WHAT’S UP WITH THIRTEEN
M*A*S*H CASTMEMBERS
M*A*S*H CASTMEMBERS
Through most of the 1970s and even into the 1980s, I was half in love with Benjamin Franklin Pierce, aka Hawkeye from M*A*S*H. Perhaps because he was my most loyal Saturday night date during those years, and the only one who didn’t break my heart.
While he was the show’s major draw, the whole cast was impressive, as well. So this week, I am paying tribute to them with a “where are they now” TT.
1) Hawkeye Pierce – Alan Alda is now in his 70s. Since M*A*S*H he has written a pair of memoirs, starred on Broadway, appeared on ER and The West Wing and even been nominated for an Oscar (The Aviator).
2) Trapper John – Wayne Rogers is now 75. He left the show after three seasons, and pretty much walked away from acting. Don’t worry about him, though, since he went on to become a successful investment strategist.
3) BJ Hunnicut – Mike Farrell is a crusader for the environment and civil liberties. At 72, he still appears on TV now and again. He was a regular on Providence and had a recurring episode on Desperate Housewives.
4) Margaret Houlihan – Hot Lips is 70! I just can't believe it. Loretta Swit has become an animal rights activist and hosted Those Amazing Animals on the Discovery Channel.
5) Major Frank Burns – Larry Linville suffered from cancer and passed away in 2000 at age 59.
6) Col. Sherman Potter – After acting and directing for 57 years, today at the age of 97, Harry Morgan is deservedly retired.
7) “Radar” O’Reilly – Gary Burghoff still appears on TV occasionally, but at 68 he concentrates on his second career as an artist.
8) Corporal Klinger – 74-year-old Jamie Farr may have left his women’s wardrobe behind, but he’s still acting on TV and stage.
9) Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III – David Ogden Stiers has been working regularly since M*A*S*H went off the air. At 65, he is hired most often for his distinctive voice. His voice-over credits include Lilo and Stitch.
10) Father Francis Mulcahy – William Christopher is still acting at 75. He recently appeared in a touring company of The Odd Couple.
11) Col. Henry Blake – Chicago’s own McLean Stevenson, who left the show in 1975, died of a heart attack in 1996 at age 68.
12) Major Sidney Freedman – Alan Arbus appeared as the army shrink in approximately 12 episodes, including the famous M*A*S*H finale. At age 90, he doesn’t act very much anymore but he did have a recurring role on Judging Amy in the 1990s. Researching this TT I discovered that he was once married to photographer Diane Arbus. (How cool is that?)
13) Larry Gelbart – He wasn’t a character on M*A*S*H, but he was a driving force behind the scenes, writing and directing many episodes in seasons 1 through 4. At 80, he’s still writing – most often as a blogger at The Huffington Post – and has been known to use the pen name “Francis Burns.”
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Very interesting!!
ReplyDeleteNow THAT is cool. Thank you so much. This show was so much a part of me as a teenager growing up and through the early years. In their 70s....wow. Just unbelievable. They seemed like part of our family, didn't they?
ReplyDeleteI remember crying watching the final episode. I probably still would.
Wow, how long-lived most of this cast is. Makes me feel old. I remember waiting eagerly for the next episode.
ReplyDeleteI used to love M.A.S.H! It was great.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe they are all that old. Let's hope Henry Morgan reaches his century!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge M*A*S*H* fan. I always thought Hot Lips was so misunderstood. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. It was a great series. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHow cool was that! Awesome T-13 idea. Loved that show than and it's still one of the best sitcoms ever.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kaye played bass on the theme song, didja know?
Somehow it is freaking me out to think these guys are in their 70s. I was in love with all of them.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I've never seen a single episode of MASH, lol. Looks like you put a lot of work into this weeks post.
ReplyDeleteHappy TT!
M*A*S*H is one of my all-time favorite shows. I was amazed when I found out a few years ago the age of Alan Arbus. Did you know that Roger Bowen (the actor who played Henry Blake in the movie version of M*A*S*H) died of a heart attack one day after McLean Stevenson?
ReplyDeleteFor months, I've been planning to do my own T13 about M*A*S*H. I'll probably do it sometime next year.
Oh Jeeez. I feel so old! Harry Morgan is 97?? Oh. My. God.
ReplyDeleteInteresting roundup of "where are they now" - good work!
Wow! I can't believe the Colonel is in his 90's, time certainly does fly right by!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXO
M*A*S*H was and still is a favorite of mine. B J was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteCome by and visit with me today and check out my thirteen if you have a little time. Happy Thursday.
wow! interesting list indeed!
ReplyDeleteTT#14: Christmas Trivia
I was very saddened when Larry Linville died - I always luved Frank best! ('course, we ALL luved Hawkeye!) They just don't make sit-coms like they used to...
ReplyDeleteHAve a great weekend.
mmash was always one of my favorites.......so nice to hear what old "friends" are up to! happy tt!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list idea! My crush was on B.J. It was such a good show. Realistic without being graphic like most of the shows are now.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I spent many a night watching M*A*S*H when we were first married and too poor to even rent a movie! Good Memories.
ReplyDeleteThis was an awesome TT! I loved that show. I grew up with the 4077th =)
ReplyDeleteHow fun to learn where those wonderful actors are and what they're doing. Hard to imagine Loretta Swit at 70 until I remember how old I am ;--)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,