When M*A*S*H first came out in 1972, few expected it to become one of the most-watched television shows in American history. The television series would run for 11 seasons, consisting of 256 episodes, before finally concluding its run 11 years later in 1983. With each episode taking place over the course of thirty minutes, they focused on the United States’ Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War.
The doctors are working with a major war happening around them, creating some compelling and comedic situations for television and viewers watching at home. While audiences across the United States were captivated by the series, some pretty notable actors actually had their early starts on the beloved series. The main cast might be most remembered, but only some of the most dedicated fans might remember these familiar faces appearing on the television series. These ten actors guest starred in M*A*S*H at least once throughout its 11-year run. Stream all episodes of M*A*S*H on Hulu.
10 Shelley Long
Season 8, Episode 16
Actress Shelley Long might be best remembered for her role of Diane Chambers on a different famous American television series, Cheers, but before she was cast in that show, she had a role in M*A*S*H. It was an early role for her, but it would kick-start the beginning of a career where she appeared not only in television shows, but many movies as well.
A Brief Appearance in the Show
Long appeared in an episode released in 1980 titled “Bottle Fatigue.” In the episode, she portrayed the character of Lt. Mendenhall, who would not appear again in the series. To this day, though, Long is mainly known for her major role in Cheers.
9 Andrew Dice Clay
Season 11, Episode 2
Andrew Dice Clay, who was born and raised in New York City’s borough of Brooklyn, became more prominent in the late 1980s for his comedic work. However, before his career really started to kick off as a comedian, Clay appeared in an episode of M*A*S*H that was released in 1982 titled “Trick or Treatment.” He plays the supporting character of Corporal Hrabosky, who, like many other supporting characters, was doomed to only appear in this single episode.
Balancing Comedy and Acting
While Clay originally became more known as a comedian, some of his more serious roles include being in a Woody Allen movie, Blue Jasmine, as well as A Star is Born. After all of these years, he continued his work as a comedian while pursuing even more work as an actor.
8 Joan Van Ark
Season 2, Episode 3
For many years, Joan Van Ark straddled the world of film and television along with acting for the stage and theater. Van Ark’s career began in the theater world, as she made her Broadway debut in 1966. Not long after that, she began appearing more in Hollywood films and movies, making an appearance in M*A*S*H as Lt. Erika Johnson early on in the series’ run.
An Early Television Appearance for a Legend
Joan Van Ark appeared in M*A*S*H in 1973, only a year into the series’ run. It wasn’t her first foray into the world of television, but it would be her only appearance on this television show specifically, as her character did not return after that one episode.
7 Laurence Fishburne
Season 10, Episode 15
Laurence Fishburne might have gained acclaim after appearing in The Matrix series and film franchise, but he’s had quite a career since then that has showcased his broad range as an actor. While he has become well-known for his filmography, he appeared in an episode of M*A*S*H all the way back in 1982 under the name Larry Fishburne.
Beginnings of a Massive Career
When Fishburne appeared in this television series, he was still relatively unknown as an actor, as it was still relatively early in his acting career. In the episode “The Tooth Shall Set You Free,” he portrays the character of Corporal Dorsey.
6 Dick O’Neill
Season 5, Episode 16
From the late 1950s onward, Dick O’Neill was an actor who appeared in some of the biggest movies of the decades to come. He first began his career in theater, acting for the stage, but then decided to pursue film and television work. It was fitting that he appeared on M*A*S*H as a veteran himself, and he finally made his appearance on the show in 1977.
A Prominent Character Actor
O’Neill was known for playing a certain kind of character, but in this television show, he specifically was Admiral Cox in the episode “38 Across.” He passed away in 1998, but his legacy lived on through the movies he had appeared in throughout his lifetime.
5 Leslie Nielsen
Season 1, Episode 16
For a long period of time, Leslie Nielsen was one of the most prominent Canadian actors working in film. After growing up and serving in the Canadian Air Force in the middle of World War II, Nielsen began to pursue an acting career in 1950. More than 20 years later, he appeared on M*A*S*H in an episode titled “The Ringbanger,” which features Nielsen’s character as a highlight of the story.
One of the Best Episodes of the Series
Nielsen plays Colonel Buzz Brighton in M*A*S*H, who becomes the subject of this episode, as two of the main characters are trying to have him sent back to the United States. Nielsen continued on to do great things after appearing on the show, a testament to his legacy as an actor.
4 Rita Wilson
Season 10, Episode 13 and Season 11, Episode 1
Popular culture might love remembering Rita Wilson’s appearance in The Good Wife, but even before appearing in that television show, she had such a prolific career in movies and television. From Sleepless in Seattle to Runaway Bride, Wilson had quite a few roles—including an appearance on M*A*S*H. One of her earlier roles, she played Nurse Lacey, who was in two episodes of the series.
A Double Appearance on M*A*S*H
While some characters only appear on the show once, Rita Wilson can be seen two different times on M*A*S*H. Her appearances occurred in 1982, long before she rose to prominence as an actress, but it marked the beginning of what would become an established career for Wilson.
3 Ron Howard
Season 1, Episode 17
Ron Howard has had an extensive career in the movie, television, and theater worlds, truly having done it all as an actor. He began his career as a child, appearing in a wide variety of television shows, although he would rise to prominence in the 1970s and continue to rise in the period after that. Howard appeared in M*A*S*H in the early 1970s, too, in an episode titled “Sometimes You Hear the Bullet.”
An Iconic Episode of the Series
Howard portrays a character who really should not be in the Marines during the series: a 15-year-old boy. Despite his age being a factor in why he should not be there, the main characters realize the truth behind his identity and try to figure out whether they should report him or not.
2 Brian Dennehy
Season 5, Episode 23
Before passing away in 2020, Brian Dennehy could be seen on the screen in television shows and movies like Romeo + Juliet and Death of a Salesman. In addition to this, he also had a major career in theater, winning awards for all the different mediums he worked within. Although Dennehy has an immense amount of credits to his name, he appeared in M*A*S*H in 1977 as the character of Ernie Connors.
A Small Role in a Big Career
Although Dennehy would have a small role on this television series, only appearing in one episode during his time on it, he would make a big impact in Hollywood. This was one of his earliest roles, making it an important one in the grand scheme of things.
1 William Kat
Season 1, Episode 12
Working as an actor and musician, William Katt has become best known for appearing in the series The Greatest American Hero. While he was originally turned down and considered for the role of Luke Skywalker, many might recognize him from his role in the classic movie Carrie. However, few know that in season one of M*A*S*H, Katt appeared as the character P.F.C. in a single episode.
Humble Beginnings as an Actor
While it may have taken a bit to get to a stable point as an actor, Kat got there. Credited as Bill Kat in his episode of M*A*S*H, it was one of his early roles as a Hollywood actor before getting to that point.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
