The Last Salute: Only 4 Main M*A*S*H Actors Are Still Alive In 2025 After Recent Heartbreaking Loss

The enduring legacy of the 4077th M*A*S*H unit continues to resonate decades after the final episode aired, but the passage of time has sadly dwindled the ranks of its iconic cast. As of December 2025, only four principal actors from the legendary military comedy-drama are still with us, following a heartbreaking loss earlier this year. The list of surviving legends is shorter than ever, leaving fans to cherish the current work and public appearances of these television icons.

The year 2025 brought a profound wave of sadness for the M*A*S*H community with the passing of a central figure. This article honors the memory of the departed while providing the most current and fresh updates on the remaining stars, detailing their lives, careers, and health in the present day, ensuring fans know where their favorite actors are now and what they are doing.

The Four Remaining Legends: Complete Biographical Profiles

The main cast of M*A*S*H, which ran from 1972 to 1983, was a rotating ensemble of extraordinary talent. Today, the four principal actors who remain alive are Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, Gary Burghoff, and Mike Farrell. Here is a detailed look at the life and career of each surviving legend.

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Alan Alda (Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce)

• Born: January 28, 1936 (Age 89 in 2025)
• Role: Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, the witty, anti-war chief surgeon.
• Key Facts: Alda is the only actor to appear in every single episode of the series. He also wrote and directed several episodes, earning him a record as the only person to win Emmys for acting, writing, and directing for the same series.
• Post-M*A*S*H Career: Highly active in film (Crimes and Misdemeanors, The Aviator) and television (The West Wing, 30 Rock, Ray Donovan). He is a passionate advocate for science communication, hosting the popular podcast Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda.

Jamie Farr (Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger)

• Born: July 1, 1934 (Age 91 in 2025)
• Role: Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger, initially a cross-dressing soldier attempting to secure a Section 8 discharge, who later became the company clerk.
• Key Facts: Farr was a recurring guest star for the first three seasons before being promoted to a main cast member in Season 4. He is a proud native of Toledo, Ohio, where a park is named in his honor.
• Post-M*A*S*H Career: Continued to play Klinger in the spin-off AfterMASH. He has remained active in stage productions, game shows, and various film roles, often participating in arts and theater events as recently as 2025.

Gary Burghoff (Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly)

• Born: May 24, 1943 (Age 82 in 2025)
• Role: Corporal Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, the company clerk with preternatural hearing and a childlike innocence.
• Key Facts: Burghoff is the only actor from the original 1970 film adaptation to reprise his role in the television series. He left the show in 1979, citing burnout, but returned for a two-part special and the spin-off pilot W*A*L*T*E*R.
• Post-M*A*S*H Career: Stepped away from major acting roles, focusing on painting, jazz drumming, and wildlife conservation. Recent 2025 discussions have resurfaced old, unconfirmed stories about alleged on-set feuds, though Burghoff himself has maintained a low public profile.

Mike Farrell (Captain B.J. Hunnicutt)

• Born: February 6, 1939 (Age 86 in 2025)
• Role: Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, the kind-hearted, family-man surgeon who replaced Wayne Rogers' Trapper John.
• Key Facts: Farrell joined the cast in Season 4 and remained until the finale. He served in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his acting career.
• Post-M*A*S*H Career: A dedicated political and human rights activist, Farrell has been a prominent voice for causes like the abolition of the death penalty. He continues to act, with reports of him filming a new movie in early 2025.

A Recent Loss: Honoring Loretta Swit (1937–2025)

The list of surviving main cast members was tragically reduced in May 2025 with the passing of the beloved Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan. Swit, an Emmy-winning actress and dedicated animal rights activist, died at the age of 87 at her home in New York City. Her publicist confirmed the news, stating that she passed away from natural causes.

Swit was an essential pillar of M*A*S*H, appearing in all twelve seasons and the pilot, a distinction she shared only with Alan Alda. Her character’s journey from a strict, by-the-book Army nurse to a more empathetic and complex leader was one of the series’ most powerful arcs, solidifying her status as a television icon.

Co-Stars Pay Tribute

The news of Swit's death prompted immediate and heartfelt tributes from her surviving co-stars, highlighting the deep bond that persisted long after the show ended. Alan Alda was among the first to release a statement, calling her a "supremely talented actor" and a dear friend. Mike Farrell shared poignant memories, reflecting on the time he spent with Swit and expressing his shock and sadness over the sudden loss. Jamie Farr also honored his cherished co-star, emphasizing the immense impact she had on the show and the lives of those around her.

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Where Are They Now? Life After the 4077th in 2025

While the surviving cast members are all in their 80s and 90s, they continue to lead active lives, engaging with fans, pursuing personal passions, and managing their health with grace and candor. Their post-M*A*S*H careers are a testament to their enduring talent and dedication to public life.

Alan Alda’s Health and Continued Work

Alan Alda, who turned 89 in 2025, has been remarkably open about his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. In a 2025 health update, Alda revealed that he treats his condition as a "full-time job" and a "game," constantly finding new ways to manage the symptoms. He credits regular exercise and a positive, problem-solving mindset with helping him maintain his quality of life. His podcast, Clear+Vivid, continues to be a weekly source of intellectual conversation, with new episodes featuring prominent guests being released in mid-2025.

Jamie Farr’s Enduring Public Presence

Jamie Farr, the man who brought the beloved Corporal Klinger to life, remains a celebrated figure in the entertainment world. Despite being in his nineties, Farr occasionally participates in interviews and is still celebrated in his hometown of Toledo. His recent public appearances and interviews in 2025 confirm that he is enjoying a well-deserved retirement but maintains a connection to the world of performance. Farr's legacy as a comedic pioneer and a stable presence in the M*A*S*H family is secure.

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Mike Farrell’s Dedicated Activism

Mike Farrell’s life after playing B.J. Hunnicutt has been defined by his commitment to social justice and human rights. His work as an activist is as well-known as his acting career. In 2025, he continues to be a vocal advocate for various causes, demonstrating that his on-screen character's moral compass was a reflection of his own personal values. His dedication to human rights extends to his creative work, with his involvement in new film projects in 2025 underscoring his continued professional activity.

Gary Burghoff’s Private Life and Passions

Gary Burghoff, known for his unique portrayal of Radar O'Reilly, has largely retreated from the Hollywood spotlight. His life is now focused on his passions outside of acting, particularly his work as a painter and his dedication to conservation. While he has kept a low public profile, the occasional resurfacing of stories from the M*A*S*H set in 2025 reminds fans of his pivotal role in the show's early success. Burghoff's choice of a quieter life reflects a man content with his legacy and focused on his artistic and environmental interests.

The Legacy of the 4077th and Other Surviving Cast Members

The four main actors—Alda, Farr, Burghoff, and Farrell—represent the heart of the M*A*S*H ensemble. However, it is important to note that several other talented actors who held recurring roles on the show are also still alive and well in 2025, further enriching the show's topical authority and historical footprint. These include:

• Jeff Maxwell (Private Igor Straminsky), the mess hall cook, who continues to engage with the fan community.
• Rosalind Chao (Soon-Lee), the young Korean woman who marries Klinger in the final episode.
• Odessa Cleveland (Lieutenant Ginger Bayliss), one of the early recurring nurses.

The passing of Loretta Swit in 2025 is a stark reminder of the show's age, but the enduring presence and continued work of Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, Gary Burghoff, and Mike Farrell ensure that the spirit of the 4077th M*A*S*H lives on. Their commitment to their craft, their causes, and their fans is a final salute to one of the greatest television shows of all time.