Jamie Farr Was A Toledo Hero During His Time On M*A*S*H

by: Nina Ross
April 21, 2023

source: Reddit

During its eleven seasons on air, M*A*S*H became a beloved television classic that still resonates with viewers today. One of the show’s most popular characters was Corporal Klinger, played by Toledo native Jamie Farr. But Farr’s contributions to the show go beyond his memorable performance. He was also a Toledo hero during his time on M*A*S*H.

Farr was born Jameel Joseph Farah in Toledo, Ohio, in 1934. He grew up in a Lebanese-American family and began his acting career in local theater productions. In the early 1950s, he moved to California and eventually landed a role in the film Blackboard Jungle. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Farr appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies, including The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Flying Nun.

But it was his role as Corporal Klinger on M*A*S*H that made him a household name. Klinger was a comedic character who often dressed in women’s clothing in an attempt to secure a discharge from the army. Farr played the character with a mix of humor and heart, endearing him to audiences.

Jamie Farr became a hometown hero in Toledo after he landed the role of Corporal Klinger on M*A*S*H. His portrayal of the character on the hit TV show made him a household name and brought a lot of attention to Toledo, his hometown. He used his celebrity status to raise awareness and funds for Toledo and its various charitable causes. In addition, Farr established the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, a women’s golf tournament held annually in Toledo that raised millions of dollars for local charities. Farr’s contributions to Toledo were significant, and he remains a beloved figure in the city to this day.