10 Shocking Reasons Why These 5 MASH Actors Walked Away from the Show

Several actors departed from the long-running MASH series over its 11-season span, each having their own reasons for leaving the popular show. MASH, based on the successful Robert Altman movie and novel, delved into the experiences of a medical unit during the Korean War. Initially starting as a comedy that addressed serious subjects, the showrunners reluctantly incorporated a laugh track but omitted it during surgical scenes. As the seasons progressed, MASH transformed into a blend of sitcom and drama, occasionally featuring episodes with minimal comedic elements.

Remarkably, the series surpassed the duration of the Korean War itself, concluding after eight additional years. The final episode of MASH became the most-viewed scripted TV episode in history. This unique combination of humor and drama broke new ground and would later influence shows like Scrubs. Considering its lengthy run, it is unsurprising that various actors departed from MASH throughout its course, whether to avoid being typecast or to pursue other projects.

5 George Morgan

Actor George Morgan, known for his role as Father Mulcahy in the pilot episode of MASH, is the earliest and most intriguing departure from the show. Prior to MASH, Morgan had been seen in the Western series Bonanza and Robert Downey Sr's film Putney Swope. Despite only appearing in one episode as Father Mulcahy, his face can still be seen in the opening credits of every episode. It was not uncommon during that time for actors in pilot episodes to be replaced when the series aired, due to various factors such as chemistry among the cast or changes in the character's role.

Interestingly, Morgan did not even have any lines as Father Mulcahy in the pilot episode of MASH and was primarily used for comedic reaction shots. It seems that executive producer Larry Gelbart decided to replace him because he felt the character was not standing out enough. In fact, Gelbart once mentioned that George Morgan was a good actor, but they were searching for someone with a quirkier personality, someone they wouldn't need to write specific traits for in the script.

4 McLean Stevenson

William Christopher took over the role of Morgan in MASH and remained on the show until its end. He was one of the few cast members who also appeared in AfterMASH. Unfortunately, Morgan did not have many other acting opportunities after leaving MASH, with his final credit being the 1990 film Have a Nice Night.

In addition to being a significant turning point for the series, McLean Stevenson's departure from the show marked a groundbreaking moment in television with his memorable MASH death. Stevenson portrayed Colonel Henry Blake, the commanding officer of the 4077th during the initial three seasons of MASH. Blake had a laid-back approach to leading the 4077th and often let Hawkeye Pierce (played by Alan Alda) and Trapper (portrayed by Wayne Rogers) get away with their mischievous antics. Blake shared a close bond with Radar (played by Gary Burghoff), who rarely left his side and seemed to have a psychic connection, sensing whenever Blake needed his assistance.

Stevenson had no tension with his MASH co-stars, but as the show gained more success, he became increasingly frustrated with being part of a large ensemble. In the finale of season 3, titled "Abyssinia, Henry," Stevenson decided to leave and was written out of the show. Blake received an honorable discharge and left the camp. The news of Blake's plane being shot down and everyone on board being killed came as a shock to both the main characters of MASH and the audience.

At the time this episode aired in 1975, it was unheard of for a major character to be killed off in a popular show. The decision to kill off supporting characters that audiences had grown attached to was a bold move, but it paid off in terms of ratings. However, this choice was also controversial, leading to some angry viewers writing letters to CBS. In fact, the network even removed the ending of the episode from a later re-run. Unbeknownst to the viewers, "Abyssinia, Henry" turned out to be the final episode for another significant cast member as well.

3 Wayne Rogers

Similar to the MASH movie, the initial three seasons centered around the dynamic between Hawkeye and Wayne Rogers' character, known as "Trapper" John. Interestingly, Rogers intentionally chose to audition for Trapper instead of Hawkeye because he found the latter's less cynical nature more appealing. When Rogers joined MASH, there was an understanding that Hawkeye and Trapper would be equally important characters. However, as Alan Alda's popularity among audiences grew, the writers began to prioritize Hawkeye's storyline more and more. Rogers began to feel increasingly marginalized and resentful of Trapper being reduced to Hawkeye's sidekick, which led him to make the decision to leave the show. The producers of MASH were extremely displeased with his departure and even threatened legal action. However, it was later revealed that Rogers had never actually signed his original contract due to his objection to a "morals clause" contained within it. As a result, the producers had no legal grounds, and Rogers was able to leave the show without any repercussions.

2 Larry Linville

The sudden departure of Wayne Rogers' character Trapper from MASH season 4's premiere episode was not addressed onscreen, leaving no farewell letter for his close friend Hawkeye. Rogers then went on to star in the medical sitcom House Calls, which ran for three seasons.

Larry Linville took over the role of Major Frank Burns from Robert Duvall, who portrayed him in the 1970 movie. Filling those tough boots, Linville became an unforgettable villain on MASH's television adaptation. Burns, known for being judgmental, self-absorbed, and selfish, was widely despised by the 4077th. His strict adherence to the rulebook led to his natural disdain for Hawkeye and Trapper. Despite being married, Burns engaged in an ongoing affair with Margaret (Loretta Swit), the only person who actually liked him.

1 Gary Burghoff

Tired of portraying a deceitful character, Linville made the decision to depart from MASH after five seasons. Moreover, he believed that the show's shift towards more serious storylines clashed with the exaggerated enmity of Burns. Within the show, Burns' departure is explained as a consequence of his heartbreak following the sour ending of his affair with Margaret, who goes on to become engaged to someone else. In the season 6 premiere of MASH, it is revealed that Frank was sent back to the United States for a psychiatric evaluation after a wild night out in Seoul. Naturally, the rest of the unit is elated upon receiving the news of his permanent departure.

Gary Burghoff, the single remaining cast member from the MASH movie, portrayed Corporal "Radar" O'Reilly in both the film and the series. However, the Radar character evolved into a more innocent and naive persona, ultimately captivating the audience. In the later years, the demanding schedule of the show drained the actor, leading Burghoff to make a pivotal decision. Despite previous actors like McLean Stevenson and Larry Linville experiencing minimal success after leaving the show, Burghoff opted to bid farewell to MASH in season 8.

Radar's departure from MASH is one of the most emotional moments in the show. Unlike other actors who left offscreen, Radar's exit is actually shown. He receives a hardship discharge to return to his family farm after a tragic loss. After leaving the show, Burghoff made guest appearances on popular shows like The New Adventures of Wonder Woman and Fantasy Island. He also reprised his role as Radar on AfterMASH and even had his own spinoff called W*A*L*T*E*R, where Radar becomes a police officer. However, despite its intentions to launch another spinoff, W*A*L*T*E*R did not progress beyond the pilot episode.