'M*A*S*H's Eileen Saki Dies at 79 Just a Week after Husband of 30+ Years Announced Her Battle with Cancer

• Eileen Saki, a.k.a Rosie from "M*A*S*H," dies at 79 after a short battle with cancer.
• Her husband of more than 30 years was always by her side.
• Despite going through a poor childhood and having to experience war, she always knew she would be an entertainer.

Eileen Saki, best known for her role as the "sassy" bartender Rosie from "M*A*S*H," was an integral part of the legendary TV series. Born on November 18, 1943, she was a Japanese-American actress who was the last and longest-running star to play the proprietor of the infamous Rosie's Bar on the show.

According to a post from Saki's husband, Bob Borgen, penned on April 25, the television star was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Although she underwent chemotherapy for three weeks, Borgen noted how the grueling experience became too much for her.

Saki, whose real name was Minako Borgen, reportedly entered hospice three days before her husband wrote the Facebook post. Borgen noted that his beloved wife slept a lot and happened to be in little pain, which was a huge relief.

She noted how she wanted to break free from her difficult life and have a brighter and happier future.

"If you want to send her an encouraging card or note - now is the time. DM me if you need our address," concluded Borgen. His social media post included two adorable photos of Saki: in one picture, she was perched on a staircase, and in the second one, she lay in bed, snuggling a blue shirt.

What remained constant in both images was her evergreen and radiant smile. Borgen's post has received hundreds of comments after his recent and heartbreaking tragedy.

On Monday, May 1, Saki took her last breath in Los Angeles, as confirmed by her manager Camilla Fluxman Pines, who shared the news with several media outlets. Many netizens left heartfelt condolences for Borgen, with one person adding:

"She was always such a bright light."

Fluxman revealed that Saki was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January and survived lung cancer in 2004. She reportedly received her second chance at auditioning and working in showbiz—something she wholeheartedly loved—and starred in major advertisements shortly before her diagnosis.

"She was often recognized by face or even just voice by people who knew they knew her 'from somewhere' — and loved talking to young actors about the journey," stated Fluxman.

Saki's former co-actor, Jeff Maxwell, a.k.a Pvt. Igor Straminsky from the popular show, who hosts the "MASH Matters Podcast" alongside his colleague Ryan, wrote about the time he interviewed the third Rosie, i.e., Saki, calling her and her infamous bar "staples" of the popular 70s show.

Eileen Saki's Childhood Struggles, Health Battle & People's Tributes

In February 2022, Saki shared details from her early childhood on the "MASH Matters Podcast," hosted by Maxwell. The "Policewomen" alum said she grew up in Japan and later came to America, with English being her second language.

Despite leading a poor childhood, Saki said she knew from the tender age of four that she wanted to be an entertainer. She noted how she wanted to break free from her difficult life and have a brighter and happier future.

Saki spoke fondly of her dad, who worked in the theater in Japan but became a gardener in the U.S. She mentioned how he used to save money for his daughter so that she could take her dancing and singing lessons.

Despite a rough start in life and her initial health ordeal in the early 2000s, Saki thought the worst was behind her and pursued her passion with all her heart and soul. Sadly, cancer became an unwelcome guest in her life again this year, surfacing in her pancreas.

According to her husband, Saki fought valiantly and refused to give up her battle against the harrowing disease. Only a week ago, Borgen announced his wife's diagnosis and showed her smiling face, asking her fans to send letters of support her way; little did he know that very soon, he would be accepting condolences.

In light of Borgen's gut-wrenching loss and trauma, several tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. In a post from May 2, Maxwell nostalgically looked back on the time he interviewed Saki alongside his co-host, Ryan.

Calling the experience "love at first guest," Maxwell said he fell in love with Saki's energetic, funny, cute, and enlightening soul. He recounted how much admiration and respect the fan-favorite bartender had for her co-actors, mainly her appreciation for executive producer and director Burt Metcalfe.

He also recalled how Saki and Borgen made a surprise appearance at the 50th-anniversary party held at the original "M*A*S*H" set.

"A special woman, Eileen captivated you with a twinkle and smile in her soul. I am very grateful to have had that experience. It's one I will cherish forever. My heart and love go to Bob and their family," added Maxwell.

76-year-old Maxwell also penned a tribute for his beloved former co-actress in another Facebook post. On behalf of her husband, Borgen, he thanked Saki's fans for sending her emails and touching notes and making her feel special in her last days.

Maxwell concluded the tribute by adding that he and everyone who knew Saki would continue to love and miss their sweet and sassy Rosie.

Later, he posted another clip of his "favorite Eileen Saki moment," which included her recent commercial, appearance alongside Mickey Rooney and Dom DeLuise, and a lovely scene from "M*A*S*H."

Details about Eileen Saki's Family Life

Saki met her husband, Borgen, in 1988, and the duo tied the knot at their friend, Nancy Nichols' home in Los Angeles, where she sang karaoke Van Dyke Parks and Harry Nilsson.

"Thirty five years of Minako. I am crestfallen. No more egg rolls at Genghis Cohen with her. No more LA Kings games. Only memories," read a part of Nichols' heart-touching Facebook post.

Saki and Borgen were married for more than 30 years, and it's not known whether they had any children. Borgen, a producer by profession, stated that his late wife continued to work until January and starred in huge commercials in October and November.

He shared how much Saki appreciated receiving messages from her former cast members and fans in her last days. Undoubtedly, the legendary Saki will always be remembered for her incredible talent and beautiful heart. Rest in eternal peace!

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