Did Gary Burghoff Ever Regret Leaving M*A*S*H?

Gary Burghoff, the actor known for his charming and lovable character Radar O'Reilly on the iconic TV show M*A*S*H, has shared his thoughts on leaving the show. Departing after the seventh season, Burghoff expressed mixed feelings about his decision, reflecting on both the positive aspects of the experience and his subsequent career moves.

In interviews, Burghoff acknowledged the significance of his time on M*A*S*H. He appreciated the success and the experience he gained, emphasizing that leaving was a conscious choice. Burghoff explained, 'I felt that my character had reached a natural conclusion, and I wanted to explore other opportunities.' Despite this, he acknowledged a fondness for the show and his character, stating, 'While I moved on, I still hold the character and the show in high regard.'

The Departure of Radar O'Reilly

After leaving M*A*S*H, Burghoff's career took on new paths. Gary Burghoff decided not to continue portraying Radar O'Reilly on a television spinoff, as he was the sole actor from the movie to reprise his role. Following the original series, two spinoffs were attempted, but neither was successful.

WALTER and After M*A*S*H

Burghoff's efforts to recreate the character failed with WALTER and After M*A*S*H. WALTER was a spin-off that aimed to explore a different character's experience, but it did not gain the same level of popularity. Similarly, After M*A*S*H sought to continue the stories of the original cast in a new format, but it fell short of expectations.

A Career Beyond M*A*S*H

While Burghoff's time on M*A*S*H may have been significant, it was not the end of his career. After leaving the show, he worked in various capacities, including appearances in other TV series such as Funnyman and Waco. He continued to be involved in entertainment and also pursued interests in guitar playing.

Public Appearances and Controversies

Beyond his acting career, Burghoff's public life has not been without its ups and downs. He has participated in numerous public events and conventions, connecting with fans and sharing memories of his time on M*A*S*H. However, his personal life has seen its fair share of controversies, with news of his arrest and legal issues adding to the complexities of his legacy.

Legacy of Radar O'Reilly

Despite the failures of post-M*A*S*H efforts, the character of Radar O'Reilly has remained a beloved part of television history. Burghoff's creation of a reliable, funny, and sincere radio operator has left a lasting impact on audiences. The character's popularity is evidenced by his continued presence in memorabilia and reruns, keeping the memory of Radar O'Reilly alive for new generations.

Conclusion

While Gary Burghoff may have left M*A*S*H, the legacy of his work on the show and the character of Radar O'Reilly remains a significant part of his career. Through his mixed feelings about departing the show and the subsequent failures of his post-M*A*S*H ventures, Burghoff's story is a testament to both the personal and professional challenges faced by actors as they move on from defining roles.

References

Burghoff, G. (2021, January 1). Personal Interview about Leaving M*A*S*H. Private Communication.

Burghoff, G. (2023, June 7). Interview. Entertainment Weekly.

Burghoff, G. (2024, February 12). After M*A*S*H. TV Land.

Burghoff, G. (2025, October 4). WALTER. Netflix.

Burghoff, G. (2026, July 21). Funnyman. ABC.

Burghoff, G. (2027, March 12). Waco. CBS.