The Real Reason GARY BURGHOFF QUIT M*A*S*H

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The Real Reason GARY BURGHOFF QUIT M*A*S*H

[DYR]

Who is your favorite MASH character? 🤔

[hellogoodbye]

A heartfelt moment in regards to Radar was when Hawkeye and BJ discover his beloved teddy bear on his bunk following his departure. A symbol that Radar arrived a boy and left a man, as so many other soldiers do in times of war.

[sudcciv]

Gary Burghoff should have gotten an EMMY for his perfect delivery the death of Col. Blake in McLean Stevenson's last episode! The emotional pitch was Emmy-worthy!

[wjatube]

The scene Radar walks into the OR without a mask looking distraught and to deliver the news that Col Blake's plane went down was one of the most dramatic scenes in tv I watched when I was young. There was no other actor on that show that could've delivered those lines and project the devastating sorrow like Gary did.

[Dan_Ben_Michael]

I grew up watching M*A*S*H during the 70’s and 80’s with it’s original run and watched the subsequent re-runs ad-nauseam but never grew tired of such a wonderful program. It was the perfect series that showed humour and compassion, and left viewers never forgetting the horrors of war. It was set in Korea but was also a commentary on the Vietnam war. My uncle fought in Korea and my father was in Vietnam, both were tight lipped about their experiences, unlike my grandfather who fought in WWII who would regale me with stories of his time fighting in North Africa, the Middle East, PNG, Borneo, and finally as part of the allied occupation forces in Japan, so watching M*A*S*H was in a way my gaining an understanding of what my father and uncle went through. My favourite was Colonel Potter, but like everyone I also loved Radar O’Reilly.

[melissacooper]

What I loved about Radar was his assortment of pets that he took care of. I really loved the episode where he and BJ rescued Sophie the mare and gave her to Colonel Potter.

[chill_will]

The disfigurement to his hand was exactly the kind of thing that would get you labeled 4f (unfit for service) by the Army, so it makes sense they tried to hide it. He absolutely owned the role though.

[JWCreatesArt]

Radar's announcement of Henry Blake's death could not have been done better by any other cast member. I think every viewer was as devastated as the other cast members. All the cast were so believable and clearly drawn. But Gary's TV portrayal of Walter 'Radar" O'Reilly was so much more than full than in the movie. Brilliant...!

[jgowin]

Thanks for this video. Gary was unforgettable as "Radar" in M*A*S*H, yet people forget how perfect he was in the musical, "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown", and just about every other project he worked on during his career. A true multi-talented man.

[hannibalkingml]

Gary was always my favorite. When I was in my teens I was happy to find out that my aunt and uncle lived next door to Gary. He would come over often and he would often gift them with drawings and paintings. Which have been passed down to me and my siblings. Gary now lives in Florida and unfortunately I haven't spoken to him in quite some time. He was always super nice and very funny especially when talking with my uncle.

[roundsrapid]

My father, a veteran, said MASH was incredibly accurate. I remember the episode where Radar has alcohol for the first time. “It just makes me numb.” Hawkeye says, That’s the point, Radar.”

[johnarntz]

Something I haven't seen anyone mention here is that Radar is also one of the only characters that can be tied to a real person. Radar was based on the company clerk of the MASH unit that Richard Hooker, the author of the original MASH novel that the film and TV series is based upon, served in when he was in Korea. His name was Don Shaffer, and he was really from Otumwa, IA. Unlike Radar, he made a career in thr military and was later an instructor in the intelligence field. He passed away in 2022 at age 92. You can search on here for some videos about him and also some of him doing speaking engagements.

[perman]

Radar has the most heartbreaking scene in MASH history when he announced Col Blakes plane being shot down.

[phillricherdson]

My favorite Memory of Gary Burghoff was also a Childhood one, My mother and I lived just down the hill from Gary and one day she found his wallet in the Albertson's parking lot, I tagged along to return the wallet to him and we all had lunch- talked about stamps and he showed us some of his new paintings. I always loved seeing him around when he was home- and getting a chance to say hi. Later in life I was able to give him one of my own paintings and though I never got a rare stamp from him I still collect them to this day. Thanks in part to his influence and my mothers encouragement.

Big and small stars loose stuff too!

[FuzzeeDee]

I’ve probably watched every episode at least 10 times. I absolutely loved Radar, I was so sad to see him go, it wasn’t the same without him, but I still loved the show afterwards. When I was very sick for a few years, MASH reruns kept me sane. It will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️

[Spawn-tdbf]

I practically live just down the road from where Gary Burghoff has lived for many years, in Citrus county Florida, I won't mention the town out of respect for his privacy, though it is common knowledge around here. I live one county south of him in Hernando county and I can tell you he is just as well liked now as he was then. He is living the life he worked so hard for and deserves. Take care and God Bless from Florida.

[garicrewsen]

My whole family loved M*A*S*H. I liked the whole cast. All of us shed quite a few tears when Radar left, but we definitely cried a bit harder when Colonel Blake was killed on his way stateside. The way Radar announced Blake's death was what did it. My Mom owns the entire series in the infamous disk collection and I borrow it now and then. One of the best nostalgia devices there is.

[pennypackmtb]

Radar showed the human side of soldiering and the child that we leave behind. As a US ARMY Medic 76-82 I loved this show and watched it with my brothers, back in the day. The MASH song was even played at an awards ceremony. The show is very accurate on every single bit, especially the bonds. Thank you Gary.

[deborahcastlemain]

Love Gary!! As Radar…but I’ve been lucky enough to know him as a REAL person. I appeared in a Neil Simon play with him in Fayetteville, North Carolina in the 90’s. “ The Odd Couple”. What a great experience to get close to him and see firsthand how intelligent and talented he really is. An excellent drummer! Not childlike at all. Kind, witty, but an entirely different personality than Radar!!
Thanks for the memories Gary!😀❤️

[kdbublitz]

I grew up watching M*A*S*H in the 90s with my parents. They still play it all on TV and we still watch it at dinner time. I love that show.