M*A*S*H Star Mike Farrell Spotted in Los Angeles at 85

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Fans of the iconic 1970s sitcom M*A*S*H were treated to a nostalgic sight recently when Mike Farrell, who played army doctor B.J. Hunnicutt, was spotted in Los Angeles at 85 years old. The actor, known for his warm and witty portrayal of the compassionate doctor, was seen tackling yard work and rolling out trash cans with surprising energy.

Farrell, a Saint Paul, Minnesota native, joined M*A*S*H in its fourth season, replacing Wayne Rogers. The show, which premiered in 1972 and ran for 11 seasons, remains one of the most iconic and influential in television history. Its record-shattering finale was watched by over 105 million people worldwide.

Dressed in a simple black long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and a black baseball cap emblazoned with the slogan ‘Make America Normal Again’—a cheeky nod to the MAGA movement—Farrell’s modern-day look was a far cry from the 1950s military garb he once wore on the show. The cap also reminded fans of his later, more laid-back guest appearances on shows like Murder, She Wrote and Desperate Housewives.

After M*A*S*H wrapped in 1983, Farrell continued to build a diverse career. He appeared in a wide range of projects, including guest spots on Justice League, and produced the critically acclaimed 1998 film Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams. The film focused on the healing power of humor in medicine.

Farrell’s talents also extended behind the camera, and he served as Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild for a time. Beyond acting, he has been a passionate activist, outspoken on various social and political issues, particularly human rights and animal welfare.

In his personal life, Farrell married Judy Hayden in 1963, with whom he had two children, Michael and Erin. The couple separated in 1980 and divorced in 1983. Farrell found love again in 1984 when he married actress Shelley Fabares, best known for her roles on The Donna Reed Show and Coach. The two have remained happily married ever since.

Reflecting on the impact M*A*S*H had on his life, Farrell said, ‘I knew I would never have another working experience as important to me as that one was.’ He added, ‘There will never be another M*A*S*H. The combination of talent and the writers were just sensational. The production staff was perfect. The entire thing just couldn’t have been better. We just cherished the moment.’