Gary Burghoff Now: Life After M*A*S*H, Net Worth & More

Few TV characters become so beloved that the actor behind them can walk away from fame at its peak—and stay gone. Gary Burghoff, who brought Radar O’Reilly to life on M*A*S*H, did exactly that. He left the hit series in 1979, swapped Hollywood for small-town Wisconsin, and quietly built a second act as a painter, drummer, and inventor. This article separates verified facts from lingering myths and explores where Burghoff is now, why he left, and what keeps him busy nearly 50 years later.

Born: May 24, 1943 ·
Age (2025): 82 ·
Occupation: Actor, painter, musician, inventor ·
Known for: Radar O’Reilly on M*A*S*H ·
Years active: 1967–present ·
Spouses: 3

Key biographical details for Gary Burghoff.

What Does Gary Burghoff Do Now?

After leaving M*A*S*H, Burghoff stepped away from Hollywood almost entirely. He retired from acting in the 1990s, choosing a quieter life in Wisconsin. Today, he works as a painter, drummer, and inventor.

• He paints wildlife and landscapes; some of his animal paintings have sold for as much as $25,000, according to a 2024 profile on Beliefnet.
• He invented a fishing lure called the “Burghoff Bait,” which he marketed through small outdoor catalogs (The MASH Historian).
• He performs as a drummer and singer at local venues and occasionally appears at M*A*S*H fan events (IMDb).

The pattern: Burghoff traded the pressures of a network TV career for creative freedom on his own terms. His post-Hollywood life is a deliberate, low-profile mix of art, music, and family—not a career downfall but a conscious choice.

Are Alan Alda and Gary Burghoff Friends Now?

Did Alan Alda and Gary Burghoff have a falling out?

Burghoff and Alda had a professional relationship rather than a close friendship. Burghoff has said in interviews that Alda was difficult to work with as the show progressed—Alda’s growing influence as writer and director shifted the show’s tone, which Burghoff found frustrating. However, there was no major public feud. When Burghoff decided to leave, Alda reportedly respected the decision. In his autobiography, Alda wrote: “He wanted to leave, and we respected that” (Beliefnet). The two haven’t worked together since, but they remain cordial.

The implication is that Burghoff’s departure was driven by professional frustrations rather than personal animosity.

Why Was Gary Burghoff Written Off M*A*S*H?

Why did Radar leave MASH?

Burghoff asked to leave after the seventh season because of burnout and a desire to spend more time with his young daughter (Wikipedia). His character, Radar O’Reilly, was written out in the episode “Good-Bye, Radar” (season 7, episode 25), returning home to Iowa. Burghoff later said he wanted to be a present father. He also cited creative differences: the show’s shift from comedy to more serious drama under Alan Alda’s leadership didn’t suit him.

He was the only original cast member to leave before the series ended in 1983. Burghoff later appeared in two episodes of the spin-off AfterMASH (IMDb News).

The catch is that his decision to leave was final and he never looked back.

Is Gary Burghoff One of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

What is Gary Burghoff’s religion?

Yes, Burghoff is a Jehovah’s Witness. He converted during his time on M*A*S*H, and his faith influenced his decision to leave the show (Wikipedia). In interviews, he has spoken about how his religious beliefs helped him cope with the pressures of Hollywood and shaped his values around family and simplicity.

The upshot is that faith played a role but the exact weight is difficult to quantify.

What Is Gary Burghoff’s Net Worth and Current Status?

Is Gary Burghoff still alive?

Yes, Gary Burghoff is alive as of 2025. He resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and continues his creative pursuits (Wikipedia).

Does Gary Burghoff have a hand injury?

Burghoff was born with a congenital condition: he is missing part of his right hand. This was often hidden on screen; Radar’s character frequently held a clipboard or used props to obscure it. Burghoff has spoken about it openly, noting that it never hindered his acting (Wikipedia).

His net worth is estimated at around $3 million, though Burghoff himself has said he didn’t leave M*A*S*H “a wealthy man” (Beliefnet). He has been married three times and has two children.

For fans wondering what Burghoff is doing now, the answer is clear: he is painting, drumming, fishing, and enjoying a quiet life far from the spotlight—exactly as he chose.

Burghoff’s story is a reminder that fame isn’t everyone’s goal. He walked away from one of TV’s biggest hits to raise his daughter, practice his faith, and pursue art on his own terms. For fans wondering what happened to Radar O’Reilly, the answer is: he found a quieter, richer life—and he’s still living it.

Frequently asked questions