In addition, as former “M*A*S*H” writer Ken Levine notes, Rogers was “frustrated”, as Trapper John and Hawkeye were supposed to be equals, but Hawkeye proved more popular with the public. The character was originated by Elliott Gould in the 1970 Robert Altman movie of the same name and continued later in a spinoff series, “Trapper John M.D.”, played by Pernell Roberts.
Advertisement
His former publicist told The Hollywood Reporter that Rogers died Thursday of complications of pneumonia.
Mr. Rogers was on “M*A*S*H” from 1972 to 1975, becoming one of many original cast members to leave the wildly popular show that went on until 1983.
One of the favorite pastimes of characters Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John in the MASH sitcom was tormenting Major Frank Burns, with whom the army physicians shared a tent.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late star, with chat show host Larry King tweeting: “Saddened about #MASH star Wayne Rogers’ passing”. He also had a small role in the Paul Newman film Cool Hand Luke. In both 1988 and 1990, Wayne Rogers testified before a “House judiciary committee to speak in favour of maintaining the Glass-Steagall banking laws of the 1930s”.
Actor Wayne Rogers of “MASH” arrives at the 7th Annual TV Land Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre on April 19, 2009 in Universal City, California. He frequently appeared on Fox Business Network’s “Cashin’ In” and served as national chairman of the Easter Seals campaign.
Born in Alabama, Rogers was a Princeton graduate and Navy veteran before finding fame as an actor.
Advertisement
Survivors include his wife, Amy Hirsh Rogers; two children from his first marriage; and four grandchildren.
