The Tragic And Triumphant Lives Of The MASH Film Actors: Where Are Robert Duvall, Elliott Gould, And Tom Skerritt Now?

The 1970 satirical black comedy *MASH* (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital), directed by the legendary Robert Altman, remains one of the most influential and controversial films in cinematic history, spawning the beloved, long-running television series. Nearly 55 years after its release, the film's cast—a powerhouse ensemble of New Hollywood talent—continues to captivate audiences, but recent events have brought the incredible careers of its stars into sharp focus. The cast, which included future icons like Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, and Robert Duvall, has experienced significant changes in the last few years, with several key figures passing away, making the current status of the surviving actors a topic of intense curiosity as of December 2025.

The film's raw, improvisational style and anti-war message launched the careers of many, but also set a high benchmark for the actors involved. This deep dive focuses exclusively on the stars of the original 1970 movie, detailing their full biographies, most recent projects, and the latest, most up-to-date information on their lives today, highlighting the fresh, recent news that has impacted the legacy of this cinematic masterpiece.

The Original MASH Film Cast: A Complete Biographical Profile

The 1970 film, written by Ring Lardner Jr. and based on the novel by Richard Hooker, featured a distinctive cast that contrasted sharply with the later TV show's ensemble. Here is a look at the major players and their essential career milestones.

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• Donald Sutherland (Captain Benjamin Franklin 'Hawkeye' Pierce): Born July 17, 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Sutherland was a veteran actor known for his distinctive intensity and versatility, with major roles in *Klute*, *Don't Look Now*, *Ordinary People*, and later, *The Hunger Games* franchise. He won an Honorary Academy Award in 2017.
• Elliott Gould (Chief Surgeon Captain John Francis Xavier 'Trapper John' McIntyre): Born August 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York. A major star of the New Hollywood era, Gould was nominated for an Academy Award for *Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice*. His other notable roles include *The Long Goodbye* and the *Ocean's Eleven* series.
• Sally Kellerman (Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan): Born June 2, 1937, in Long Beach, California. Kellerman received an Academy Award nomination for her role in *MASH*. Her career spanned over 60 years, with roles in *Last of the Red Hot Lovers* and the TV series *90210*.
• Tom Skerritt (Captain Augustus 'Duke' Forrest): Born August 25, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan. Skerritt has an extensive career in film and television, including major roles in *Alien*, *Top Gun*, *A River Runs Through It*, and the TV series *Picket Fences*, for which he won an Emmy Award.
• Robert Duvall (Major Frank Burns): Born January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California. Duvall is one of the most decorated American actors, with an Academy Award win for *Tender Mercies* and nominations for *The Godfather*, *Apocalypse Now*, and *The Judge*.
• Gary Burghoff (Corporal Walter 'Radar' O'Reilly): Born May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut. Burghoff is the only actor from the 1970 film to reprise his role as Radar in the subsequent television series, which cemented his legacy.
• Jo Ann Pflug (Lt. Maria 'Dish' Schneider): Born May 2, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. After *MASH*, Pflug had a successful career in television, appearing in *Love, American Style* and *The Fall Guy*.
• René Auberjonois (Father John Patrick Mulcahy): Born June 1, 1940, in New York City. Auberjonois was a prolific actor, known for his Tony Award-winning stage work and later for roles in *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* and *Benson*.

The Recent Losses: Remembering Donald Sutherland and Sally Kellerman

The legacy of the *MASH* film has been profoundly affected by the recent passing of two of its most iconic stars. The news of their deaths served as a powerful reminder of the film's enduring impact and the incredible talent involved.

Donald Sutherland (Hawkeye Pierce)

In a major piece of fresh news, the film world mourned the death of Donald Sutherland, who played the lead role of 'Hawkeye' Pierce in Robert Altman's film. Sutherland passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the age of 88, following a long illness. His portrayal of Hawkeye was notably darker and more cynical than the version later popularized by Alan Alda in the TV series, setting the tone for the film's black comedy.

Sutherland's death prompted an outpouring of tributes, including one from his *MASH* co-star and on-screen partner, Elliott Gould. Gould fondly recalled their "perfect chemistry" and shared his grief over the loss of his friend, highlighting the unique bond forged during the chaotic, improvisational filming of *MASH*. Sutherland's career was marked by a staggering versatility, stretching from the counter-culture classic *MASH* to the dystopian blockbuster *The Hunger Games*, cementing his status as a true cinematic giant.

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Sally Kellerman (Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan)

The cast also lost its original 'Hot Lips' Houlihan when Sally Kellerman died on February 24, 2022, at the age of 84. Kellerman's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her character was the target of the camp's ruthless pranks, most infamously the shower scene, which has become one of the film's most discussed and controversial moments. Kellerman was suffering from dementia at the time of her passing. The film role is distinct from the TV series' portrayal by Loretta Swit, making Kellerman's contribution to the *MASH* universe uniquely important.

Where Are the Surviving MASH Film Legends Now?

The remaining core cast members from the 1970 film continue to live busy lives, some remaining active in Hollywood, while others have pursued different creative endeavors outside of the spotlight.

Elliott Gould (Trapper John McIntyre)

Elliott Gould, who played the equally rebellious Trapper John, remains an active and recognizable figure in the industry. As of late 2025, Gould is in his late 80s and continues to work. While famous for his New Hollywood roles, modern audiences know him best as Reuben Tishkoff in the *Ocean's* film trilogy (alongside George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon). His recent appearance to mourn the passing of Donald Sutherland underscores his deep connection to the *MASH* legacy and his continued relevance in Hollywood. Gould's performance in *MASH* was one of his three collaborations with director Robert Altman, further solidifying his place as a counter-culture icon of the 1970s.

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Robert Duvall (Major Frank Burns)

At 94 years old, the legendary Robert Duvall, who played the sanctimonious Major Frank Burns, is still considered active. Duvall's career post-*MASH* exploded with roles in classics like *The Godfather* and *Apocalypse Now*. His most recent major film role was in the 2023 release *The Pale Blue Eye*, where he appeared alongside Christian Bale. There are also rumors of potential upcoming projects, including *The Ploughman* and *The Hatfields and the McCoys*, showcasing that this Oscar-winning powerhouse has not yet fully retired from the craft. Duvall's portrayal of Frank Burns in the film—a much darker, more unhinged character than the TV version—is a masterclass in his early career versatility.

Tom Skerritt (Duke Forrest)

Tom Skerritt, who played Hawkeye’s other close friend, Duke Forrest, has maintained a steady, high-profile career across five decades. In recent years, Skerritt has balanced acting with personal passion projects. His 2021 film, *East of the Mountains*, where he played the lead role of Ben Givens, received critical attention. Beyond acting, Skerritt has been heavily involved in a docuseries about rivers, titled *Reflections of the River*, which aligns with his known passion for the outdoors and environmental advocacy. There is also talk of him appearing in a 2025 film titled *Broke*.

Gary Burghoff (Radar O'Reilly) and Jo Ann Pflug (Lt. Dish)

Gary Burghoff, the only actor to bridge the gap between the film and the TV series, has largely stepped away from acting. At 82, Burghoff lives a quiet life, having left the acting world almost entirely after a brief return for the spin-off *AfterMASH* in 1985. Today, he is an accomplished musician and visual artist, pursuing painting and other creative endeavors. Jo Ann Pflug, who made her film debut in *MASH* as Lt. Dish, has also retired from her extensive career in film and television, which included hosting the talk show *The Morning Show* in the 1980s.

The Enduring Legacy of Robert Altman’s MASH

The 1970 film *MASH* not only provided a breakout moment for a generation of actors but also redefined the dark comedy genre. The film's unique, overlapping dialogue and improvisational style, championed by director Robert Altman, created a sense of chaotic realism that captured the anti-establishment mood of the era. The recent tributes to Donald Sutherland from his co-stars, particularly Elliott Gould, confirm the powerful and lasting bonds that were formed on the set. The careers of the surviving actors—Duvall, Gould, and Skerritt—demonstrate the film's incredible eye for talent, with each star going on to become a titan of American cinema. The film's legacy is one of both tragedy and triumph, a cultural touchstone whose cast continues to make headlines even decades after its release.