MASH, the beloved television series, has been entertaining audiences for decades with its unique blend of humor, drama, and heart. While fans may think they know everything about the show, there are still many secrets and bloopers that have gone unnoticed. From mistakes in military uniforms to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, here are some of the most interesting little-known facts about MASH.
One of the most significant mistakes in the show’s history occurred when William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy, contracted hepatitis during season five. The illness was so severe that it nearly took him out of the show for good. However, Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye, came up with a clever solution. He wrote an entire episode, “Hepatitis,” around Christopher’s illness, incorporating it into the storyline.
Another intriguing fact is that Larry Linville, who played Frank Burns, actually predicted his own death. In the episode “Hepatitis,” Frank mentions having a pea-sized tumor under his sternum. Years later, Linville passed away from a malignant tumor in the same location.
Jamie Farr, who played Klinger, was originally only supposed to appear in one episode. However, his character became so popular that he was made a regular on the show. Farr’s portrayal of Klinger, with his dresses and skirts, added a unique touch to the series.
The show’s attention to detail was impressive, but there were some mistakes. For example, the dog tags Jamie Farr wore on the show were actually his real military dog tags from his time in the service.
In the episode “Mad Dogs and Servicemen,” Radar is bedridden with what might be rabies. To cheer him up, Margaret reads him a letter mentioning two popular songs: “Diddy Wah Diddy” by Bo Diddley and “The Wayward Wind” by Gogi Grant. However, both songs were released in 1956, several years after the Korean War ended.
The show’s characters were known for their distinctive hairstyles, but not all of them were accurate for the 1950s. Only Colonel Potter and Major Winchester had hairstyles that were suitable for a 1950s Army unit.
Hawkeye’s backstory was also inconsistent throughout the series. At first, he was from Vermont, but later, his story shifted, and he became from Crabapple Cove, Maine.
Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye, was a talented actor, writer, and director. He made history by becoming the first person to win Emmys for acting, writing, and directing for the same series.
Loretta Swit, who played Margaret Houlihan, had a complex relationship with her character’s nickname, “Hot Lips.” She felt it was an insult and didn’t accurately reflect her character’s personality.
Swit also had a say in phasing out the “Hot Lips” nickname. She persisted in telling the writers that Margaret was more than just a body part, and eventually, the nickname was used less frequently.
There has been speculation about Loretta Swit’s plastic surgery, with some fans noticing changes in her appearance over the years. While Swit has never publicly addressed the issue, some fans have pointed out that she may have had a nose job and a cleft chin implant during the show’s run.
The finale of MAS*H featured one of the longest kisses in television history. Hawkeye and Margaret shared a passionate and awkward kiss that left their colleagues feeling uncomfortable.
The finale was a special moment for the cast, particularly Alan Alda and Loretta Swit, who were the only two main cast members to appear in both the series premiere and the series finale.
MAS*H remains a beloved television classic, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and memorable characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, there’s always something new to learn and appreciate about this iconic series.
