Gary Burghoff Admired His M*A*S*H role, But Was less Competitive On Set

by: Nina Ross
April 13, 2023

source: Getty Images

Gary Burghoff, best known for his role as Radar O’Reilly in the hit television series M*A*S*H, was a beloved member of the cast and crew. While he had a deep admiration for his character and the show, he was not as competitive as some of his co-stars on set.
Burghoff played the role of Radar for the first three seasons of M*A*S*H and then left the show for personal reasons. He returned for a guest appearance in the final episode. Throughout his time on the show, Gary was known for his gentle demeanor and his ability to bring a sense of warmth and humor to the character of Radar.

Despite his admiration for the show and his role, Gary was not as competitive as some of his co-stars. This is not to say that he lacked ambition or drive, but rather that he was more focused on the creative process than on any personal gains or accolades.

In an interview with the Archive of American Television, Burghoff spoke about his approach to acting and his time on M*A*S*H He explained that he was always more interested in the work itself than in any kind of recognition or fame.