Who Is Gary Burghoff? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 24, 1943, Gary Burghoff is currently 81 years old. He was born in Bristol, Connecticut, and began his career in the world of entertainment as a musician before transitioning to acting. Burghoff's talent and charisma quickly made him a household name, especially when he played the beloved character of Walter "Radar" O'Reilly in MASH* from 1972 to 1983. Besides acting, Burghoff is also a talented painter, showcasing his artistic side in various exhibitions.
| Occupation | Inventor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 24, 1943 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Bristol, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Gary Burghoff's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gary Burghoff stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and has a weight that fluctuates around 150 pounds (68 kg). His body statistics are not extensively documented, but he maintains a healthy lifestyle. In his later years, he has focused more on his health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Gary Burghoff is known to be private about his personal life. He was previously married to Janet Gayle from 1971 to 1979 and has one daughter, Linda Burghoff. While his dating life remains under wraps, there has been speculation about his romantic involvement, but none have been confirmed. Fans continue to support him in his endeavors as he cherishes his time with his family.
Burghoff left M*A*S*H in 1979 after the seventh season because of burnout and a desire to spend more time with his family, though he returned the following season to film a special two-part farewell episode, "Goodbye Radar". He explained, "Family, to me, became the most important thing. I was not available as a father because of my work.
That doesn't stop when the work stops. Whenever you go out as a family, you're always torn from family to deal with public recognition." "Goodbye Radar" was supposed to be the final episode of season 7, but at the behest of CBS, it was extended into a double-episode for the November sweeps the next season.
Fellow cast member Mike Farrell tried to persuade Burghoff to stay on the show, citing the lackluster careers of former M*A*S*H regulars Larry Linville and McLean Stevenson after their departures.
Net Worth and Salary
Gary Burghoff's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Most of his wealth stems from his successful acting career, particularly his role in MASH*, as well as his work in theater and voice acting. Additionally, he earns income from his artistic ventures and various endorsements, contributing to his overall financial stability.
Career, Business and Investments
Burghoff's career has spanned several decades, including notable roles in films and television. Beyond MASH*, he has appeared in various television shows, including The Match Game and A Christmas Story, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Additionally, Burghoff has invested in real estate and written a book about his experiences in the entertainment industry, further solidifying his legacy in show business.
Burghoff made his feature film debut in Robert Altman's M*A*S*H (1970). Although several actors from the original film made guest appearances in the television series M*A*S*H, Burghoff was the only actor to continue as a regular, in the role of Radar O'Reilly.
Although he played the same character in the series as in the film, Burghoff has cited differences in the portrayal: "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. It became a group of sophisticated, highly educated doctors (and one head nurse) who would rather be anywhere else and who understood the nature of the 'hellhole' they were stuck in.
With [Larry] Gelbart's help, I began to mold Radar into a more innocent, naïve character as contrast to the other characters, so that while the others might deplore the immorality and shame of war (from an intellectual and judgmental viewpoint), Radar could just REACT from a position of total innocence."
Social Network
Although Gary Burghoff has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years, he is still occasionally active on social media. Fans can find him on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where he shares insights from his life, updates on his artistic endeavors, and interactions with fans.
Education
Gary Burghoff attended the University of Connecticut, where he majored in theatre. This foundational education in the arts greatly contributed to his skills as a performer. He continues to inspire aspiring actors and showbiz enthusiasts through his story of perseverance and dedication.