In the ever-changing world of Hollywood, the passage of time has a way of leaving us with
fond memories, bittersweet farewells, and legacies that endure through the ages.
Recently, we've been hit with the heart-wrenching news that a couple cast members of the iconic
television series, M*A*S*H, have taken their final bows, leaving us with a mix of nostalgia
and sorrow.
As the curtain closes on their storied careers, we're left with just a few shining stars still
surviving of the show's original cast.
In this video, we'll be paying tribute to the beloved cast members we've lost, while
also celebrating the resilience and ongoing journey of the last surviving members of this
legendary ensemble.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, and explore the incredible lives and careers
of the remaining M*A*S*H cast members, ensuring their legacies continue to burn bright in
the hearts of fans around the world.
Facts Verse Presents: More M*A*S*H Cast Members Have Died, Now He's All That's Left
Eisleen Saki
Eileen Saki, the talented actress who portrayed the character of Rosie, the bar owner in "MASH,"
passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Los Angeles after a courageous battle with pancreatic
cancer at the age of 79.
Her representative confirmed the news of her passing to various news outlets.
Eileen graced nine episodes of "MASH," a show centered around the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital
during the Korean War, which aired between 1972 and 1983.
As the proprietor of "Rosie's Bar," Eileen was the third and longest-serving actor to
fill the role.
Even after her time on the series ended, her acting career persisted, with appearances
in projects such as the 1984 film "Splash" alongside Tom Hanks, playing Dr. Fujimoto,
as well as roles in "CHiPs" and "History of the World: Part I."
Born in Japan to a gardener, Eileen relatively recently shared her life story on the "MASH
Matters" podcast with her co-star Jeff Maxwell.
She expressed her lifelong desire to be a performer since the age of four, seeking an
exciting and glamorous life beyond her humble beginnings.
Eileen's journey led her to the role of Rosie on "MASH" after a fortuitous encounter with
Burt Metcalf on a Fox lot.
Following her time on the show, she approached Metcalf for further opportunities, which led
to her involvement in "History of the World: Part I."
Having successfully battled lung cancer in 2004, Eileen returned to the world of entertainment,
most recently appearing in a 2022 Uber Eats commercial.
Jeff Maxwell, who portrayed Private Igor Straminsky, paid tribute to Eileen on the "MASH Matters"
podcast and shared his heartfelt words on the podcast's Facebook page, expressing the
love and admiration they had for her.
Several other former co-stars have since also expressed their heartfelt condolences on social
media.
Judy Farrell
Judy Farrell, best known for her portrayal of Nurse Able, passed away after suffering
a stroke at the age of 84 on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Hailing from Quapaw, Oklahoma, Farrell's passion for theater took root early in her life.
She pursued her dreams by obtaining a fine arts degree in theater from Oklahoma State
University, followed by a master's degree at UCLA.
It was there that she met Mike Farrell in 1961, and the couple married two years later.
They had two children, Michael and Erin, before parting ways in 1983.
Farrell's acting journey began in the 1960s alongside her husband at the Laguna Playhouse.
Her television debut came in 1969 with a guest appearance on Get Smart.
She went on to play various roles in TV shows like The Partridge Family, The Rookies, Room
222, Emergency!, Benson, and ABC Afterschool Specials.
Most notably, she played Nurse Able in eight episodes of MAS*H between 1976 and 1983.
Her character often assisted doctors in the operating room or delivered messages to them.
An episode even incorporated her real-life marriage to Mike Farrell.
In addition to acting, Farrell explored writing, contributing 13 episodes to the soap opera
Port Charles from 1998 to 2003.
She also wrote a TV movie titled The Kid from Nowhere in 1982, featuring her husband and
son.
Her other acting credits include a recurring role as Mrs. Miller on Fame from 1982 to 1983
and appearances in TV movies such as Intimate Strangers, Fugitive Family, and Long-Term
Relationship.
Farrell retired from acting in 2006.
The news of Farrell's passing was confirmed by her son, Michael, and was reported on by
numerous news outlets including Fox News who first broke the story.
Farrell's fans and co-stars remember her as a talented, kind-hearted individual who brought
joy and laughter to many.
She passionately supported various causes, including animal rights, environmental protection,
and social justice.
In her leisure time, Farrell enjoyed the company of her family and friends, as well as traveling,
reading, and gardening.
Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in "MASH," considered Farrell
as part of her "family."
In a recently published interview, Swit reminisced about their time together, describing Judy
as a beautiful person both inside and out.
She acknowledged the pain of losing her dear friend but emphasized that they would forever
cherish her memory.
"MASH" premiered in 1972 while the United States was still involved in the Vietnam War.
The show highlighted the humorous yet poignant experiences of a field hospital during the
Korean War.
The CBS sitcom ran for 11 seasons, spanning 256 episodes, and concluded with the TV movie
finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen."
The finale attracted over 100 million viewers and held the record as the most-watched television
program in American history for 27 years.
According to Swit, the cast members have remained close throughout the years, frequently spending
time together and supporting one another.
They consider themselves more like family than just former colleagues.
In 2022, "MASH" celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Star Alan Alda reflected on this significant milestone in a televised interview, expressing
gratitude that the work they did decades ago still resonates with people today.
On that note, let's take a moment to check in with the surviving cast members of the
iconic series.
Loretta Swit
As one of the four stars to grace all eleven seasons of "MASH," Loretta Swit portrayed
the head nurse Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan.
With her exceptional performance, Swit won two Emmy Awards and appeared in nearly every
episode, ranking second only to Alda in terms of total credits.
Houlihan's self-proclaimed "army brat" background made her an initial antagonist, but Swit skillfully
navigated a wide range of captivating emotional arcs throughout the show's run.
Following "MASH," Swit continued her television career, lending her voice to shows like "Batman:
The Animated Series" and "Cow and Chicken."
Now 85, Swit's involvement in the entertainment industry has slowed, but her remarkable portfolio
of roles remains a testament to her talent.
She has maintained close friendships with many of her "MASH" co-stars, including Alda
and the late Harry Morgan, who portrayed Colonel Sherman T. Potter in the show's later seasons.
Apart from acting, Swit has authored books on needlepoint and watercolor painting and
is a dedicated animal rights activist.
In 1989, she received a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sally Kellerman, the original "Hot Lips" from the 1970 Robert Altman film that inspired
the series, passed away in 2022.
Alan Alda
At the age of 87, Alan Alda remains a prominent figure in Hollywood.
As Captain Hawkeye Pierce, Alda was not only the star of "MASH" but also one of its driving
creative forces.
He, like Swit, is one of just four main characters to appear in every season, establishing himself
as a cornerstone of the series.
Interestingly, Alda served in the military during the Korean War, providing him with
a unique perspective on his character.
As the 4077th's most unconventional surgeon, his blend of sharp comedic timing and intense
emotional acting mirrored the balance that made the show extraordinary.
By the time "MASH" ended, Alda had amassed an astounding 25 Emmy Award nominations and
12 Golden Globe nods for his work.
Post "MASH," Alda continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, starring in major
films such as "Crimes and Misdemeanors" and "Bridge of Spies," as well as TV series like
"ER," "The West Wing," and "30 Rock."
In recent years, Alda has candidly discussed his battle with Parkinson's Disease and become
a prominent spokesperson for raising awareness about the condition.
Despite his struggles, he delivered a memorable performance in the 2019 Oscar-nominated film
"Marriage Story," starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver.
In recognition of his extensive career as an actor, writer, director, and producer,
Alda received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award that same year.
Jamie Farr
One of the most unique and unforgettable performances in "MASH" came from Jamie Farr, who portrayed
the crossdressing Lebanese-American corporal, Maxwell Klinger.
Today, Klinger remains a fascinating and multifaceted character, prompting discussions on whether
his portrayal was progressive or homophobic.
What's undeniable is that Klinger found solace and happiness in wearing traditionally feminine
clothes amidst the chaos, tragedy, and death of war.
Like Swit, Farr has a star on the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame and appeared in each and every
season of "MASH."
He also starred in the short-lived sequel series "AfterMASH," which followed the post-war
lives of Klinger, Harry Morgan's Sherman T. Potter, and the late William Christopher's
Father Mulcahy.
Now 88, Farr's acting credits include shows like "The Love Boat," "That '70s Show," and
"Family Guy," as well as films such as the "Cannonball Run" series.
Although Farr has become less active in the entertainment industry, his exceptional portrayal
of Klinger on "MASH" ensures his enduring legacy.
Gary Burghoff
Gary Burghoff portrayed Cpl.
Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reilly in the series, originating the role in the 1970 Robert Altman
film "MASH."
Both the movie and series were adapted from Richard Hooker's book, "MASH: A Novel About
Three Army Doctors."
In a recent interview for writer Ken Levine's blog, Burghoff discussed the differences between
his film and TV characterizations.
In the film, Radar was depicted as a solitary, darker, and somewhat sardonic character, while
the TV adaptation showcased a more innocent and naive persona.
The actor received six Emmy nods and one win for his work on the series before departing
the show in 1979.
Post-"MASH," Burghoff made appearances in short-lived spinoffs "AfterMASH" and "WALTER,"
as well as other series like "Fantasy Island," and "Tales of the Unexpected."
He retired from acting in 1995, with a brief return in the film "Daniel's Lot."
Besides acting, Burghoff has had a successful career as an inventor.
He holds a patent for "Chum Magic," a device that lures fish to fishermen's boats.
Additionally, he invented an advanced fishing pole and a toilet seat lifting handle.
Mike Farrell
Farrell continued his role throughout the entire show, and his character was responsible
for the iconic "Goodbye" spelled out in white rocks in the series finale.
He earned two Emmy nominations for his performance on the series.
Post-"MASH," Farrell enjoyed a successful acting career, with appearances in "Murder,
She Wrote," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "Desperate Housewives."
He also secured a leading role in the 1999 series "Providence," playing the father of
Melina Kanakaredes' character.
In addition to acting, Farrell worked behind the scenes as a producer on various projects,
including the 1998 Robin Williams film "Patch Adams."
Now 84, Farrell is actively involved in numerous political and social causes.
He is a member of PETA, served as co-chair for the California Human Rights Watch for
ten years, sat on the board for the Cult Awareness Network, and was president of Death Penalty
Focus for over a decade.
Unfortunately, we're just about out of time for this video.
Once again, we want to send out sincerest condolences to the fans, friends, and family
members of the two M*A*S*H stars that have recently died.
They may no longer be with us physically, but their legacies will surely endure for
many generations to come.
Before you go, show us a little support by dropping us a line in the comments.
Who was your favorite star of M*A*S*H and how will you remember the cast members who
have sadly passed away?
Let us know, and as always, thanks for watching!