Expert: Captain Tuttle - 8/27/2005

Question
I am now watching the MASH re-runs almost daily. What has happened to all  of the actors since it left the air? And why were some actors replaced from the original group?

Thank you,
Kathleen

Answer
Hi, Kathleen...

The actors that left all left to "pursue other interests." Translation - they left because they thought they could be stars in their own right rather than play in an ensemble cast... and, down to a one, each one that left never reached the level of stardom they had on the show. Wayne Rogers was probably the most successful, as he did get the lead in a series that lasted for about 4 years on NBC, playing a 1940's private eye in "City of Angels."

Alan Alda still acts regularly, and recently got an Oscar nomination for his support work in "The Aviator." Mike Farrell works regularly, and did a five year run on "Providence." Jamie Farr and William Christopher don't act much anymore; Christopher is very active in fundraising and research for autism, because he has an autistic child. Loretta Swit mainly does fundraising and awareness for animal rights groups. Harry Morgan has virtually retired, mainly due to his age. Larry Linville and MacLean Stevenson both passed away a few years ago, Linville to cancer, Stevenson to a heart attack. Gary Burghoff does stage work, and is active with the Steppenwolf Theatre Group in Chicago. David Ogden Stiers is a very popular voice actor, doing voices for several Disney animated features, as well as doing TV work. He is currently a semi-regular on the USA Network show "The Dead Zone."

Hope this helps,

Finest Kind