Hidden Mistakes and Fascinating Facts About MAS*H That Even Fans May Have Missed
Frank once mentioned a “pea-sized tumor” under his sternum.
Tragically, actor Larry Linville later died from complications caused by a tumor in the same spot.
Klinger Was Never Meant to Stay
Jamie Farr’s character was supposed to be a one-off joke. Fans loved him so much, he became a regular.
Fun fact: he wore his real Army dog tags on the show.
Time Travel Goofs
The Korean War ended in 1953, but the show mentions songs and even helicopters that didn’t exist until later. Whoops!
Radar’s Secret
Gary Burghoff hid his left hand on screen—he had a condition called Poland syndrome.
That’s why you often see him holding a clipboard or keeping his hand out of sight.
Hawkeye’s Hometown Changed
Early on, he’s from Vermont. Later, it’s Maine. First he had a sister. Later, he’s an only child. Continuity? Not always.
“Hot Lips” Hated the Nickname
Loretta Swit didn’t like her character being called “Hot Lips” and worked to make Major Houlihan more respected and complex as the series went on.
Longest Kiss in TV History?
In the finale, Hawkeye and Margaret share a legendary kiss.
It was one of the longest ever on TV—and a goodbye for the only two characters who appeared in both the pilot and the finale.
Radar’s Exit Was Real Life
Burghoff left the show to spend more time with family.
He later said, “You either want to be rich and famous, or you want to be a daddy. You can’t do both.”
MASH* might’ve ended in 1983, but its legacy—and a few bloopers—live on.
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