gary Burgoff was an absolute delight He brought that great charm to the to radar

The teddy bear uh the cuddliness the

nat Few television series have left as profound a mark on American pop culture

as MASH Renowned for its groundbreaking blend of humor and drama the show not

only captivated audiences during its 11-year run but also set a viewership

record with its unforgettable series finale Despite its lasting legacy and

the widespread love it continues to receive many behindthe-scenes stories and intriguing facts remain surprisingly

lesser known Today we’ll lift the veil off all such secrets and also reveal

which star of the show utterly hated Gary Berghoff and why it was

so Let’s get started Number 20 origins and adaptation

Most viewers even the loyal allies of the show probably don’t know that the MASH television series is adapted from

the 1968 novel MASH a novel about three army doctors written by Dr H Richard

Hornberger under the pen name Richard Hooker along with co-author WC Hines The

book draws heavily on Hornberger’s own experiences as a surgeon during the Korean War blending dark humor with the

harsh realities of wartime medicine Its candid and satirical portrayal of

military life and the challenges faced by medical personnel provided a unique

foundation for the series The novel’s success laid the groundwork for a

television adaptation that captured both the comedic and dramatic elements of the source material By focusing on the lives

of three army doctors the story offered a mix of irreverent humor and poignant

commentary on the absurdities and tragedies of war We’ve just scratched

the surface here As we go deeper we’ll unveil many shocking and largely unknown

facts about the show Number 19 writing the pilot Larry

Galbart an accomplished and seasoned screenwriter had long been immersed in the bustling world of Hollywood Yet like

many who navigate the relentless pressures of the entertainment industry he eventually grew weary of the

lifestyle Seeking solace and a change of pace Galbart relocated to London hoping

to find new inspiration and distance from the often overwhelming Hollywood

scene However even across the Atlantic the pull of an intriguing project proved

irresistible When Galbart was approached to write the pilot for MASH he couldn’t

pass up the opportunity Despite his initial intentions to step back from the

Hollywood machine Galbart recognized the unique potential of the concept

Remarkably he crafted the pilot script in just 2 days The urgency with which he

completed the script did not compromise its quality Instead it seemed to channel

his creative energy into something exceptional The network recognizing the

brilliance of his rapid accomplishment rewarded him handsomely paying Galbart

$25,000 for his work The pilot which premiered on September 17th

1972 marked the beginning of a television phenomenon Gelbart’s swift

yet thoughtful approach set the tone for the entire series merging sharp wit with

poignant storytelling His writing laid the foundation for Mash’s enduring success

proving that even a project born out of unexpected opportunity could leave a lasting

impact Number 18 casting choices and changes Did you know that Mlan Stevenson

originally hoped to be cast as Hawkeye Pierce the lead surgeon but of course

the role ultimately went to Alan Alda Meanwhile comedian Robert Klene was

offered the part of trapper John McIntyre but declined opening the way for Wayne Rogers to take the role

Despite his prominent place on the show Rogers never signed a formal contract

which allowed him the freedom to leave the series whenever he chose This uncertain contract situation created an

unusual dynamic on set as Rogers’s ability to exit at any moment added

tension behind the scenes His departure after three seasons reflected this

unique arrangement which contrasted with the more stable contracts held by other main cast members The casting choices

and contractual nuances shaped the early development of the show’s core characters and influenced its evolving

ensemble Speaking of the evolving ensemble you’re not going to believe this Number 17 Clinger was not supposed

to be a recurring character When the character of Maxwell Qlinger was first

conceived for MASH he was originally intended to appear in just one episode

Initially the concept was inspired by a story from comedian Lenny Bruce who once

claimed to have been discharged from the Navy after professing homosexual tendencies

The idea was to present Klinger as a soldier trying to get dismissed from military service However the writers and

the network decided to take a different approach Instead of portraying Clinger

as a gay character a portrayal that could have been considered controversial on television at the time they

reimagined him as a straight man who wore women’s clothing to appear unfit

for service This creative twist not only preserved the comedic intent but also

allowed the character to fit seamlessly into the show’s light-hearted yet thoughtful tone What began as a brief

comedic role quickly grew into something much more significant The unique blend

of humor and resilience that Clinger embodied brought to life by Jaime Far’s outstanding performance made the

character an instant hit Audiences connected with Clinger’s determination and resourcefulness and his antics

became a staple of the series Rather than simply being a one-note gag Clinger

evolved into one of the most beloved and enduring characters on MASH Number 16

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real life military experience Alan Alda and Jaime Farre brought authentic

military experience to their roles on MASH Drawing from their own service

backgrounds Alan Alda who played the witty and compassionate Hawkeye Pierce

had served in the Army Reserve This experience provided him with a genuine

understanding of military life particularly the unique challenges and disciplined environment faced by Army

doctors Alda’s firhand knowledge of how soldiers cope with stress and maintain a

sense of humor in difficult situations allowed him to portray Hawkeye with an

authenticity that balanced both irreverence and empathy Jaime Farre who played the

beloved and eccentric Corporal Clinger also brought his real life military experience to the series having served

in the army before pursuing his acting career far understood the nuances of

military life from the rigid routines to the ways soldiers would push boundaries

to maintain their individuality His character Clinger was famously known for his cross-dressing

antics as part of his attempts to secure a discharge on the grounds of mental instability While Clinger’s antics were

played for laughs Far’s portrayal remained grounded conveying both the

desperation and creativity of a soldier seeking escape from the harsh realities

of war The personal connection to military life helped Far infuse Clinger

with a sense of realism making him more than just a comic relief

character Number 15 The Story of the Laughter Track

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When MASH was in its early stages both Larry Galbart the pilot’s writer and

Gene Reynolds the executive producer strongly opposed the use of a laugh

track They felt that the show’s blend of comedy and serious wartime drama

shouldn’t rely on canned laughter which might undermine the tone However CBS the

network airing the show insisted on including a laugh track because it was standard practice for all 30inut sitcoms

at the time To reach a compromise the producers agreed that the laugh track

would not be used during the operating room scenes where the tone was more serious and somber As the series

progressed the laugh track was gradually used less frequently and then dropped altogether in the 11th season

Interestingly when MASH aired in the UK on the BBC the laugh track was omitted

entirely allowing the show to stand out as a drama comedy Number 14 cameos and real

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connections MASH featured an impressive lineup of notable guest stars including

Ron Howard Leslie Nielsen and Patrick Sees Ron Howard known for his youthful

charm appeared as a Marine eager to serve capturing the complexities of innocence and duty Leslie Nielsen famous

for his later comedic roles showcased his dramatic range in a serious and thoughtful portrayal Patrick Sees before

his rise to stardom played a soldier facing a grim diagnosis delivering a

performance that balanced strength and vulnerability But wait that’s not all

The show’s creators also infused personal elements into the characters subtly bridging the gap between fiction

and reality One such touch involved Mike Frell’s character BJ Hunut who was

portrayed as a devoted family man In a thoughtful nod to his own life Frell had

BJ’s daughter named after his real life daughter Aaron This personal connection

added authenticity to the character’s portrayal of fatherhood Similarly when it came to Colonel Potter

played by Harry Morgan the show’s attention to detail once again shown through The photo used to depict

Potter’s wife was in fact a picture of Morgan’s actual spouse Shocking right

well let’s move on Number 13 A challenge for the writers

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The MASH writing team faced ongoing challenges with cast members frequently

complaining about the scripts often requesting changes or expressing dissatisfaction with their lines To

address this issue creatively and firmly writer Ken Lavine and his colleagues

devised a strategy that sent a clear message to the cast On two occasions

they rewrote scenes requiring the actors to wear heavy winter parkas while filming outdoors on the Malibu Ranch set

during the peak of summer where temperatures ranged from 90 to 100° F

Forced to perform under these uncomfortable conditions sweating through layers of cold weather gear the

cast quickly understood the writer’s frustration with the constant script notes This clever tactic effectively

discouraged further complaints Number 12 trivia and Easter eggs Alan Alda’s

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attention to detail is evident in his choice to wear the same hat that Donald Sutherland who played Hawkeye Pierce in

the 1970 MASH film wore This hat seen in

the series opening credits served as a symbolic bridge between the movie and the series paying homage to the

characters origins Alda’s dedication to preserving these small but significant

details demonstrated his respect for the source material and his commitment to

portraying Hawkeye in a way that honored the role’s cinematic foundation

Another interesting piece of MASH history revolves around Radar O’Reilly’s teddy bear A seemingly insignificant

prop that became one of the most cherished symbols of the series Throughout the show Radar’s teddy bear

was a comforting presence reflecting the character’s youthful innocence and vulnerability amidst the chaos of war

After the series ended the bear was thought to be lost sparking curiosity

among fans who wondered about its fate Remarkably the bear resurfaced years

later and was auctioned off to Gary Berghoff the actor who played Radar

allowing the iconic prop to return to the actor who portrayed Radar Number 11

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the stories behind the names During MASH’s sixth season the writers

incorporated a playful and personal touch by naming four Marine patients after members of the 1977 California

Angels baseball team The following season season 7 they continued this

tradition by naming patients after players from the 1978 Los Angeles

Dodgers This nod to the sport added an inside joke for fans familiar with the

teams and showcased the writer’s creative flare in blending pop culture

with the series narrative Additionally in the poignant episode Goodbye Radar

Radar O’Reilly’s girlfriend was named Patty Haven a tribute to one of writer

Ken Lavine’s former girlfriends But wait there’s more to it and you’re going to

be thoroughly shocked Number 10 comics and codes from the

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future In the 15th episode of the first season titled Tuttle Radar’s well-known

love for comic books takes center stage revealing a curious anacronism Radar the lovable and geeky

company clerk is frequently seen diving into the world of science fiction during his downtime However the show is set

during the Korean War in the early 1950s which raises a puzzling question How did

Radar come to possess comics from decades later in this episode Radar is

shown reading the 10th issue of Captain Savage and his Battlefield Rangers a

comic that was actually published in January 1969 more than 15 years after the Korean

War ended This subtle yet striking detail is part of a broader pattern of

small anacronisms scattered throughout the series often escaping the notice of

casual viewers Another example of an outofplace object appears in the 14th

episode of the 11th season Give and Take In this episode Sergeant Klinger

performs an act of kindness by offering a chocolate bar to a severely injured North Korean soldier While the gesture

is heartwarming the show accidentally includes a detail that breaks the period

authenticity The chocolate bar displays a UPC barcode These barcodes essential

for modern retail were not introduced until 1976 two decades after the Korean War

When the soldier turns the packaging upside down the barcode is clearly visible creating a small but glaring

historical inaccuracy Such details while minor show how MASH occasionally slipped in

elements from the future blending them into the show’s 1950s setting in ways

most viewers wouldn’t easily spot These little mistakes serve as quirky

reminders that even the most carefully crafted period dramas sometimes get caught sneaking in modern

conveniences Speaking of the Korean War here’s another interesting tidbit Number

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nine the show lasted more than the war Remarkably Mass outlasted the actual

conflict it depicted by a significant margin While the Korean War itself lasted just 3 years 1 month and 2 days

from June 25th 1950 to July 27th

1953 The show aired for a full 11 years premiering in 1972 and concluding in

1973 1983 This considerable extension beyond the war’s duration was never perceived

as a drawback by the creative team Instead it was embraced as an

opportunity to deepen the series exploration of war’s complexities and

human costs The producers and writers recognized that the show had grown into

much more than a simple war comedy or drama Over time MASH became a culturally

significant platform that blended sharp satire dark humor and poignant drama to

address issues that extended far beyond the battlefield resonating with audiences grappling with contemporary

conflicts like the Vietnam War and broader questions about military ethics

trauma and camaraderie Alan Alda who played the lead character Captain

Benjamin Hawkeye Pierce helped shape MASH into a sophisticated series capable

of balancing comedy with serious social commentary Alda and his colleagues

understood that the longevity of the show allowed them to evolve the narrative and characters in ways that

reflected the changing social and political landscape of the 1970s and early 80s This temporal flexibility

freed them from the constraints of strict historical accuracy regarding the war’s timeline enabling the show to use

its fictional setting as a lens through which to examine enduring issues like the futility and wastefulness of war the

psychological toll on soldiers and medical staff and the clash between individual morality and military

protocol The extended run also allowed for the development of richlyd drawn characters whose personal stories and

ethical dilemmas gave viewers a nuanced understanding of the war’s impact on

human lives Over 11 seasons Mash was able to depict the shifting dynamics of

military life the bonds forged in adversity and the coping mechanisms

ranging from humor to rebellion that individuals employed in the face of

constant danger and loss The show’s success in transcending its original

premise contributed to its lasting popularity with episodes that blended

slapstick comedy heartfelt drama and sharp political critique Moreover the

longevity of the series ensured that it became a part of the cultural conversation surrounding war and peace

well after the Korean War had faded from immediate public consciousness Its

continued presence on television during a time when the United States was grappling with the aftermath of the

Vietnam War and Cold War tensions gave MASH an enduring relevance Number eight

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visible T- markers In the first episode of the 10th season titled Show Biz an

ironic mistake appears that perfectly fits the episode’s theme about the entertainment industry In film and

television production actors are often guided on where to stand and which direction to face by marks on the ground

commonly shaped like a T These T- markers serve a purely technical purpose

helping actors hit their marks so the camera framing and lighting are just right Ideally these markers remain

hidden from the audience to preserve the illusion of reality However in this

episode’s emotional final scene where Father Mulah tearfully says goodbye to

Sarah the camera pulls back to a wide shot and unintentionally reveals several

of these rubber tea markers on the ground One white T- mark is clearly

visible behind Father Mulah right where Sarah had been standing moments before

Later when Father Mulah rushes over and bumps into nurse Kelly some dirt is

kicked up exposing yet another black tea marker nearby This slip up pulls back

the curtain on the production process breaking the immersion by exposing a part of film making that should remain

unseen Though subtle it’s a rare and amusing goof that reminds viewers that even well

produced shows like MASH occasionally reveal their behindthecenes

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secrets Number seven Alan Alda was not just an actor Alan Alda’s involvement in

MASH went far beyond his iconic portrayal of Captain Benjamin Hawkeye Pierce He was deeply integral to the

creative process behind the scenes co-writing and directing a remarkable 31

episodes of the series including its unforgettable finale This level of

artistic engagement was exceptional especially for an actor primarily known for his on-screen work Alda’s dual role

as actor and creative force allowed him to shape the tone narrative direction

and emotional depth of MASH in ways that few others could His intimate

understanding of the characters and the show’s themes empowered him to bring a nuanced sensibility to his writing and

directing Alda’s work behind the camera was groundbreaking in television history

He became the first person ever to win Emmy awards in all three major creative

categories acting directing and writing for the same show This unique

achievement not only underscored his multifaceted talent but also highlighted how essential he was to Mash’s identity

and enduring success His writing often tackled complex issues surrounding war

morality and the human spirit delivering scripts that balanced levity with

poignency As a director Alda was known for fostering strong performances from

the cast and for his skillful handling of episodes that combined comedic timing

with dramatic tension helping elevate the show beyond typical sitcom fair Many

future stars made guest appearances on MASH during Alda’s tenure and his

leadership contributed to the show becoming a fertile ground for emerging talent His influence extended to

mentoring younger actors and collaborating closely with the writing and production teams to maintain a

consistent highquality narrative Alda’s presence behind the scenes helped the

series maintain its delicate balance between irreverent comedy and sobering

drama ensuring that MASH remained relevant and resonant throughout its 11

season run Number six Communication Breakdown In the sixth episode of the

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10th season titled Communication Breakdown the focus is naturally on a

failure in communication among the characters Yet ironically the episode

also reveals a breakdown behind the scenes in the production itself During a

scene where Major Charles fraternizes with Colonel Potter and Margaret a nurse announces the arrival of a precious

commodity in the 407 camp a newspaper Given how rare newspapers are in the war

zone everyone eagerly scrambles to catch a glimpse of the latest headlines As

Major Charles sets the ground rules for reading the paper sharpeyed viewers may

notice something entirely out of place In the background partially obscured by

a signpost a man who clearly does not belong to the story or the period

strolls into the shot This individual stands out with his long blonde hair and

beard wearing a modern-looking blue shirt and white pants An outfit that is

quite unlikely for any character or extra set during the Korean War This

unmistakably appears to be a member of the production crew accidentally captured on camera This small but

glaring goof demonstrates how even in a highly polished award-winning series like

MASH occasional slipups happen The presence of this crew member in the

frame is a humorous reminder that television production involves many moving parts and sometimes those parts

briefly collide with the illusion the show aims to create It’s a subtle yet fascinating glimpse behind the scenes

turning a moment of narrative tension into a meta moment of real life communication breakdown in

production Number five most watched episode on American television The

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series finale of MASH titled Goodbye Farewell and Amen remains the most

watched television episode in American history this record holds even

today Airing on Monday February 28th 1983 this 2 and a half hour special

captivated an astounding 77% of the entire US population at the

time To put this into perspective more people tuned in to watch MASH’s finale

than the Super Bowl broadcast that same year The finale’s unprecedented

viewership also drove up the cost of advertising to extraordinary heights

While a typical 30inut episode of MASH might have commanded around $30,000 for a 30 secondond commercial

spot companies had to shell out an eyepopping $450,000 for a similar slot during the

finale’s broadcast This staggering increase not only highlights the

commercial value of the event but also indicates how advertisers recognize the

massive audience’s potential impact The episode itself was a powerful and emotional conclusion to the series

wrapping up long-running storylines and offering a poignant farewell to beloved

characters It struck a chord with viewers by addressing themes of loss

hope and the human cost of war all while maintaining the show’s signature blend

of humor and heart The finale’s success solidified MASH’s place in television

history marking it as a defining moment Number four a hygiene blunder in MASH’s

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final episode In one notable episode viewers witness a moment that defies

what one would expect from seasoned military medics especially the chief surgeon Hawkeye Pierce Despite the

critical importance of sterile practices in surgery this episode reveals a

surprising lapse in basic hygiene and common sense After completing a surgical

operation Hawkeye is called over by Frank Burns who asks for help with

another patient Without taking a moment to clean his bloodied hands Hawkeye eagerly plunges

them straight into the patient’s abdomen This careless act is a glaring breach of

medical safety protocols and presents serious health hazards that would be

unthinkable in real life operating rooms The scene starkly contrasts the

professional standards one would anticipate especially given the show’s otherwise respectful and often accurate

portrayal of wartime medicine Thankfully since MASH is a fictional series with

actors rather than real doctors the risk was purely oncreen

Nonetheless this moment remains a striking example of a production oversight showing how even a critically

acclaimed show can sometimes sacrifice realism for the sake of drama or

narrative flow Number three spin-offs MASH inspired three notable

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spin-offs each exploring different facets of its beloved characters lives after the war The first and most

successful was Trapper John MD which aired from 1979 to

1986 This series followed the character Trapper John McIntyre during his tenure

as chief surgeon at a San Francisco hospital Interestingly Wayne Rogers who

originally portrayed Trapper John on MASH did not repraise his role for this

spin-off Despite this the show carved out its own identity and enjoyed a

respectable run The second spin-off simply titled After MASH centered on

three familiar characters Colonel Potter Father Mulah and Clinger as they

navigated life working together in a veterans hospital in Missouri This series aimed to continue the humor and

heart of MASH in a post-war setting Unfortunately it struggled to capture

the same audience failing to compete effectively with the popular series The Facts of Life and was cancelled after

just two seasons The third spin-off was Walter which followed Radar O’Reilly as

he transitioned into civilian life becoming a police officer in St Louis

after losing his family farm and his wife Though the pilot was picked up it

only aired once on July 17th 1984 and solely in the Eastern and

Central time zones making it largely obscure Despite the earnest attempts to

extend the MASH universe none of the spin-offs matched the original’s acclaim or impact Number two the show’s time

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capsule In the second to last episode of MASH titled As Time Goes By the characters

bury a time capsule beneath the Fox Ranch set symbolizing a hopeful message

for the future and serving as a nod to the show’s lasting legacy Interestingly just 2 months after

filming the land was sold And during subsequent construction work a

construction worker unexpectedly uncovered the very time capsule that had been buried for the episode Recognizing

the significance but unsure of what to do the worker reached out to Alan Alda for guidance Alda advised the

construction worker to keep the time capsule recognizing its importance as a tangible piece of television history

connected to one of the most iconic shows of its era However he later remarked with some surprise that the

worker didn’t seem particularly impressed or excited about the find For

most fans and historians discovering such an artifact would be a thrilling experience offering a unique connection

to a legendary series that touched millions of viewers worldwide And now we come to the big

reveal And now we come to the big reveal

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Number one these MASH stars utterly hated Gary

Berghoff Gary Berghoff the actor behind Radar O’Reilly it appears wasn’t

everyone’s favorite For starters Wayne Rogers who famously portrayed trapper

John McIntyre on MASH was known for his occasional volatility on set

particularly in relation to Burghoff According to the 1983 biography

of Alan Alda by Raymond Strait tensions between Rogers and Bhoff escalated

during one scene to such a degree that Rogers lost his temper and threw a chair

at Bhoff His relationship with Burghoff was marked by professional disagreements

and personality clashes which occasionally threatened the collaborative spirit of the

production Roger’s frustration can be partly understood in the context of the

intense pressures and long hours involved in producing a hit television series But he wasn’t alone Mlan

Stevenson who played the affable yet often exasperated Colonel Henry Blake

offered a candid and nuanced view of his relationship with Burghoff describing it

as lovehate Stevenson acknowledged the complex dynamic they shared While he

recognized Bhoff’s talent and importance to the ensemble Stevenson also admitted

that their interactions were far from seamless He openly confessed that both

of them could be difficult for the other at times saying “Sometimes I was a problem for him and he sometimes was a

problem for me.” This frank assessment suggests that their relationship was

marked by mutual respect but also by inevitable clashes of personality and

working styles Alan Alda who played the central role of Hawkeye Pierce

reportedly experienced the most intense conflicts with Gary Berghoff While Alda

was widely seen as the leading force behind MASH Bhoff felt underappreciated

both in terms of recognition and creative input leading to a simmering resentment

This sense of being undervalued sometimes made Bhoff appear rude or dismissive toward Alda and other cast

members exacerbating tensions The strained relationship went beyond casual

disagreements with Burghoff’s frustration manifesting in moments of sharp exchanges and icy

interactions Despite these difficulties the cast maintained a professional front

to ensure the series continued success However the friction between Alda and

Burghoff reveals how even beloved shows can harbor significant behindthe-scenes

conflict rooted in the pressures of fame creative control and the challenges of

managing multiple strong personalities within a high-profile production Well that’s it for now Thanks

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you see on your screen right now It’s truly unbelievable