M*A*S*H Cast Then and Now: A Look at the Legendary Stars
Performers moved beyond military humor to award-winning careers and heartfelt activism.
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M*A*S*H Cast Then and Now: The Unforgettable Stars of a Television Landmark
The celebrated television series M*A*S*H not only broke ratings records and cultural barriers but left a legacy defined by unforgettable performances. Debuting in 1972 and running for eleven seasons, it followed the lives of army doctors and nurses stationed in Korea, blending wit, heart, and depth. Decades later, the show’s influence persists, and its stars have journeyed along vastly different paths.
Let’s explore what happened to the beloved cast of M*A*S*H — then and now.
Loretta Swit (1937–2025): Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan
Loretta Swit defined Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: a tough, compassionate head nurse and one of the show’s few prominent female characters. Swit’s portrayal evolved from a strict figure to a nuanced leader, endearing her to audiences and critics alike. Appearing in 251 of 256 episodes, Swit was a mainstay and received two Emmy Awards for her work on the series.
- After M*A*S*H: Swit continued acting across television, stage, and film. Notable appearances included guest roles on Diagnosis: Murder, Hotel, and other TV programs.
- Advocacy and Art: Swit became an active animal welfare advocate, publishing SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit in 2017 and supporting numerous humane causes.
- Legacy: Swit remained connected to M*A*S*H fans, attending reunions, giving interviews, and reflecting on her pivotal role in the show’s feminist evolution.
Alan Alda (1936–): Capt. Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce
Alan Alda became synonymous with Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce — the sardonic, brilliant surgeon with a quick wit and an unbreakable conscience. Appearing in every episode of M*A*S*H, Alda shaped its tone not just as an actor but as a writer and director, earning 11 Emmy nominations, six Golden Globes, and two Emmys for acting, with several more for writing and directing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Emmy Awards | 11 nominations, multiple wins |
| Golden Globes | Six wins |
| Finale Viewership | Over 100 million viewers (US record) |
- Directing and Writing: Alda co-wrote and directed the show’s final episode “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” which remains the most-watched TV episode in American history.
- Post-M*A*S*H Career: He directed feature films like Sweet Liberty and A New Life; acted in major movies and TV dramas such as The Aviator, ER, and The West Wing.
- Personal Advocacy: Alda became a champion for science communication, founding the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, and publicly discussed his experience with Parkinson’s disease, continuing to inspire audiences.
Jamie Farr (1934–): Sgt. Maxwell Q. Klinger
Jamie Farr portrayed Klinger, the scheming corporal who wore women’s clothing in a bid for a psychiatric discharge. More than comic relief, Klinger evolved into an integral, deeply human character during the show’s run.
- After M*A*S*H: Farr reprised his role in the spinoff AfterMASH (1983–1985). He appeared on The Love Boat, Mad About You, That ’70s Show, and six episodes of The Cool Kids (2018–2019).
- Theater and Philanthropy: Farr directed his efforts toward theater, performing in numerous productions around the country. He has also contributed his time as an advisory board member for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
William Christopher (1932–2016): Father Francis Mulcahy
William Christopher became a cherished figure as Father Mulcahy, the gentle chaplain with hidden steel. After 11 seasons on M*A*S*H, he worked alongside former co-stars on shows such as The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote, and took a recurring role on Days of Our Lives in 2012 as Father Tobias. Christopher passed away from small-cell carcinoma on December 31, 2016, at the age of 84.
- Other Roles: Christopher lent his talents to family activism, particularly for autism awareness after his son’s diagnosis, co-authoring the book Mixed Blessings.
Mike Farrell (1939–): Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt
Mike Farrell joined M*A*S*H in season four as Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt, the upright, mustachioed surgeon and steadfast family man. Farrell’s nuanced performance helped steer the show into deeper emotional territory in later seasons.
- Producing and Activism: Farrell produced and starred in Providence, guest-starred in Law & Order: SVU and Desperate Housewives, and worked prolifically as an activist for human rights and environmental causes.
- Rare Public Sightings: Farrell usually keeps a low profile, occasionally making headlines with rare public appearances that spark interest from M*A*S*H fans.
Harry Morgan (1915–2011): Col. Sherman T. Potter
Harry Morgan joined M*A*S*H in season four as Col. Potter, replacing McLean Stevenson’s Henry Blake. Morgan’s warm leadership and comedic timing won critical acclaim, earning him an Emmy in 1980.
- Acting Career: After M*A*S*H, Morgan reprised Col. Potter in AfterMASH and appeared on 3rd Rock from the Sun. He continued acting in films and TV through the 2000s.
- Passing: Morgan died in December 2011 at age 96, leaving behind a half-century legacy in television and film.
David Ogden Stiers (1942–2018): Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III
David Ogden Stiers replaced Larry Linville’s Frank Burns in season six, invigorating the show with his Bostonian “winchesterisms.” Stiers’ portrayal moved from stuffy arrogance to deep pathos and empathy.
- Voice Roles: After M*A*S*H, Stiers found acclaim as a voice actor in animated classics such as Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Porco Rosso, and Lilo & Stitch. He also appeared on screen in Stargate: Atlantis and The Dead Zone.
- Music: A passionate conductor, Stiers led more than 60 orchestras worldwide. He passed away in 2018 at age 75.
Gary Burghoff (1943–): Cpl. Walter “Radar” O’Reilly
Gary Burghoff, the soft-spoken, radar-eared corporal, was the only main cast member to also appear in the original M*A*S*H movie. His touching performance as Radar made him a fan favorite.
- Post-M*A*S*H: Burghoff left the show in 1979 to focus on family and avoided the limelight, though he continued acting in theater and made occasional TV appearances.
- Other Pursuits: Burghoff is also known as an inventor and wildlife painter.
McLean Stevenson (1927–1996): Lt. Col. Henry Blake
McLean Stevenson played the affable, often overwhelmed Lt. Col. Henry Blake. His exit from M*A*S*H was a seismic TV moment, marked by a shocking and emotional storyline.
- Career Afterward: Stevenson went on to star in sitcoms including Hello, Larry and The McLean Stevenson Show, but none achieved M*A*S*H‘s success.
- Death: He died of a heart attack in 1996 at age 68.
Larry Linville (1939–2000): Maj. Frank Burns
Larry Linville delivered a master class in comedic villainy as the infamously uptight and unhinged Maj. Frank Burns for the first five seasons.
- Post-M*A*S*H: Linville continued acting until his death in 2000, guest-starring on shows such as Murder, She Wrote, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat.
Notable M*A*S*H Guest Stars
Over the years, M*A*S*H welcomed many notable guest stars, some of whom went on to remarkable Hollywood careers. Among them:
- Joan Van Ark – Renowned for Knots Landing, she appeared as a guest in the classic sitcom.
- Laurence Fishburne – Before becoming a star in films like The Matrix, Fishburne made guest appearances on the series.
- Meshach Taylor – Later famous for Designing Women, Taylor’s early TV work included a guest stint on M*A*S*H.
The Legacy and Impact of M*A*S*H
The influence of M*A*S*H extends far beyond weekly ratings and the record-breaking finale. As a touchstone in television history, it:
- Pushed boundaries in comedy and drama, seamlessly blending humor with serious commentary on war and humanity.
- Reflected real-world issues, including PTSD, sexism, and the futility of conflict, resonating with generations of viewers.
- Birthed classic TV moments and catchphrases, contributing to pop culture for decades.
- Inspired multiple spinoffs (AfterMASH, Trapper John, M.D.)—though none matched the original’s resonance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the legacy of the M*A*S*H finale?
A: The show’s finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” aired in 1983 and attracted over 100 million viewers in the US—a record for scripted television that still stands.
Q: Which cast members have passed away?
A: Several beloved cast members are deceased, including Harry Morgan (2011), William Christopher (2016), McLean Stevenson (1996), Larry Linville (2000), David Ogden Stiers (2018), and Loretta Swit (2025).
Q: Did any of the cast serve in the military?
A: Yes. Jamie Farr and Alan Alda both served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, lending personal insight to their roles.
Q: What did the actors do after the show?
A: Cast members pursued careers in acting, directing, activism, and the arts, with many achieving significant success and contributing to numerous causes beyond the screen.
Q: Are there any spinoffs or reboots planned?
A: The direct spinoff AfterMASH aired from 1983 to 1985. While there have been rumors of reboots, none have materialized to this day.
Final Thoughts
M*A*S*H remains a staple of television excellence, combining sharp humor with sincere drama. Its stars, in their varied journeys desde then, continue to remind audiences of the power of storytelling, compassion, and resilience—both on and off screen.
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