“Why Gary Burghoff Hid His Left Hand on ‘M*A*S*H'”
Gary Burghoff found fame as the timid Corporal Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly on the iconic TV show “MAS*H.” Throughout the series, Burghoff tried to keep his left hand hidden on-screen, only showing it on rare occasions. Here’s why he kept his left hand from showing and the impact it had on his career.
The Character of Radar on “M*A*S*H”
The hit sitcom introduced the character of Radar, the company clerk of the 4077 MASH unit, who was often overlooked by his military counterparts due to his nervous nature. Despite being taken for granted by the staff, fans of the show deeply appreciated Radar’s contributions.
Gary Burghoff’s Portrayal of Radar
Radar was portrayed by Gary Burghoff, who played the role from the start of the series in 1972 until the seventh season in 1979. Burghoff eventually stepped away from the show to focus on personal relationships and combat burnout.
Burghoff’s Personal Struggles
Despite enjoying playing Radar, Burghoff felt the increasing demands of the role. He disliked being constantly perceived as the cute and timid character, feeling pigeonholed by the public’s perception of him. His short stature and congenital disability further fueled his insecurities.
Burghoff’s Disability and Career
Burghoff was born with Brachydactyly, a form of Poland Syndrome, which left him with three noticeably smaller fingers on his left hand. The actor did not let his disability hinder his acting career, but he struggled with self-esteem issues related to his physical abnormality.
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