Harper Hall
The Cast of ‘M*A*S*H’: Who Is Still With Us and Who Has Sadly Passed Away?
M*A*S*H was one of the most beloved television shows in history, bringing laughter and tears to millions of viewers during its eleven-season run.
The talented cast brought the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital to life with unforgettable performances that still resonate today.
While some of these incredible actors are still with us, many have sadly passed away over the years, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans around the world.
1. Alan Alda – Still With Us at 90
Playing the wise-cracking surgeon Hawkeye Pierce, Alan Alda became the heart and soul of M*A*S*H.
He appeared in every single episode of the series, all 256 of them, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
Born in January 1936, Alda is now 90 years old and still active in the entertainment world.
Beyond acting, he became a director and writer for many episodes.
His work on the show earned him multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globes.
Even after M*A*S*H ended, he continued appearing in films and TV shows, proving his talent never faded.
Today, Alda remains a respected figure in Hollywood and advocates for science communication through his work with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
2. Jamie Farr – The Cross-Dressing Klinger at 91
Remember the soldier who wore dresses hoping to get discharged?
That was Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger, played brilliantly by Jamie Farr.
Born in July 1934, Farr is now 91 years old and appeared in all eleven seasons of the show.
His character’s outrageous outfits and schemes provided comic relief during the darkest moments of war.
What many fans don’t know is that Farr was originally supposed to appear in just one episode.
The producers loved him so much they kept bringing him back until he became a regular cast member.
His hometown of Toledo, Ohio, was frequently mentioned on the show as Klinger’s beloved home.
Farr continued acting after M*A*S*H and remains a cherished member of the surviving cast today.
3. Mike Farrell – B.J. Hunnicutt Lives On at 87
Captain B.J. Hunnicutt joined M*A*S*H in season four as Hawkeye’s new best friend and surgical partner.
Mike Farrell brought warmth and humanity to the role, appearing in 187 episodes total.
Born in February 1939, he’s now 87 years old and continues to be active in various causes close to his heart.
His character was known for being a devoted family man who deeply missed his wife and daughter back home.
The mustache he wore became iconic, and his friendship with Hawkeye gave the show some of its most touching moments.
After the series ended, Farrell became a passionate activist for human rights and appeared in numerous other television shows and movies throughout his career.
4. Gary Burghoff – Radar O’Reilly at 82
With his teddy bear and innocent demeanor, Corporal Radar O’Reilly captured everyone’s hearts.
Gary Burghoff played this sweet character in 174 episodes before leaving after season seven.
Born in May 1943, Burghoff is now 82 years old and was actually the only actor to appear in both the original M*A*S*H movie and the television series.
Radar had an almost supernatural ability to hear helicopters before anyone else could, hence his nickname.
He also seemed to know what Colonel Blake needed before being asked, which made him an invaluable company clerk despite his young age and naivety.
Burghoff left the show to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests including wildlife painting and drumming.
5. Loretta Swit – Hot Lips Passed Away in 2025
Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan was the tough but caring head nurse of the 4077th.
Loretta Swit brought incredible depth to this character throughout all eleven seasons, appearing in both the pilot and the finale.
Sadly, she passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 87, leaving behind an incredible legacy.
Her character evolved from a strict, by-the-book officer into a more complex, sympathetic person as the series progressed.
Swit won two Emmy Awards for her outstanding performance and became one of the most memorable female characters in television history.
Beyond M*A*S*H, she was a passionate animal rights activist and appeared in various stage productions, showing her remarkable range as a performer throughout her long career.
6. Wayne Rogers – Trapper John Died in 2015
Captain Trapper John McIntyre was Hawkeye’s original partner in crime and surgery during the first three seasons.
Wayne Rogers played this charming, fun-loving surgeon with perfect chemistry alongside Alan Alda.
Unfortunately, Rogers passed away on December 31, 2015, at 82 years old due to complications from pneumonia.
Rogers left M*A*S*H after season three due to creative differences and feeling his character wasn’t being developed enough.
His departure led to the introduction of B.J.
Hunnicutt as Hawkeye’s new best friend.
Despite leaving the show, his portrayal of Trapper remained beloved by fans.
After M*A*S*H, Rogers had a successful career in other television shows and became a savvy investor, appearing regularly as a commentator on financial news programs.
7. Larry Linville – Frank Burns Lost in 2000
Nobody played an incompetent, pompous antagonist quite like Larry Linville as Major Frank Burns.
For five seasons, he made viewers laugh and cringe with Frank’s ridiculous behavior and inflated ego.
Linville passed away on April 10, 2000, at just 60 years old from complications following cancer surgery, which shocked and saddened many fans.
Despite playing such a dislikable character, Linville was reportedly one of the nicest people on set.
He chose to leave the show after five seasons because he felt the character had run its course and there was nowhere else to take Frank Burns.
Fun fact: Linville actually hated how mean and stupid Frank was, which made his convincing performance even more impressive to everyone who worked with him.
8. McLean Stevenson – Colonel Blake Died in 1996
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake was the easygoing, fishing-obsessed commanding officer during the first three seasons.
McLean Stevenson brought a lovable, bumbling quality to the role that made Blake feel like everyone’s favorite uncle.
He died on February 15, 1996, at 68 years old from a heart attack after recovering from bladder cancer surgery.
Blake’s departure from the show became one of television’s most shocking moments.
His character was killed off in a plane crash while heading home, leaving viewers devastated.
The final scene where Radar announces Blake’s death is still considered one of the most powerful moments in TV history.
Stevenson left M*A*S*H hoping to launch a successful solo career, though he later admitted he regretted leaving such a wonderful show and ensemble cast.
9. David Ogden Stiers – Winchester Passed in 2018
After Frank Burns left, Major Charles Emerson Winchester III arrived as the new antagonist, but with much more class and skill.
David Ogden Stiers played this Boston blue blood from season six until the finale.
He passed away on March 3, 2018, at 75 years old due to bladder cancer, leaving behind memorable performances across many mediums.
Unlike the incompetent Frank, Winchester was actually an excellent surgeon, which created a different dynamic with Hawkeye and B.J.
His character showed surprising depth and compassion beneath the snobbish exterior.
Stiers brought sophistication and complexity that elevated the show’s later seasons.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Stiers was the voice of Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and conducted several orchestras, showcasing his incredible musical talent and versatility as an artist.
10. William Christopher – Father Mulcahy Died in 2016
Father John Francis Mulcahy was the gentle, boxing-loving chaplain who provided spiritual guidance to the 4077th.
William Christopher played this kindhearted character throughout the entire series with warmth and sincerity.
He died on December 31, 2016, at 84 years old from lung cancer, the same day Wayne Rogers passed away, which seemed like a sad coincidence.
Father Mulcahy often struggled with feeling useful in a surgical unit, but he provided comfort to countless soldiers and staff members.
His character’s hearing loss in the finale was one of the show’s most poignant storylines.
Christopher brought quiet dignity to every scene he appeared in.
After M*A*S*H ended, Christopher reprised his role in the sequel series AfterMASH and remained active in charitable work supporting children with autism, inspired by his own son.
11. Harry Morgan – Colonel Potter Lost in 2011
Colonel Sherman T. Potter replaced Henry Blake as commanding officer and brought military experience, wisdom, and a love of horses.
Harry Morgan played this role from season four through the finale with authority and warmth.
He passed away on December 7, 2011, at an impressive 96 years old from pneumonia after a long, successful career in entertainment.
Potter was a career Army man who ran a tight ship but cared deeply for his people.
His paintings, his horse Sophie, and his colorful expressions became beloved parts of the show.
Morgan’s portrayal earned him an Emmy Award and made Potter one of television’s greatest commanding officers.
Before M*A*S*H, Morgan had a long career in films and television, appearing in classics like High Noon and Dragnet, proving his remarkable staying power in Hollywood.
12. The Legacy Lives On Through Reruns
Even though M*A*S*H ended in 1983, the show continues to touch new generations through reruns and streaming services.
The series finale remains one of the most-watched television events in history, with over 125 million viewers tuning in.
The show’s blend of comedy and drama set a new standard for what television could achieve.
M*A*S*H tackled serious issues like war, death, and trauma while still making people laugh.
The writers and actors created something timeless that feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago.
Each cast member contributed something special that made the 4077th feel like a real place filled with real people.
While we’ve lost many of these talented performers, their work lives on, reminding us why M*A*S*H remains one of the greatest shows ever made.
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