Gary Burghoff: The Heart of MAS*H Who Chose Family Over Fame

Born on May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut, Gary Burghoff will forever be remembered as Corporal Walter “Radar” O’Reilly — the soft-spoken, big-hearted clerk who could hear incoming helicopters before anyone else. But behind that lovable smile was an artist, inventor, and father who always knew what truly mattered in life.

Before Hollywood came calling, Gary was a musician. In the late 1960s, he played drums for a Las Vegas act called The Relatives — fronted by none other than Lynda Carter, who would later become TV’s Wonder Woman. The rhythm and warmth that defined his music soon found a new home on screen, when Gary brought Radar to life first in Robert Altman’s MASH* (1970), and later in the long-running TV series.

By 1977, his portrayal had earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor, and millions of fans worldwide. Radar wasn’t just funny — he was pure. Kind, humble, loyal. Everything people wished they could be.

But success came with a cost. By the end of Season 7, Gary was exhausted. The long hours, the pressure, and most of all, the distance from his family had taken their toll. When he announced he was leaving, his co-stars were heartbroken. Mike Farrell even tried to convince him to stay, warning him about what happened to Larry Linville and McLean Stevenson after they left the show. But Gary had already made up his mind.continued on the next page