Gary Burghoff’s personal and professional story, from family roots to acting fame

Gary Burghoff rose to fame as Radar O’Reilly on M*A*S*H, yet chose family over fortune. Few fans are aware that he once turned down a $4 million contract to stay on the show. His journey blends artistic passion, faith, and lasting impact. Here is a look at Gary Burghoff's personal and professional story.

Key takeaways

• Gary Rich Burghoff became world-famous as Radar O’Reilly on M*A*S*H.
• He turned down a $4 million contract to prioritize family life.
• Gary is also a wildlife painter, musician, and inventor.
• He went through two marriages and raised three children.

Profile summary

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Gary Burghoff's personal and professional story

He is a famous American actor, jazz musician, inventor, wildlife artist, and songwriter. Gary was born in Bristol, Connecticut, USA, on May 24, 1934, to Anna (mother) and Rony Burghoff (father).

Rony was an employee of a clock company, while Anna was a local theatre dancer, choreographer, scriptwriter, poet, songwriter, and theatre play director. Gary accompanied his mother to her rehearsals from a young age. The singers, tap dancers, musicians, and other stage performers would fascinate him.

He and his brother David grew up in a Victorian house in Forestville, where the siblings shared a room. David is six years older than Gary.

How old is Gary Burghoff now?

Gary Burghoff's age is 82 years as of July 2025.

How tall is Gary Burghoff?

Gary Burghoff's height is 5ft 5.5 inches (1.66 m). He has grey eyes and burnt auburn hair colour.

How did Gary Burghoff lose his fingers?

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The actor did not lose his fingers. He was born with Poland syndrome, a condition that caused three fingers on his left hand to be smaller. While acting on M*A*S*H, he often hid his hand behind a clipboard. Despite this, he became skilled at drumming and painting.

Education and professional training

Gary was artistically talented from childhood. He left his hometown, Bristol, during high school. He moved to Delavan, Wisconsin, to study dance and drumming at Delavan-Darien High School.

While in high school, Burghoff played drums for the Bud Wilber Orchestra in Milwaukee nightclubs. After graduation, the Belfry Players in Williams Bay helped him polish his acting skills.

He later trained at HB Studio in New York City under Sanford Meisner, James Tuttle, and Charles Nelson Reilly.

Career

Burghoff began his career in 1967 in the off-Broadway play You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He joined The Relatives as a drummer in 1968. Later, he formed his own jazz group, The We Three.

His music career shifted after he landed a part in Robert Altman’s 1970 film M*A*S*H. The success of the movie led to the CBS television series. Burghoff reprised his role as Radar O’Reilly. He spoke about playing the character on the series as opposed to the film, saying,

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In the original feature film M*A*S*H, I created Radar as a lone, darker and somewhat sardonic character; kind of a shadowy figure. I continued these qualities for a short time until I realized that the TV M*A*S*H characters were developing in a different direction from the film characters.

What was Gary Burghoff's most famous role?

Gary became a household name as Radar O’Reilly on M*A*S*H. He appeared in seven seasons and earned six Emmy nominations for the role. In 1977, he won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

He left the show in 1979. He explained that the intense demands of television left him feeling he could never give enough. During filming, his wife and daughter narrowly survived a California brush fire. The fire destroyed parts of his ranch but stopped just short of his home.

Gary had already planned to leave. The fire reinforced his decision to prioritize family. He returned briefly in season 8 for a two-part farewell episode titled Goodbye Radar. Fans hoped for future guest appearances, but he never returned to the series.

Gary Burghoff's movies and TV shows

After Burghoff left M*A*S*H, he appeared in numerous game shows, including Match Game, Showoffs, and Liar's Club. He also played in more films like B.S. I Love You and Daniel's Lot.

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He retired from acting in 2010 to focus on his well-being and family. Here is a look at Burghoff's movies and TV shows throughout his career:

Movies

Television

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Gary Burghoff's paintings

Burghoff learned how to paint on his own, and his wildlife paintings earned him global recognition as time went by.

For instance, he received a Hallmark Award for the 1961 painting ‘’Men of Jazz’’ and represented Wisconsin in the Hallmark Student Art Exhibit in Washington, D.C.

Gary's paintings represent his love for wildlife. He took a license to care for wounded ones and was honoured to choose a postal stamp for the United States hunters in 1993.

Is Gary Burghoff still alive today?

Yes, Gary Burghoff is still alive. In March 2022, rumors spread online about his passing, confusing fans searching for Gary Burghoff's obituary. The mix-up followed the death of Donald Shaffer, a real company clerk who inspired Richard Hornberger’s M*A*S*H character Radar O’Reilly.

Who is Gary Burghoff's wife?

Gary has been married twice but is now single. His first marriage was to Janet Gayle in 1971. They divorced in 1979 after eight years together. During that time, Gary balanced his rising career on M*A*S*H with family life.

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In 1985, he married Elisabeth Bostrom, a dental assistant. They built a home in Connecticut before later moving to California. The couple divorced in 2005 after twenty years of marriage. Reports suggest differences in faith and communication played a role.

Since then, Gary has not remarried. He focused on his children and later embraced his role as a grandfather.

How many children did Gary Burghoff have?

The actor has three children. His daughter, Gena, was born in 1975. His sons, Miles and Jordan, are from his second marriage. In 2023, he became a grandfather when Gena gave birth to her daughter, Rylee Elisabeth.

How rich is Gary Burghoff?

Gary Burghoff's net worth is around $6 million.

What is Gary Burghoff doing now?

Burghoff is retired and focused on family. He is single, close to his children, and became a grandfather in 2023. He paints wildlife, cares for animals, and collects stamps and coins. He also promotes conservation causes and occasionally reconnects with his former M*A*S*H castmates.

How much money did Gary Burghoff make on MASH?

Gary Burghoff earned a steady salary during his years on M*A*S*H. Exact figures are not public. His pay was lower than Alan Alda’s but still strong for the time.

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In 1979, producers offered him $4 million to stay, equal to about $15 million today. He declined and left to focus on family. His years on the show still gave him financial security.

What was Gary Burghoff like in real life?

In real life, Gary Burghoff is known as warm, private, and family-focused. He values his Christian faith and close ties with his children. Friends describe him as gentle and creative. He is passionate about wildlife painting, music, and inventing. He often chose family and personal peace over Hollywood fame.

Are Gary Burghoff and Alan Alda friends?

Alda created a podcast reunion in February 2019 with his former M*A*S*H castmates Gary Burghoff, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and Mike Farrell. The actors said they were all still friends.

Did Radar play the drums on MASH?

Gary showcased his drumming skills in the role of Radar on this CBS TV series. Additionally, he drummed in some Off-Broadway productions he featured in.

What did Gary Burghoff invent?

According to Gary Burghoff's Wikipedia page, he invented several practical items. His most notable creation was Chum Magic, a fishing tackle that attracted fish by spreading chum automatically. He also designed a toilet seat lifting handle, a simple device that promoted hygiene.

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Fun facts about Gary Burghoff

• Gary enjoys fishing and playing baseball.
• The legend wrote more than 100 songs.
• He received the ASCAP Award for Excellence three times.
• Gary is also a skilled wildlife painter whose work has been exhibited in galleries.
• He once played the drums for a band that opened for Louis Armstrong.

Gary Burghoff's personal and professional story reflects both fame and humility. He built a career that touched millions but chose to step back for family and faith. His journey from stage and screen to painting and invention shows a life well-lived, marked by creativity, conviction, and lasting influence.

Legit.ng recently shared an article about Alan Alda’s children. Six-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner Alan Alda has three daughters: Beatrice, Eve, and Elizabeth Alda.

Alan Alda has been married to renowned photographer and children's book writer Arlene Alda since 1957. The M*A*S*H actor's legacy lives on through both his remarkable career and his loving family.

Source: Legit.ng