Gary Burghoff's Heartfelt Farewell to M*A*S*H
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Gary Burghoff, known for his iconic role as Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly on the hit CBS show M*A*S*H, experienced an emotional whirlwind as he bid farewell to the series. His departure was marked by a unique twist, as he ended up saying goodbye twice. This journey provides a deeper insight into Burghoff’s character and the emotional bond he had with the show and its cast.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
At the end of Season 8, in the episode “Good-Bye Radar: Part 2,” which aired on October 15, 1979, Radar’s farewell was interrupted by the arrival of wounded soldiers. This disruption meant that Radar never had a meaningful goodbye with his close friend Hawkeye, played by Alan Alda. This lack of closure haunted Burghoff, leading to a heartfelt reflection on his final moments on set.
The Struggle to Perfect the Scene
In the special M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television, Burghoff shared his internal conflict during his final scene. He had envisioned a powerful, tear-filled farewell. “I said to myself, ‘What a wonderful moment, I can cry my eyes out, and I can do this wonderful dramatic moment, I can just completely fall apart,’” Burghoff recounted. However, the director advised against this approach, suggesting he fight the tears.
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