Just hours before it comes to an end, 2016 has struck again. We’ve lost yet another beloved celebrity. According to multiple sources, William Christopher – a veteran actor best known for his iconic role on the smash hit TV show MASH – has passed away at his home in Pasadena. He was 84 years. Christopher portrayed Father John Mulcahy on the show, having been part of a legendary ensemble cast that included Alan Alda, Jamie Farr, Mike Farrell, Loretta Swit and Harry Morgan. As lore has it, Christopher, who played a Catholic priest yet was Methodist in real life, auditioned for the role … but went off script with a rambling, ad-libbed monologue. Per TMZ, producers absolutely adored the unexpected lines he uttered and hired him on one condition: That he had to stay on script for the episodes. Along with his character on MASH (whose series finale remains the most-watched episode of any television show in history) also made appearances on Gomer Pyle, The Andy Griffith Show”and Hogan’s Heroes. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1954 and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. A native of Evanston, Illinois, Christopher kicked off his acting career on the stage, appearing in Off-Broadway productions like The Hostage. But it was MASH that made Christopher a household name for years. It ran on CBS from 1972 to 1983. After the program went off the air, Christopher reprised the role for two more seasons in the spin-off AfterMASH. Christopher passed away at his residence from non-lung, small cell carcinoma. He leaves behind a wife and two kids. And we don’t mean to be flippant… this is just getting ridiculous: 2016 can really go home now. It’s obnoxious. Hurry up and get here, 2017. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten We send our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of William Christopher. Along with the family, friends and loved ones of all the stars (above) who died this year.
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William Christopher Dies; Beloved MASH Star Was 84
