How Each MASH Cast Member Died 

Larry Linville should not have been left out of this tribute. He was perfect in his major role as Frank Burns and totally hilarious.

I can understand missing a character like Colonel Flagg, but I can't fathom how you'd omit Larry Linville. He was a fine actor, and well-liked by his castmates. His wistful "Goodbye, Margaret," at the end of the fifth season - which turned out to be his final episode - was just masterful and understated.

If you’re going to call yourself “Facts Verse”, you should really get your facts straight... Gary Burghoff’s wife and child DID NOT die in the fire. He resigned his role on MASH to spend more time with his family after a brush fire had come a little too close to burning his family home while he was away filming on set. He took it as a wake up call, and did not want to take for granted or miss out on the lives and love of the people he cherished the most.

R. I. P to all these wonderful actors who created this great sitcom.

Two things: You can't speak of Harry Morgan's TV career without a nod to Dragnet. His iconic foil to Jack Webb's Sgt Friday was sublime. Also, Gary Burghoff was the only cast member to have appeared in the original movie M.A.S.H. and the TV show.

They forgot to mention Larry Linville aka frank burns he passed away in April 2000 and even though I love major winchester I also loved frank burns he was hilarious

I totally agree that Mr. Linville should have been included in the special. His portrayal of Frank Burns was a highlight of the series. I was sorry to see him leave. I’ve seen him in serious roles such as police lieutenant on Mannix and did his usual fine work. Shame on you for excluding him

Aside from whoever played Frank Burns, the actor who played BJ Honeycut should be here somewhere. It 's crazy how memorable this show is, even for people of a later generation. The theme song remains one of the greatest pieces of music of all time for me.

My favorite M*A*S*H character? Allan Arbus' portrayal of Major Sidney Freedman was outstanding. The gentle, compassionate and wise manner he demonstrated toward his patients was just wonderful. He was everything a real psychiatrist should be!! It's too bad he didn't appear in more episodes. He's truly missed.

The Dog Tags that Jamie Farr wore, were his dog tags from when he served in the Army. He was stationed in Japan and Korea, after the fighting had stopped.

Out of all the characters on the show, Klinger was my absolute favorite because of the antics he employed to get out of the Army with a Section 8. The "father dying" bit between him & Col. Blake is hilarious as well as his first encounter with Col. Potter. I also like how he matured into a real soldier to the end by giving up on wearing dresses & taking his duties seriously. One of my favorite episodes had him as the center character. If I remember correctly, the name of the epsidoe is "No Sweat" where it was very hot out 1 night & he couldn't sleep, so he passed the time in the CO's office trying to teach himself how to disassemble and reassemble the PA system as he was going back to the US to make money fixing TV's. He kept getting interrupted by various people with different requests that could only be cleared through Col Potter, who was trying to get some much needed sleep. The biggest laugh was where Hot Lips had an itchy heat rask on her butt and trying to explain to Potter (who was half-asleep) why she needed some lotion to treat the rash & to her horror discovered everyone in the came could hear her b/c Klinger finally got the PA fixed . . . for only a moment before she busted it due to embarrassment at everyone finding out about her rash!😄

This series was my all-time favorite and meant a great deal to me. I watched it when it was first telecast and I have been through the DVD collection many times since then. My favorite character was Alan Arbus who was incredibly believable as a caring psychiatrist.

I am old enough to have been a regular Mash watcher since my early twenties. While I enjoyed the entire cast, Harry Morgan stands out from the rest. His downright believable persona coupled with a sensitive side he was so capable of expressing, made him such a powerful character. My favorite episode was "Old Soldiers" where he honored his old friends from WWl who had passed. If you weren't moved to some tears watching that then I feel sorry for you. Harry Morgan was a very capable actor who was skilled enough to make you think he wasn't acting! RIP Harry! By the way, Gary Burghoff's wife and daughter did not die in that brush fire, but the fire was at the door when they were rescued. I had the pleasure of meeting Gary at the local Ford dealership in the mid 90s and he is a very cool person. He was doing some promotional work for the dealer and would wander into the showroom in his fishing vest and hat with some lures in it! Most don't know it but he is an accomplished painter, particularly wild animals. The owner of the dealership had one of Gary's works on his office wall. It was a beautiful fox, extremely well done, too! All around class guy!

These people haven't aged.Etched in my mind for who they were at the time.Mash was and still is.The one and only American comedy to touch my heart.

Loved them all equally, even more now. They all gave terrific performances to make MASH the huge success it was. Glad I was around at the time to watch the programmes as they were broadcast.

Can't believe you missed Mike Farrell. Got a chance to meet and talk with him twice while he was on a book tour. I was star struck and terribly nervous, but he couldn't have been more kind or gracious. He is an activist, a fellow vegan, and just the nicest man. His character, BJ Hunnicutt, was my favorite before I met him, but his real life persona is even better!

How did you skip Larry Linville? Frank Burns was iconic!

Watched as a kid and still watch today. Every character has a place in my heart. They all made the show, each and every one......

In addition to the omissions of Larry Linville, Edward Winter and Kelleye Nakahara, one fun fact left out was that Harry Morgan was the only MASH cast member to appear in the series first in a guest star role (can't remember the name... Brigadier General-something) and then later as a regular.

I loved all the characters. I was an Admin Specialist in the Army and identified most with Radar O’Reilly. He kept everything running.

I like nurse Kellye, she was in the background but showed some real empathy several times. I thought it was a waste not to have her doing more in the series. She was a good actress and died recently.

I always liked nurse Kelly. She was very sweet. She showed up during the first season but wasn't given any lines until later. I was very sad to hear of her passing in 2/16/20 of cancer. She was as sweet in person as she was on the Show. RIP sweet nurse Kelly.

Hawkeye is my favorite. His laugh is contagious making the scenes even funnier. The entire cast is phenomenal, no doubt. Remember the episodes where Alan Alda's Dad and brother ( s) were guests? Lt. Flagg without a doubt also tickled my funny bone. What about Mike Farrell? His first salute to Frank? Ferret face!!!

MASH was such a huge part of my life growing up and still is! It's hard to believe so many of the actors are gone. Seems like yesterday. Thank you for posting this!

Klinger was my favorite because he started out wanting a discharge then fell in love and wanted to stay ! Loved his storyline and awesome actor!

I hated that Henry didn't make it home, but it showed that war really is hell.

Always was and still is a favorite TV show of mine, will never forget Klinger dressed as the statue of liberty as General MacArthur drives through the camp! RIP to all the actors who have passed on and thank you for the many laughs and memories

A twinge of sadness hit my heart watching this, especially for the actors who have passed away. I'm sure that I like a lot of others who watch this, grew up watching Mash. Now, just memories lost in time. It saddens me.

It is interesting that whenever a cast member left they replaced them with someone who was the exact opposite. Trapper, the philanderer, was replaced by BJ, the committed family man. Burns, the incompetent surgeon, was replaced by Winchester, one of the finest surgeons in Boston. Lt. Col. Blake, the Army reservist who was more civilian than military, was replaced by Col. Potter, the career officer who had seen combat in World Wars I and II. Radar, the innocent kid from Iowa, was replaced by Klinger, the streetwise semi-hoodlum from Toledo. And it always worked. Always.

When you are an actor, you live on forever in peoples minds. I never really thought of them all dying off. You can always turn on the show and they live there forever.

I'm nearly seventy and missed the program when it aired in the UK because I was sent tp boarding school! Many years later it came out in a boxed CD's and I bought a set. Now every year or so , mainly during the winter months, I'll sit down a rewatch it all. I still laugh and cry with it. RIP to all of those who have passed away and a big THANK YOU to you all.

My parents watch this show. I was born in 73.... I just turned 50... and I have been watching it faithfully every morning for the past 2 weeks. My dvr is my blessing. Hubby and I just watch the final episode of it tonight. Now, We will be watching a marathon of it this weekend. We have no kids, this weekend and it's just us. One of my vbff's is lending me his entire dvd to watch it. I have watched some , but to watch the beginning to the end.. I can't wait. I am hooked on this show now.. ty for this ... THEY DON'T MAKE GOOD SHOWS LIKE THIS ANYMORE

Colonel Flagg was one of the best recurring characters

I watched MASH when I was a small child. My father was in the Army and stationed in Germany. Back then there was only 1 American channel. It was AFN. Armed Forces Network. And MASH was in heavy rotation. Great show. I’d like to think I developed my quick wit and humor from watching Alan Alda. He was the master. Made an impression on me at a very young age. Thanks Alan.

I loved them all,they help me with what families who endured their loss of brothers, sisters and daughters who served our country with pride, and honor and did their best to all men regardless of color of skin. Mash should be honored for their courage and dignity to the American flag.

its amazing how timeless this show is....it was fully off the air before i ever watched it and i still adore this show and watch it through several times. I often forget how old this show is until i see one of the surviving actors and realize how old they are. I adored Colonel Potter, probably because i was in the military and hes basically the kind of boss you seriously wanted. One that knew the regs, knew what had to be done and how to do it, but also when to bend the rules. I never had a CO like him but ive had lower bosses like him like the Lt's or even the flight chiefs. He really made it feel like shit got done and done right, but didnt feel micromanaging or too hard on his people at all. Also while i wasnt a fan of Frank i appreciate how Larry portrayed him, which was omitted in the video. Larry stated several times that it was extremely difficult to play Frank because he was not even close to that kind of person so he kept having to fight the urge to burst out laughing especially the scenes with hotlips. He was let go because Frank's character arc was basically done, they didnt want to "soften" him up because he'd just turn into another Hawkeye. Probably the only character to be let go that way iirc.

Hard to pick one. It was AND STILL IS one of the greatest TV shows ever. It was an group of very talented professionals who committed to a quality product. I watch it everyday after all these years. No matter how many times I've seen an episode, I still laugh my ass off!

“Four THOUSAND seventy seventh??” It’s four-oh-seven-seventh. Always.

Frank Burns cracked me and my late father up all the time. My late father was drafted during the Korean War and he knew of enlisted men who did things like Corporal Klinger did to get out of the Army. All of my then family watched this show every week.

What happened to Larry Linville (Frank Burns) and Mike Farrell (BJ Hunnicutt)? These two characters were quite important to the show. I'm surprised you left them out of the tribute?

My cousin Bobby is married to Eileen Saki who played Rosie. She and Bobby are alive and well in LA.

I can still hear my grandfather's boisterous laughter when he watched MASH, Barney Miller, and All in The Family in the 70s and 80s

Loved Radar. Really enjoyed that thanks

I love all the characters even Frank Burns and BJ , and of course Winchester. I loved them all ,they were like family . Every night I would turn on the TV from 7 to 11 or so on tvland or metv. Heck even now I have purchased the mash complete series to watch at night .

I've watched MASH since the beginning, and still watch reruns when a favorite episode airs. Radar has been my all-time favorite. Hard to learn so many cast members have died.

We can't forget Captain Tuttle who didn't even exist. Oh so many memories made by superb performers. A greatly missed show.

Very well done wrapup on the cast! All were favorites

Where is Larry Linville ? Not only was he a main character but has also sadly passed on. I got through many a rough time watching MASH and I still watch it now. Thank you to all the cast members for allowing me a good giggle when I really needed it

I can't believe it's been almost 40 years since the series ended. I watched it as a kid all the time and it wouldn't surprise me if I've seen most episodes at least 50 times.

My favourite character had to be Radar! He brought gentle humour and native practicality to the role. I felt he added the humanity to the show. I will never forge the scene when he walks into the operating room to announce Blake's death. Magnifcently done and went strgith to the heart. In gratitude always.

All of the characters had my heart, and my chuckles. To those who have past away, wish it didn't have to be, but had to happen even to the best of us.

Still watching this fantastic show everyday in 2024. Thank you for all the memories .

A tear comes to my eye every time i see the episode where Henry Blake dies. Ive seen every episode countless times and its still my favorite tv show.

Correction: Gary Burghoff's wife and daughter did not die in that fire. The fire came onto his property and near the back door of his home, but firefighters made it to the property in time to prevent any further damage and save Burghoff's wife and daughter.

I never had a favorite actor or actress as they were all so damned good.. It saddens me to realize that as each one has passed so also does a piece of my youth.. They are missed dearly

I just loved every single character in Mash.wonderful tv series i still watch re runs and have also loved after Mash.

You left out Frank Burns played by Larry Linville and BJ Hunnicut played by Mike Farrell

I loved all the characters in that show, they really complemented each other, but I have to say, one of my all time favorites was the recurring role of Col. Sam Flagg and his neurotic ways. I always got a good laugh from his character.

I was incredibly lucky to have interviewed many of the cast members. Jamie Farr, William Christopher, Gary Burghoff, Loretta Switt and David Ogden Stiers. I was producing a financial show and chatted briefly with Wayne Rogers who was a smart businessman. When I talked with Alan Alda, who was to discuss his role on the West Wing, I told Alan "MASH" was one of the few common bonds my angry teenage self and my father had as a common bond. For 30-minutes once a week, we put away our differences and watched MASH. Alan was moved by me telling him that, and of the thousands of celebrities I've had the honor to interview, one of my favorites. Simply on of the best ensemble casts ever made.

Such a wonderful cast, all perfectly cast, and you just had to care about them all

This was the only show my dad and I could both watch in the 70’s and 80’s. Favorite character: Hawkeye

Harry Morgan was my favorite. Like a father figure. And to this day, the end of the 'Goodbye, Radar' episode always shakes me up. The writing on this series still stands the test of time.

The show was a wonderful family show and very few missed,also watched the movie a few times and now looking forward to starting all over with again with the tv series. Thank you for all the memories of a wonderful show.

Harry Morgan's Colonel Potter character was one of my favorites. "Potter" was like my dad and uncles and Morgan's portrayal of him was brilliant. I absolutely loved him in the April Fool "Beer's on you Colonel" episode with Pat Hingle. And another episode - I don't remember the main theme - where Hawkeye and BJ return to camp with him in tow and he's completely blitzed. He face plants, they pick him up and he asks, "Did I fall down?" they answer no, and Potter slurs, "I didn't think so" and walks on drunkenly. Genius!

Some of the funniest episodes involved Frank Burns.

You forgot Larry Linville who played Ferret Face Frank Burns Died: April 10, 2000, Memorial Sloan & Edward Dean Winter (June 3, 1937 - March 8, 2001) Colonel Samuel Flagg

You neglected to mention that Gary Burghoff was one of the only, if not THE only, actor that was in BOTH the Movie, AND the TV Series.

One of the sad parts of "growing old" is you get to witness the passing of others whom you enjoyed watching in your youth. I loved watching M.A.S.H and had no "favourite" character - they were all essential for making the series the success that it was. My father said to me - "Son, this aging is a shocking disease - it kills you!". Sad.

Every time I watch it I think of my grandfather he was a Korean war veteran. The show used to keep a smile on his face

My Dad didn't laugh out loud too often but when Hawkeye would laugh really hard I could hear him 3 floors up!

I never had a favourite to this series, they all played their roles beautifully and respectfully. The humor and genuine stories each actor played felt like you were actually there with them as the series went on. Radar and Col Potter probably resinated with me the most, besides Hawkeye.

I enjoyed the entire cast, God bless them all, they created great memories of a television!!!! In my late twenties.

You missed Larry Linville as Frank Burns! Why the oversight? He was one of the most memorable characters.

My favourite was Alan Alda’s character. He really appealed to me back in the 70s. Dedication wrapped up in wit and compassion. I’m glad he’s still alive, but sorry about his health problems. I still watch the odd episode of M.A.S.H and still find it amusing and poignant.

Radar was my favourite but I loved all of them. I can’t remember any of the actors giving a bad performance and still watch it 50 years later.

By far "Goodbye Farewell & Amen" was the best episode. A fitting end to a icon television series. My favourite character was always Hawkeye.

Colonel Potter actually appeared on an early episode of MASH as a general!

This show brings a lot of memories of my mother whom I lost to cancer in 1984. Reason why because my mom loved this show and I watched it with her often. I remember she has a party of the last episode of Mash in our home on Lodge Hill, Cambria CA. I have a Mash DVD set because I still love every character that was played on it! ❤️🙏🏼👍🏼

Always a fan! I think my favorite show, was the one that had Frank running amok when he was driving the tank - and Kernel Potter (a former calvary officer) took out his pistol, and shot his jeep, to put it out of it's misery, after Frank had run over it with the tank! Mash, for me, was and is the best long-time series ever....right up there with the long running original Star Trek series! (my apologies for spelling errors). Had the privilege of watching Loretta Switt , live, in a one-woman show , reprising the woman in the movie, "Shirley Valentine" - wasn't sure how she was going to pull it off - but she was FANTASTIC! A truly remarkable actress!

When MASH first aired in 1972…I was a sophomore in college…when MASH aired its last episode in 1983… I had just brought home my newborn son…being a military brat, my family and I could relate to the show and all the characters…my absolute favorite was Harry Morgan…he reminded me of my Dad, a 40 year Navy veteran…who has also passed away…

Col. Potter was my favorite character. He died two weeks before my sister-in-law did, and just before Christopher Hitchens, That was a BAD MONTH!

I may only be 25, but I grew up watching MASH, and it’s still one of my favorite shows. I’m proof that MASH is absolutely timeless. I still laugh my butt off at most of the jokes

Christopher also has a guest role in Hogans Heroes. I was so surprised to see him there since I didn't recognize, I recognized his voice first

Couple of things, yes you left out Larry Linville. Wayne Rodgers also had a successful career in finance and often appeared on TV news shows as a financial expert. Trivia, both Jamie Farr and Alan Alda were in the army and actually served in Korea. Farr wore his actual dog tags throughout his time on the show.

I bumped into Alan Alda at a game reserve in South Africa in about '98. He was fronting a wildlife documentary. It was dark and at night, there was this TV crew and I heard this voice talking to camera. . I couldn't believe it. I immediately recognised it as the voice of MASH. We met the next day and took some photos.

Some of us old timers remember Harry Morgan on his days with "Dragnet"

I think of course the main character HAWKEYE was my favorite. Next to him I would say it was Father Mulcahey , sorry If I spelled it wrong. He was perfect in that role, of the calming figure that helped everyone. I am Christian and even if you were not Christian he had a very calming effect on everyone. Everyone was great, but those were my 2 favorites.

Everyone from MASH is apart of my family their roles in the TV show was a big part of my life, wish there are more shows that we all talk about. But there are soo many different things to watch now a days, a little closeness has been lost, just a old lady talking

My favorite character was Frank Burns! How could you forget Larry Linville? He was so funny on the series and took a lot with him when he left.

Alan Alda "played perhaps one of the most memorable MASH characters". PERHAPS ONE of the most memorable??!? Have you even seen even ONE episode? Hands down, Alan Alda played THE most memorable character. Good grief. This video would get a failing grade in a high school video production class.

I loved Mash and watch it,s reruns every night and sometimes days. I’ve seen the shows which I watch every night many times, never tiring of anyone and I will watch them until I die which ever comes first. I bet I’m the only person who watches them every night no matter how many time I see them. I don’t think anyone could have played Hawkeye but Alan. He is the most versatile actor I’ve ever seen and I hope he is as wonderful to people as on the show. I never knew Alan before Mash except I saw him in one Movie years ago with 4 other couples, which was a comedy of sorts. I worked at nights all the while the show was new and I will be forever grateful they have the reruns now. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have seen MASH over the years and I have seen all of them so many times ,but never tire of them. I’m 88 now and I don’t know if Allan is still living, for I never hear about anyone that was on it. I will watch it as long as it runs or until I die. If you could get a short message to Alan that I never tire of the shows and have learned just how some people are so splendid at what they do and also know the right people on the show to keep, but I really miss Radar. I wish he could do something else as wonderful as MASH, but that would almost be impossible. I know all these people have aged as I have, but If he could do just one episode of a funny MASH where they all get together for a reunion to celebrate the only Show I know so many people still watch. It would be so wonderful to see whoever is still with us just one more time. If you have someway to get a hold of Alan Alda and tell him, myself and so many in my community that it would really make their day and the years we still have left. Thank you so very much and if you could Mr. Alda it would really make so much pleasure to us if he would. He should be so happy that so many people still love him and the people that worked with him, especially Radar who the people who choose him I bet had no idea how great he would be. Whether Mr. Alda will do this or not, we will still love him and always love for the most delightful Show I ever had the enjoyment of seeing and still watch every night no matter how many times I’ve seen them, I’ll never tire of them and all the funny times he gave us all, and I know doing a show for so long can be very hard to do so much work to make a perfect Show for all of us to enjoy all these years and I will no one I know watches them over no matter what and will never forget Allan Alda and all his cast they choose. I’ll bet there isn’t another show that has satisfied more people than MASH.

oh come on! You really expect me to pick just one? they were all great! This was such an Iconic show! Every one was wonderful!

Radar was my favourite, it breaks my heart to hear about his wife and daughter. God bless our Rader.

Alan Alda was my favorite Mash character... I use to watch the series religiously when I was in college. Even kicked my room mate out of the lounge when she complained about my habit of watching the program even during exams. I suggested she go to the library if the TV disturbed her peace.

Missing out on Larry Linville is ridiculous. An NO ONE says “The Four thousand seventy seven” would NEVER subscribe to something that takes such a lackluster approach to such an iconic show

Too many character were left out, but their all apart of our enjoyment in life, thank you

My husband and I still watch it daily. Two episodes every night from 7p-8p. Where the story shows Colonel Henry Blake leaving to go home and his plane crashing, we just saw, again. And I’m still crying. Colonel Potter just came to camp. My fav actor (it varies from one to another daily) is mostly Hawkeye.

I'm 69 years old and then when mash everybody watched it and it's a good memory for me my dad and I would sit and watch it my dad was in service for 32 years we would sit in the den and watch it so it's a good memory for me I loved all the characters it was a great show

I say to my sweet wife all the time, “ It’s nice to be nice to the nice”. Makes us both smile.

Gary Burghoff was always my favorite character. He made me laugh out loud . and cry. His timing was inimitable.