1. Loretta Swit (Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan)
Sometimes the shows we love become part of us, and MASH was one of those rare treasures. Loretta Swit, the last surviving original cast member, passed away on May 30, 2025, at age 87 from natural causes. She reshaped Hot Lips into a character of strength and dimension, earning two Emmy Awards. Fans admired her quick wit on screen and her warmth off it. She once said the series gave her a second family, and many agreed. Her presence at reunions was always cherished, and her passing truly closed the curtain on an unforgettable era in television history.
2. David Ogden Stiers (Major Charles Emerson Winchester III)
David Ogden Stiers joined MASH in its sixth season, bringing to life the proud yet endearing Major Winchester. He died on March 3, 2018, at age 75, after complications from bladder cancer. Stiers elevated the show with his commanding presence, adding dignity and charm to its later years. Beyond MASH , he thrived as a voice actor, leaving his mark in many beloved animated films. He also embraced music, conducting orchestras with the same passion he brought to acting. His fans remember him as both sophisticated and warmhearted, someone who gave Winchester depth while also lighting up screens far beyond MASH.
3. Wayne Rogers (Captain “Trapper” John McIntyre)
Wayne Rogers played Trapper John, the witty partner to Hawkeye, during the show’s first three seasons. He passed away on December 31, 2015, at age 82, from pneumonia complications. Rogers left the show earlier than fans hoped, but his comedic timing set the tone for its early success. After acting, he became a successful businessman and financial commentator, proving his talents stretched far beyond Hollywood. Fans appreciated his charm and easy laughter, which shone through both on screen and in interviews. Trapper John remains a favorite character for many, embodying the humor and mischief that defined MASH’s beginnings.
4. Larry Linville (Major Frank Burns)
Larry Linville gave audiences Major Frank Burns, the insecure and blundering foil to Hawkeye and Trapper. Though his character was disliked, Linville’s acting made Frank unforgettable. He died on April 10, 2000, at age 60, following complications from lung surgery and pneumonia. After leaving MASH, Linville continued appearing on television and in films, yet fans most strongly associated him with Burns. Fellow cast members often described him as gentle and kindhearted, very different from his character. His early passing saddened many, but his work gave MASH a necessary balance of comedy and tension, something fans still remember with gratitude.
5. McLean Stevenson (Lt. Colonel Henry Blake)
McLean Stevenson brought warmth and humor to Henry Blake, the well-meaning but sometimes clumsy leader of the 4077th. His shocking departure in season three remains one of television’s most memorable moments. Off-screen, Stevenson died on February 15, 1996, at age 68, from a heart attack while recovering from cancer surgery. Though his career afterward never matched MASH’s success, his portrayal of Blake gave fans one of the most heartfelt characters of the series. Alan Alda once recalled that his final episode was meant to feel real, and it did. Fans still cherish Blake as a symbol of humanity.
6. Harry Morgan (Colonel Sherman T. Potter)
Harry Morgan joined MASH in its fourth season as Colonel Potter, quickly becoming a steady and beloved figure. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 96 from complications of pneumonia. Morgan’s career stretched across decades, with appearances in films like High Noon and countless television shows, but many remember him most fondly for his role on MASH. His portrayal of Potter brought compassion, humor, and wisdom, grounding the series during turbulent moments. Fans adored him for embodying a leader who was both tough and deeply caring. His long life and enduring legacy kept his memory alive for generations.
7. William Christopher (Father John Mulcahy)
William Christopher’s gentle presence as Father Mulcahy brought kindness and faith to MASH. He passed away on December 31, 2016, at age 84, after battling cancer. Off-screen, he was known for his devotion to family and advocacy for autism awareness, co-authoring a book with his wife about raising their son. Mulcahy’s character often reminded viewers that even in the harshest settings, compassion matters. Fans loved how Christopher balanced humor with genuine humanity. His passing closed a meaningful chapter for those who found solace in Mulcahy’s role, yet his legacy of warmth continues to resonate through the lives he touched.
8. Kellye Nakahara (Nurse Kellye)
Kellye Nakahara gave life to Nurse Kellye, a reliable and friendly presence throughout nearly every season. She passed away on February 16, 2020, at age 72, after a fight with cancer. Her character reminded viewers that the nurses were the true backbone of the 4077th. Off-screen, she embraced her passion for art, becoming an accomplished watercolor painter. Fans valued how her role showed that every person in the unit mattered, even if they weren’t always in the spotlight. Her passing was deeply felt, but her art and her lasting role in MASH continue to keep her memory alive.
9. Eileen Saki (Rosie of Rosie’s Bar)
Eileen Saki made her mark as Rosie, the no-nonsense bar owner who became a vital part of the MASH world. She died on May 1, 2023, at age 79, from pancreatic cancer. Rosie’s Bar was more than a backdrop; it was a place where laughter, arguments, and friendship unfolded, and Saki captured that energy perfectly. Beyond MASH, she appeared in television and film, but Rosie remained her most iconic role. Fans still see her as the heart of the 4077th’s second home. Her passing reminded viewers of how even smaller roles can leave an enduring impact on television history.
This story How Each Member of the MASH Cast Died was first published on Daily FETCH
