Actor Gary Burghoff won over fans with his role as Radar, a lovable 18-year-old drafted into the army with his teddy bear, in the popular TV show MAS*H. His performance earned him many awards and helped build his personal brand.
Fans were heartbroken when he decided to leave the show, feeling he wasn’t getting his due recognition.
However, the real reasons behind Gary’s departure from MAS*H were more significant. The show’s director revealed that Gary was facing issues with his wife at the time, Janet Gayle, whom he married in 1971. They had a daughter, Gena, in 1975.
When Gary left the show in 1979, producers offered him a $4 million deal to return, which would have made him the highest-paid actor at that time. But Gary declined the offer, choosing instead to spend more time with his family and old friends.
In 1985, Gary married his second wife, Elizabeth Bolstrom, and they had two children, Miles and Jordan. Recently, Miles became a father, making Gary a grandfather for the first time. On March 23, 2023, Miles and his wife welcomed a baby girl named Rylee Elisabeth Burghoff.
Miles shared his joy on Instagram, posting pictures of his pregnant wife and later of their newborn daughter. He proudly said, “I caught the best 8-pounder of my life.”
Gary and his son Miles share a close bond, especially over their love of fishing. Miles didn’t follow in his father’s acting footsteps but pursued professional fishing with Gary’s support.
Gary even missed the 1977 Emmy Awards, where he won Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, because he was out fishing with Miles. He humorously remarked, “It was my lifetime moment, and I wasn’t there.”
Nearly four years ago, Gary participated in a video and contributed to a GoFundMe campaign for people affected by the California fires. Fans fondly remembered him, with one saying, “OMG, I remember him from when I was a young child watching MASH.
He still looks and speaks the same.” Another fan commented, “Good to see you, Mr. Burghoff.
I’m donating not only because there is a need, but also because I feel I owe you something. I grew up watching MASH and admired your work. Right now, my wife and I are watching it on Netflix again. You made me feel, think, and laugh, and I really enjoyed it. Jordan, I appreciate you posting this.”
We wish Gary all the best in life.
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