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'M*A*S*H' Actor William Christopher Dies At 84

William Christopher (far right) was best known for his role as Father Mulcahy on the 1970s TV show <em>M*A*S*H</em>. He died Saturday in California at the age of 84.
Red Mclendon
/
AP
William Christopher (far right) was best known for his role as Father Mulcahy on the 1970s TV show M*A*S*H. He died Saturday in California at the age of 84.

William Christopher, an actor best known for his role as Father Mulcahy on the sitcom M*A*S*H, has died at the age of 84. Christopher's agent, Robert Malcolm, told The Associated Press he died early Saturday morning at home in Pasadena, Calif., after a battle with lung cancer.

Christopher also had recurring roles on shows like Gomer Pyle: USMC and Hogan's Heroes. But it was his performance as Mulcahy that would come to be his signature role. M*A*S*H, which was based on a hit 1970 movie of the same name, debuted in 1972 and ran for 11 seasons — all of which featured Christopher.

As the U.S. Army chaplain at a mobile surgical hospital, Christopher's Father Mulcahy was the moral compass of the show.

After M*A*S*H, Christopher had a number of cameos on popular shows, like The Love Boat and Good Times.

Christopher and his wife, Barbara, adopted two sons, one of whom had autism. They co-authored a book called Mixed Blessings about the joys and struggles of parenting an autistic child.

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If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

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