Why Did Gary Burghoff (Radar) Abruptly Leave ‘MAS*H’?

LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 1: Pictured is Gary Burghoff (as Cpl. Walter 'Radar' O'Reilly) in the CBS television sitcom, ASH (M*A*S*H). 1977. — CBS via Getty Images

While many of its stars were important to the success of the iconic TV show M*A*S*H, one in particular was practically baked into its DNA: Gary Burghoff, the affable actor who played the naive yet lovable Walter O’Reilly, better known as “Radar,” in both the TV series and the big-screen film that preceded it.

The character was actually introduced in the first chapter of Richard Hooker’s 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, where he was described as having just graduated from high school in Iowa at “five feet three inches tall” with “a long, thin neck and large ears that left his head at perfect right angles” who also “was able to receive messages and monitor conversations far beyond the usual range of human hearing.”

MASH, (aka M*A*S*H), Gary Burghoff, 1972-83,

20th Century Fox Film Corp./courtesy Everett Collection

Burghoff enjoyed tremendous popularity during his years on the show, but he left before the series’ conclusion. While M*A*S*H dominated the TV lineup for 11 legendary seasons, Burghoff made the tough decision to leave the show after Season 7 … but why?

‘MAS*H’ Almost Got Canceled Due to Dramatic Scenes

**MAS*H-ing Up: Life Before Burghoff’s Breakout Role**

THE GOOD GUYS, Carla Borelli, Bob Denver, Gary Burghoff, 'Take A Computer To Lunch', (Season 1, Episode 13, aired January 30, 1969), 1968-70

Everett Collection

Burghoff enjoyed an eclectic career prior to M*A*S*H, portraying the title character in the first off-Broadway production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He even drummed for a band known as the Relatives alongside future actress (and Wonder Woman star) Lynda Carter in 1968.

Burghoff eventually made his big-screen debut in Robert Altman’s film version of M*A*S*H. He played Radar as a dark, shadowy figure in the film and continued that portrayal when he joined the cast of the TV show.

However, he eventually realized that he needed to adjust to the lighter tone of the series and reinvented Radar as a simpler character who possessed an innocence that made him endearing to the audience.

His gamble paid off in the form of six Emmy nominations throughout the course of his M*A*S*H career, finally leading to an Emmy win in 1977. Yet, despite the success and well-deserved accolades, something was missing.

A Fond Farewell

MASH, (aka M*A*S*H*), from left: Alan Alda, Gary Burghoff, (19721983).

Century Fox Television./Courtesy Everett Collection

After seven seasons in the spotlight of one of TV’s most popular shows, a burned-out Burghoff finally decided to step away from M*A*S*H in 1979. Fueled by a desire to spend more time with his family and devote more of his life to passions like music (he’s worked as a professional jazz drummer) and wildlife painting, Burghoff continued to make sporadic appearances in TV shows (including the M*A*S*H spinoff AfterMASH) and commercials for years to come.

387656 04: Actor Gary Burghoff (Corporal Walter Eugene "Radar" O''Reilly) of the mid-1970's television series "Mash" attends the "Hollywood Collectors and Celebrities Show" April 7, 2001 in North Hollywood, CA.

Newsmakers/Getty

The Season 8 two-parter “Good-Bye Radar” was his official send-off and an emotional one, with Hawkeye’s salute and later Hawkeye finding the teddy bear Radar left for him on his cot.

Regardless, we’ll always have Radar, as his presence on M*A*S*H truly stands the test of time.