If you’re a MASH* fan like me, you’ve likely seen it all—witty satire, emotional depth, and unforgettable moments. But even this beloved series had its share of behind-the-scenes mistakes, anachronisms, and surprises.
As a kid in the ’80s, MASH* was always playing in the background, though I rarely made it past the intro before bedtime. Years later, I finally watched the series and fell in love with it.
From hidden bloopers to little-known facts, here are some fascinating tidbits about MASH*:
- Father Mulcahy’s Hepatitis Scare – William Christopher’s real-life illness almost wrote him off the show, but Alan Alda incorporated it into an episode instead.
- Frank Burns’ Eerie Prediction – In Hepatitis, Frank mentions a tumor under his sternum—years later, actor Larry Linville passed away from the same condition.
- Klinger’s Unexpected Rise – Jamie Farr was meant for just one episode, but his hilarious cross-dressing portrayal made him a fan favorite. His dog tags? They were real!
- Military Blunders – A Bell Huey UH-1 helicopter appeared in Season 2, despite not existing during the Korean War.
- Radar’s Hidden Hand – Gary Burghoff, who played Radar, hid his left hand due to Poland syndrome.
- Hawkeye’s Ever-Changing Past – First, he’s from Vermont with a sister, then later, he’s an only child from Maine—continuity wasn’t always the show’s strong suit.
- Margaret’s Nails & Nickname – Loretta Swit’s long nails weren’t exactly battlefield-appropriate, and she worked hard to phase out the “Hot Lips” nickname.
- The Most-Watched Finale – The final episode remains the most-watched prime-time event in TV history, featuring one of the longest on-screen kisses between Hawkeye and Margaret.
MASH* wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon. Whether you loved its humor, drama, or history, these details make it even more fun to revisit!
