'M*A*S*H's Jamie Farr, 88, Is Now a Grandpa & Lives with Wife of 60 Years on Their Ranch - His Family Escaped a Fire

Once a struggling actor, Jamie Farr is now famous and successful in his craft. He once lost consciousness during a performance but still continued with the play for the week. After another collapse, he quietly retired from the theater. Today he is the father of two children and one grandson and has been a loving husband for 60 years.

Born on July 1, 1934, Jameel Joseph Farah, better known as Jamie Farr, was a veteran film, television, and theater actor. He was passionate about his craft and worked hard to become the successful entertainer he is today.

Although most recognized for his role as Maxwell Q in the hit television series "M*A*S*H," Farr had several other acting credits before and after the show. He worked until his senior years but stopped after collapsing twice on stage.

Jamie Farr Wanted to Be an Actor since He Was a Child but Struggled in His Early Years in the Industry

At a young age, Farr already manifested the characteristics of a good actor and even won a local acting contest at 11. He also excelled as a student at Woodward High School as class president and editor of the school paper, making his Lebanese-American parents, Samuel and Jamelia Farah, proud.

Samuel and Jamelia played a significant role in Farr's character. They raised him to be family-oriented, hard-working, and kind as they fed homeless people despite having just enough for themselves.

After his high school education, Farr worked on his acting career and attended the Pasadena Playhouse. While in the theater, he was scouted and offered an audition slot for "The Blackboard Jungle," which he got.

Unfortunately, times were difficult, and he still had to make ends meet by working other jobs, such as an airline agent, deliveryman, and postal clerk. Still, the Ohio native dreamed of becoming an actor. Somewhere down the line, he landed regular roles on television.

Farr began appearing in "The Chicago Teddy Bears," "The Red Skeleton Show," and "The Danny Kaye Show," until eventually landing his famed role as Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger on "M*A*S*H." The role changed his life and launched him into stardom.

Farr didn't need to audition for the role. The show's producer, Gene Reynolds, knew he was perfect for the character after working with the actor in the sitcom "F Troop."

When Farr joined the army to fight internationally during the Korean war, he didn't think he would one day use his learnings to progress his career. But when he returned, he landed a one-day work contract on "M*A*S*H," which changed his life forever.

The hit television series focused on medical professionals who staffed the army during the Korean War. Because of "M*A*S*H," the military term "Section 8" became known among the ordinary people. Section 8 tackled the army's rule regarding mentally unfit soldiers and their dismissal from the force.

Farr played an orderly who wanted to leave the military and went to great lengths to prove he wasn't mentally fit for battle. His character, Klinger, even wore women's clothes, thinking it would clearly manifest his mental incapacity.

Throughout the show, he would hilariously dress in outrageous costumes and pretend to be the opposite gender. At that time, those who saw identified themselves as the opposite sex were diagnosed with mental disorders and were not allowed to serve in the military.

The beloved character was reportedly based on Lenny Bruce, a comedian who was discharged from the navy as World War II ended. Larry Gelbart was the brilliant creator who curated Klinger to be an unforgettable character.

"M*A*S*H," throughout all its eleven seasons, became a great success thanks to Farr and the other cast and crew members. The show provided comedy while addressing national issues, including women's and minority rights, the Vietnam War, and government credibility after the Watergate scandal.

His on-screen love interest, Rosalind Cao, became Klinger's Korean wife in the show's last episode in 1983, but many years before, he had already tied the knot in real life.

Farr still watches the show and does not tire of the episodes. "I am astounded at the impact that television makes on people and what it does to their lives," he said.

Interestingly, Farr didn't need to audition for the role. The show's producer, Gene Reynolds, knew he was perfect for the character after working with the actor in the sitcom "F Troop." The actor wasn't doing well financially at that time and immediately accepted the offer.

"I was really down on my luck. I hadn't been working, so when they called me, they didn't even tell me what the part was. They just said, 'You got a part, and it pays $250 for the day.' So, I said to my agent, 'Boy, I'll be there," Farr recalled his situation at that time:

Farr's career has since been a success, with more opportunities on screen and on stage after the series. In 1975, he received a well-deserved Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Besides his work, Farr built a family with his wife, Joy Ann Richards. The couple raised two kids, Jonas Samuel and Yvonne Elizabeth Rose.

Jamie Farr Proposed to Joy Ann Richards When He Couldn’t Afford an Engagement Ring. Thirteen Years Later, He Presented Her with a Ring

Farr, who also has a great sense of humor, once joked about his cross-dresser character having two wives. "For a pug-ugly guy, I've got two beautiful wives," he said. "A beautiful TV wife and a beautiful real-life wife."

His on-screen love interest, Rosalind Cao, became Klinger's Korean wife in the show's last episode in 1983, but many years before that, he had already tied the knot in real life.

Farr met Richards when he was still a struggling actor, and not long after, their relationship began. The pair fell deeply in love with each other, and although Farr didn't have a stable career, he no longer wanted to wait to marry Richards.

Jamie Farr had nothing then but knew his love for Richards would never wither. He couldn't afford a ring to propose, and instead, told the love of his life:

"Look, I may not have anything. You may be hitching your star to a falling comet, but why don't we take a chance."

Richards had faith in Farr and agreed to tie the knot. She was patient and supportive despite the difficulties they faced as a couple, and it one day paid off.

Farr married Richards on February 16, 1963, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian Cathedral, Los Angeles. Farr's "The Greatest Story Ever Told" co-stars attended the wedding, including Peter Mann, David McCallum, John Considine, and David Hedison.

Thirteen years after tying the knot, Farr presented his wife with a 1.50-carat engagement ring he could finally afford. The couple was undoubtedly emotional at that moment.

Farr and his colleagues played the Apostles in the Biblical production, and interestingly, they gifted the newlywed with Baccarat crystal wine glasses.

Admittedly, having a family to feed was challenging at that time. He worked different jobs and made endless sacrifices, but Richards stayed by his side through it all. Eventually, his role on "M*A*S*H" changed their lives forever.

Thirteen years after tying the knot, Farr presented his wife with a 1.50-carat engagement ring he could finally afford. The couple was undoubtedly emotional at that moment, knowing they had come far in life.

"We were at our favorite restaurant, and the manager brought it on a silver tray and asked if Joy would like an appetizer," Farr narrated. "Our two kids were sitting there with us [...] I want my children to know that we are very, very lucky."

Farr and Richards are among the few Hollywood couples with long-lasting marriages. In 2023, they celebrated 60 years of marital bliss, and although they relatively keep their personal life away from the spotlight, fans know that the couple is already doting grandparents.

Jamie Farr’s Bell Canyon Estate Was Nearly Burnt Down in a Fire

Besides the ring, Farr presented his wife with many more luxuries, including a beautiful estate in Bell Canyon Estate, which housed several rooms and ample space. The couple raised their children in this home and made many beautiful memories here.

Fortunately, his home survived the tragedy, but his 30 neighboring houses did not. The actor claimed the vast hillside behind his home had become black with ashes.

The residence, worth $450,000, became Farr and his family's residence for many years, but unfortunately, in 2018, a fire nearly burnt it down.

In November of that year, 13 ABC revealed that Farr and his family safely evacuated the neighborhood, which was "in the middle of the Woolsey Fire."

Fortunately, his home survived the tragedy, but his 30 neighboring houses did not. The actor claimed the vast hillside behind his home had become black with ashes as remnants of the fire.

Jamie Farr Collapsed Twice during Different Shows and Focused On His Health After

Farr is undoubtedly a talented man, yet he remains grounded and humble. While he enjoys his privacy, Farr also likes it when people stop him for a chat every now and then. He said:

"I'm grateful people recognize me. I never try to hide. What would be the point? When you've done a popular TV show like I have, you'd feel sad if no one noticed you. It would be a bit of a slap in the face."

Even after years as an actor, Farr enjoys the stage and the screen. "It suits me," he said. Farr knows he is anything but shy. In fact, he calls himself adventurous. Unfortunately, he had a health scare while doing a dinner theater play in Edmonton in 2014.

In 2018, Farr collapsed again while rehearsing for "Jack of Diamonds" in Aquarius. Doctors at Hamilton General Hospital advised an operation as soon as possible.

While performing in "The Last Romance," the actor collapsed and immediately sought medical help in a hospital. Still, as a dedicated professional entertainer, he performed for the rest of the week as he had no understudy.

Admittedly, it wasn't the best choice he made. "In the end, they put a stent in an artery, and I let someone else finish the run of the play," he said. At his age, eight shows a week was no easy feat, and this was a reality he had to face.

After his collapse, Farr felt his mortality and realized life had an expiry date. Still, as a positive guy, he continued to live normally and with great spirits. He does, however, take medication for his health.

In 2018, Farr collapsed again while rehearsing for "Jack of Diamonds" in Aquarius. Doctors at Hamilton General Hospital advised an operation as soon as possible. However, Farr wanted to see his cardiologist in California before making big decisions.

He knew his health had to come before his career this time, so he left and apologized to fans for missing the shows. Farr was greatly disappointed in how things turned out, especially since he loved the cast, theater, and audience. He hasn't been active in the industry since. Instead, Farr enjoys his days with his wife.

Prior to the collapse, Farr was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the '90s. He is now the oldest living "M*A*S*H" cast member.

Besides his success as an actor, Farr is also an author and penned a critically acclaimed autobiography. He and Joy also collaborated to publish "Hababy's Christmas Eve," a children's storybook.

After years of being an actor and author, Farr accumulated wealth that allowed his family to live comfortably for years. However, he always remembered to give back to his community and help children struggling financially with their families.

Farr once hosted The Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, an annual professional women's golfing tournament, to help raise funds for children-focused organizations. Farr raised more than $6.5 million through his philanthropic efforts for the charities.

He is among many kind-hearted celebrities who continuously use their resources to help others. Sometimes, public figures opt to give their donations privately without the media's knowledge.