Luck Was in the Cards for Klinger
The role of Klinger was supposed to be in only one episode but became a regular part of the show due to viewer demand. Jamie Farr’s character, initially meant to be groundbreaking for TV by portraying Klinger as gay, became beloved for his antics and wild outfits. Farr eventually phased out Klinger’s recurring gag of wearing women’s clothing to avoid his kids being teased at school.
Based on True Stories
In the early seasons, many storylines were inspired by real events from the Korean War. The production team got these stories straight from MAS*H surgeons, nurses, and patients who lived through it. While aiming for accuracy, there were still slip-ups, like actors wearing sneakers instead of army boots and aluminum cans appearing in scenes.
The Pilot
Larry Gelbart, a seasoned screenwriter, penned the pilot episode of MAS*H in just two days. The episode introduced audiences to the zany world of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, blending humor with moments of poignant reflection on the absurdity of war.
Special Guests
MAS*H was a launchpad for many stars who later became big names in Hollywood. Notable guest stars include Ron Howard, Shelley Long, Leslie Nielsen, Blythe Danner, Ed Begley Jr., and Rita Wilson. Patrick Swayze also had a touching guest spot as a soldier battling leukemia.
Longer Than the War
MAS*H was set during the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953. The show, however, premiered in 1972 and ran until 1983, lasting more than three times longer than the actual war. This aging process of the actors added a layer of realism to their characters.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the secrets and surprises hidden within this iconic series. Thanks for reading, and let us know your thoughts below!