Gary Burghoff Net Worth: How the MAS*H Star Built His Fortune Janet Gayle His Ex Wife All About Explore
Gary Burghoff is a renowned Emmy Award-winning actor, celebrated drummer, accomplished songwriter, and skilled wildlife painter. Best known for his portrayal of Radar O’Reilly in the iconic CBS sitcom MASH*, Gary has earned his place as a household name in the entertainment world.
Gary Burghoff Net Worth
A successful career spanning acting, music, and painting, Gary has amassed a net worth of $6 million.
Career Highlights
Gary’s entertainment career began in the 1960s when he played Charlie Brown in the off-Broadway production You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He also played drums with jazz bands like The We Three and later performed with The Relatives, a group featuring singer Lynda Carter.
In 1970, Gary’s career took a significant leap when he starred in the film MASH, directed by Robert Altman. The film’s success led to the creation of the TV series MASH*, where Gary reprised his role as Radar O’Reilly. He remained with the show from 1972 to 1980, earning six Emmy Awards for his portrayal.
Though Gary stepped away from MASH* to spend more time with his family, he returned briefly for spin-offs like AfterMASH and WALTER*. His other acting credits include appearances in Ellery Queen, Sweepstakes, and Behind the Waterfall. Gary officially retired from acting but made a one-time return in the 2010 film Daniel’s Lot.
Outside of acting, Gary explored painting, focusing on California’s wildlife. A self-taught artist, he gained recognition early in his career, winning the Hallmark Award for his 1961 piece, Men of Jazz. He later authored To MASH and Back: My Life in Poems and Songs*, an autobiography that reflects his artistic journey.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut, under the Gemini zodiac sign, Gary Rich Burghoff grew up in a creative household. His mother, Anna, was a choreographer, poet, and playwright, while his father, Rony, worked at a clock factory. Gary, a devout Christian, shares a special bond with his older brother, David, who is six years his senior.
As a child, Gary faced challenges due to brachydactyly, a condition characterized by shorter fingers on his left hand, yet it didn’t deter his ambitions. He spent his formative years in Clinton, Connecticut, and later in Delavan, Wisconsin, where he cultivated a love for music and performance.
Gary attended Delavan-Darien High School, where his drumming talents shone as he performed with the Bud Wilber Orchestra in Milwaukee nightclubs. He later honed his acting skills at the Belfry Music Theater in Wisconsin, and under the mentorship of acclaimed teachers like Charles Nelson Reilly, Sanford Meisner, and James Tuttle at New York’s HB Studios.
Physical Attributes
Gary is of White ethnicity, with short auburn hair and grey eyes. He stands at 5ft 5ins (1.65m) and weighs around 145lbs (66kg). With rtist and devoted family man continues to inspire his fans worldwide.
Personal Life
Gary’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He married Janet Gayle in 1971, and they welcomed a daughter, Gena Gale Burghoff, in 1975. The couple divorced in 1979, shortly after Gary left MASH*. Following the divorce and the loss of his father, Gary found solace in his Christian faith while raising Gena on his own in Bristol, Connecticut.
In 1985, he married Elisabeth Bostrom, with whom he had two sons, Jordan and Miles. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in 2005, partly due to differing beliefs. Despite these challenges, Gary has remained close to his children and continues to value family above all else.
Diverse Interests and Hobbies
A man of many talents, Gary is a passionate outdoorsman who loves fishing and even invented a fishing device called Chum Magic. He also enjoys playing baseball and is an enthusiastic stamp and coin collector. Gary’s dedication to philately led him to narrate the 1988 educational film The Video Guide to Stamp Collecting.
A lifelong animal lover, his childhood fascination with an angelfish sparked a deep connection with nature. This love extended to his teenage years, when he worked at a pet shop and later became an advocate for wildlife causes.
Life Today
Now retired, Gary splits his time between promoting wildlife causes and traveling. His love for nature earned him the nickname “The Birdman of Malibu,” thanks to the bird sanctuary he maintained in his California home.
Gary remains close with his former MASH* castmates and has collaborated with them on projects like the Clear + Vivid podcast with Alan Alda. As of 2022, rumors of his death were debunked, confirming that Gary is alive and well.
Facts:
- Net Worth: Gary Burghoff has an estimated net worth of $6 million.
- Career Start: His career began in the 1960s with the role of Charlie Brown in the off-Broadway production You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
- Famous Role: Best known as Radar O’Reilly in the film MASH and the subsequent TV series.
- Awards: He earned six Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Radar O’Reilly.
- Artist: Gary is a self-taught wildlife painter, gaining recognition for his works depicting California’s wildlife.
- Author: He wrote an autobiography titled To MASH and Back: My Life in Poems and Songs.
- Inventions: Invented a fishing device called “Chum Magic.”
- Personal Life: Married twice—first to Janet Gayle (1971–1979) and then to Elisabeth Bostrom (1985–2005)—and has three children.
- Physical Attributes: Gary stands 5ft 5ins (1.65m) tall and weighs approximately 145lbs (66kg).
- Animal Lover: Known as “The Birdman of Malibu” for maintaining a bird sanctuary at his home.
Summary:
Gary Burghoff, an Emmy-winning actor, achieved fame as Radar O’Reilly in MASH. His net worth of $6 million stems from a multifaceted career in acting, music, painting, and writing. Overcoming challenges like brachydactyly, Gary shone as a drummer and actor from an early age. Beyond acting, he explored wildlife painting, authored a memoir, and invented a fishing device. Despite personal challenges, including two divorces, Gary remains a devoted family man and nature enthusiast. Now retired, he focuses on wildlife advocacy and maintains close ties with his former co-stars.
FAQs:
1. What is Gary Burghoff’s net worth?
Gary Burghoff’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million.
2. What role made Gary Burghoff famous?
Gary is best known for playing Radar O’Reilly in the MASH film and TV series.
3. Did Gary Burghoff win any awards for his role in MASH?
Yes, he won six Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Radar O’Reilly.
4. Why did Gary Burghoff leave MASH?
Gary left MASH to spend more time with his family.
5. What are Gary Burghoff’s other talents?
Gary is a skilled drummer, wildlife painter, and songwriter. He also invented a fishing device called “Chum Magic.”
6. What is Gary Burghoff’s autobiography called?
His autobiography is titled To MASH and Back: My Life in Poems and Songs.
7. Was Gary Burghoff married?
Yes, he was married twice—first to Janet Gayle and later to Elisabeth Bostrom.
8. How many children does Gary Burghoff have?
He has three children: a daughter, Gena Gale Burghoff, and two sons, Jordan and Miles.
9. Is Gary Burghoff still alive?
Yes, Gary Burghoff is alive and well.
10. What is Gary Burghoff doing now?
Now retired, Gary focuses on wildlife advocacy, traveling, and maintaining close ties with his former co-stars.
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