Did you know that M.A.S.H is still the most-watched season finale of all time? More than 106 million people tuned in to see what happened to Jamie Farr and the rest of M.A.S.H’s cast. This record still stands nearly 40 years after the finale aired on live television.
There is more to Farr than just acting. Farr was a veteran before he became famous for his role on M.A.S.H.
Read on to learn all about Jamie Farr and his background. Explore his military and acting careers, while discovering more about the man behind the role.
Who Is Jamie Farr?
Farr was born in 1934 in Toledo, Ohio. He came from humble origins with his parents working in blue-collar jobs.
His father, Samuel, was a meat cutter and grocer. Jamie’s mother, Jamelia, worked as a seamstress. He had one older sibling named Yvonne.
Jamie graduated from Woodward High School, earning outstanding student accolades. He married Joy Ann Richards in 1963 and they had two children together.
Jamie is well-known for his acting career. He had both major and minor roles on some of America’s most well-known television shows.
What Are the Highlights of Farr’s Career?
After high school, Jamie set his eyes on an acting career by moving out to Pasadena, California. He got his big acting break in 1955. He landed the role of Santini in the Blackboard Jungle.
Also important was a connection he made with the Red Skeleton. The rapport between the two led to Jamie earning a regular role on “The Red Skeleton Show” for two seasons.
In 1957, Jamie was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served overseas in several notable theaters including Korea and Japan.
Ft. Ord in California was Jamie’s new home for basic training. Shortly after, he was transferred to Queens to help make training films.
Possibly the most significant accomplishment in the Army was touring with Red Skeleton. Upon learning about their connection, his Army Officers approved his involvement in a Korean tour with the comedian. Farr left the military in 1959 after two years in the service.
For the next decade-plus, Farr acted in a number of different roles. Some highlights include an appearance on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and a Wonder Bread commercial. He was a regular on “The Chicago Teddy Bears” and also appeared on an episode of “Hazel” and “My Three Sons.”
In 1972, Farr got another big break with a one-episode hiring for M.A.S.H. He played the role of Corporal Maxwell Klinger.
He earned more episodes in Season 2 before becoming a regular in Season 4. His character was so popular that he received a role on M.A.S.H’s sequel show called “AfterMASH.” This show was about the military character’s transition to civilian life.
The Life and Career of Jamie Farr
Farr had a great run on television for many decades. His acting career even earned him a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Now, he is the last living regular cast member from M.A.S.H. If you are interested in Jamie Farr’s career path through the U.S. Army, check out more careers at USMilitary.com