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MCLEAN STEVENSON (HENRY BLAKE)

Stevenson played in many comedy shows, but he was widely recognized for playing in the series "*M*A*S*H." He decided to leave the show after the third season so he could pursue other roles. He passed away in 1996.

McLean Stevenson portrays Lt. Col. Henry Blake in the series, M*A*S*H The Image is dated: May 9, 1972. | Source: Getty Images

McLean Stevenson portrays Lt. Col. Henry Blake in the series, M*A*S*H The Image is dated: May 9, 1972. | Source: Getty Images

GEORGE WOOD (GENERAL HAMMOND)

While George Wood, going by the name G. Wood, played in the popular series, he was highly passionate about the New York theatre scene; He was a composer and musician, sadly passing away at 80 years old in 2000 from heart failure.

Gary Burghoff as Walter Eugene O'Reilly, G. Wood as Charlie Hammond, Wayne Rogers as John McIntyre, and Alan Alda as Benjamin Franklin Pierce in the pilot episode of M*A*S*H (MASH). Image date: April 13, 1972. | Source: Getty Images

Gary Burghoff as Walter Eugene O'Reilly, G. Wood as Charlie Hammond, Wayne Rogers as John McIntyre, and Alan Alda as Benjamin Franklin Pierce in the pilot episode of M*A*S*H (MASH). Image date: April 13, 1972. | Source: Getty Images

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MIKE HENRY (COLONEL PENOBSCOT)

Beyond "M*A*S*H," Mike Henry was well known for portraying Tarzan in three films in the 1960s. He used to be a professional N.F.L. player, suffering significant injuries from the sport. His consequent health issues eventually led to his demise in 2021 at 84 years old.

 M*A*S*H ensemble - cap ($7.99), T-shirt ($7.99), and shorts ($4.97). All at Spencer's Gifts of Buckingham, Buckingham Square. Credit: The Denver Post. | Source: Getty Images

M*A*S*H ensemble - cap ($7.99), T-shirt ($7.99), and shorts ($4.97). All at Spencer's Gifts of Buckingham, Buckingham Square. Credit: The Denver Post. | Source: Getty Images

JOHNNY HAYMER (STAFF SERGEANT ZALE)

Johnny Haymer began his career acting at nightclubs, stage acting, and in commercials. Beyond his role as Staff Sergeant Zale in the "M*A*S*H" series, he was linked to his character Pinkerton from "Madame's Place." He sadly passed away at 69 years old in 1989.

 Robin Williams, Johnny Haymer, Robbie Schell and Jeremy Krispien on the Mork & Mindy sitcom. Airdate: September 16, 1979. | Source: Getty Images

Robin Williams, Johnny Haymer, Robbie Schell and Jeremy Krispien on the Mork & Mindy sitcom. Airdate: September 16, 1979. | Source: Getty Images

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WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER (FATHER MULCAHY)

Like Father Mulcahy, Swit claimed that William Christopher was a good man, loved by all. He passed away from lung cancer at 84 years old in 2016, with his wife by his side.

 William Christopher and Barbara O'Conner at the Angel Awards on February 19, 1987 in  California. | Source: Getty Images

William Christopher and Barbara O'Conner at the Angel Awards on February 19, 1987 in California. | Source: Getty Images

MARCIA STRASSMAN (NURSE MARGIE)

Marcia Strassman played in the widely beloved movie "Honey I Shrunk the Kids." Her role as Nurse Margie came late in her career. The actress died from breast cancer in 2014 at 66 years old.

 Marcia Strassman at the "What A Pair! 5" benefit for breast cancer research on June 3, 2007, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

Marcia Strassman at the "What A Pair! 5" benefit for breast cancer research on June 3, 2007, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

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LESLIE NIELSEN (GUEST STAR: COLONEL "BUZZ” BRIGHTON )

Of the many guest stars on “*M*A*S*H," Leslie Nielsen stood out as Colonel "Buzz" Brighton. Many knew him from the series "Naked Gun" and the film "Airplane!" He passed away in 2010 at 84 years old.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.

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