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The Last Call: What Happened To The Cast Of M*A*S*H And Who Is Still Alive Today?

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Few television series have left a legacy as profound or as enduring as *M*A*S*H*, the groundbreaking war comedy-drama that ran from 1972 to 1983. More than four decades after the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital closed its doors, the show remains a cultural touchstone, but the passage of time has sadly thinned the ranks of its beloved cast. As of late 2025, the world mourns the recent loss of another core member, even as a historic reunion special in early 2024 brought the surviving stars back into the spotlight, prompting fans to ask: What happened to the cast of *M*A*S*H* and who is still with us?

The latest news, confirmed in late May 2025, is a somber one for the *M*A*S*H* family: the passing of two-time Emmy winner Loretta Swit, who played the iconic Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan. Her death at age 87 marks the end of an era for one of the show's two longest-serving actors, who appeared in almost every episode. This follows the January 2024 reunion special, *M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television*, which offered a poignant, up-to-date look at the lives of the remaining stars, celebrating the show’s enduring impact on television history. The following is a detailed look at the core cast, their roles, and their current status.

The Core Cast of M*A*S*H: A Complete Biographical Roll Call

The heart of *M*A*S*H* was its rotating ensemble, each actor bringing a unique blend of comedy and gravitas to the Korean War setting. This list details the seven most prominent main cast members, their roles, and their current status.

  • Alan Alda (Captain Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce)
    • Role: Chief Surgeon and witty wisecracker.
    • Seasons: 1–11 (All 256 episodes).
    • Born: January 28, 1936 (Age 89).
    • Status: Alive and Active.
  • Loretta Swit (Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan)
    • Role: Head Nurse, later a more complex and respected character.
    • Seasons: 1–11 (All but 11 episodes).
    • Born: November 4, 1937.
    • Died: May 30, 2025 (Age 87).
  • Jamie Farr (Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger)
    • Role: Section Eight seeker, later Company Clerk. Known for cross-dressing.
    • Seasons: 1–11 (Became a main cast member in Season 3).
    • Born: July 1, 1934 (Age 91).
    • Status: Alive and Semi-Retired.
  • Mike Farrell (Captain B.J. Hunnicutt)
    • Role: Surgeon, Hawkeye's replacement tent-mate.
    • Seasons: 4–11.
    • Born: February 6, 1939 (Age 86).
    • Status: Alive and Active in Activism.
  • Gary Burghoff (Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly)
    • Role: Company Clerk, known for his boyish innocence and psychic-like hearing.
    • Seasons: 1–8 (Appeared in the film).
    • Born: May 24, 1943 (Age 82).
    • Status: Alive and Retired from Acting.
  • Harry Morgan (Colonel Sherman T. Potter)
    • Role: Commanding Officer, replacement for Henry Blake.
    • Seasons: 4–11.
    • Born: April 10, 1915.
    • Died: December 7, 2011 (Age 96).
  • Larry Linville (Major Frank Burns)
    • Role: Incompetent, by-the-book surgeon and foil for Hawkeye and Trapper.
    • Seasons: 1–5.
    • Born: September 29, 1939.
    • Died: April 10, 2000 (Age 60).

The Lasting Legacy: Where Are the Surviving Stars Now?

The surviving main cast members—Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, Jamie Farr, and Gary Burghoff—have all pursued vastly different paths since the final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," aired to a record-breaking audience in 1983. Their current work, particularly in recent years, reflects a deep commitment to their personal passions and public service.

Alan Alda: The Podcaster and Communicator (Hawkeye Pierce)

Alan Alda, the heart and soul of the 4077th as "Hawkeye" Pierce, remains incredibly active, even as he approaches 90. Since his time on *M*A*S*H*, Alda has cemented his status as a true Renaissance man: a six-time Emmy winner, Oscar nominee, director, and author.

In recent years, his focus has shifted significantly toward science communication. He founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, which trains scientists and doctors to speak about their work clearly and engagingly.

His most prominent recent project is the popular podcast, *Clear + Vivid*, where he interviews experts and celebrities about how they connect and communicate. Alda has also been remarkably open about his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, which he manages with a positive attitude and a commitment to exercise, serving as an inspiration to many.

Mike Farrell: The Dedicated Activist (B.J. Hunnicutt)

Mike Farrell, who joined the show in Season 4 as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, has dedicated his post-*M*A*S*H* life almost entirely to human rights and political activism.

Farrell is a long-standing advocate for human rights, particularly focusing on the abolition of the death penalty. He served as the president of Death Penalty FOCUS, an organization working to end capital punishment, for several years. His commitment to social causes is so central to his identity that he titled his 2007 autobiography, *Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist*.

Farrell’s work is a powerful continuation of the anti-war, humanitarian themes that underpinned the entire *M*A*S*H* series. He views television as a powerful tool for learning and social change, a belief he carried from the set of the 4077th.

Jamie Farr: The Local Legend (Max Klinger)

Jamie Farr, who played the cross-dressing Corporal Maxwell Klinger, is one of the few actors who was born in the setting of the Korean War—Toledo, Ohio—which became a running gag on the show.

A fun piece of trivia is that Farr, like Alda, actually served in the U.S. Army in Korea, though after the war had ended. Farr is largely retired from major acting roles but remains an active figure in his hometown of Toledo, where he is a beloved local celebrity.

The actor has appeared at numerous conventions and events, and his character’s famous attempts to get a Section Eight discharge—by wearing everything from a wedding dress to a cheerleader's outfit—remain one of the show's most enduring comic relief elements.

The 2024 Reunion and Unforgettable M*A*S*H Trivia

The show’s legacy was reignited at the start of 2024 with the special, M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television, which aired on Fox on January 1st and was rebroadcast later in the year. The two-hour event featured new interviews with the surviving cast members, offering fresh perspectives on the series’ groundbreaking blend of comedy and tragedy.

The reunion served as a poignant reminder of the incredible history and unique challenges faced by the cast and crew, highlighting several fascinating pieces of trivia that surprise even the most dedicated fans, increasing the show's topical authority for a new generation.

  • Klinger's One-Episode Role: Jamie Farr's character, Maxwell Klinger, was originally cast for a single episode. His memorable performance led to him becoming a recurring character, and eventually a main cast member for the final nine seasons.
  • The Real Hawkeye's Disappointment: The author of the original novel and real-life surgeon, H. Richard Hornberger (who wrote under the pseudonym Richard Hooker), reportedly disliked the series, particularly Alan Alda's portrayal of Hawkeye, finding it too liberal and anti-military compared to his own experiences.
  • The Longest Run: *M*A*S*H* aired for 11 seasons, which was significantly longer than the actual Korean War (1950–1953). This fact underscores the show's fictional commitment to the characters' lives rather than historical accuracy.
  • The Final Audience: The series finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," remains one of the most-watched telecasts in U.S. history, demonstrating the cultural power the show had at its peak.

The recent passing of Loretta Swit brings a powerful finality to the show's core ensemble. Her portrayal of Major Houlihan evolved from a strict, often mocked military nurse to a complex, compassionate, and fiercely capable surgeon and leader—a change largely credited to the influence of Alan Alda and the show's writers. While the stars continue to fade, the light of the 4077th and its indelible impact on television will forever remain a bright spot in cultural history.

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