
The hit 1972 sitcom “M*A*S*H” introduced the world to a number of memorable and beloved characters, from the smart-mouthed yet compassionate Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce to his endearing friend, Captain B.J. Hunnicutt. Almost every character had stuck in the minds of the fans.
One of the characters that often featured but was easily overlooked by his military counterparts due to his nervous nature was the 4077 MASH unit’s company clerk, Corporal Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly. Although many of the staff on the base tended to take Radar’s effort for granted, the fans sure noticed him.
Radar was portrayed by the acclaimed actor Gary Burghoff from the start of the TV show in 1972 until the seventh season, which aired in 1979. Although fans clamored for more of the unassuming clerk, Burghoff revealed that he needed to step away from the show to rekindle his personal relationships and fight burnout.
“M*A*S*H’s” Influence and Burghoff’s Personal Identity
Although Burghoff enjoyed playing Radar, the role became increasingly demanding. The actor commented that it became difficult to separate himself from his character in the eyes of the public, which soon became tedious. He also noted that he despised being fawned over by the crowds:
“Aw, I know I’m cute. Cute, cute, CUTE! I was always cute because I was always the smallest kid on the block. I hate cute.”
Everyone saw Burghoff as an adorable, short, timid character as they’d known him on-screen and on the stage for many years. However, after years of being looked down upon, both metaphorically and physically speaking, Burghoff grew tired of the persona so easily attributed to him by scores of people he had never even met.
The actor lashed out against this view of him as a cute little fellow by defending his height. As he so rightly pointed out, 5 feet 6 inches isn’t irregularly short, and he would have seen the tops of Arte Johnson or Mickey Rooney’s heads had they ever met. Nonetheless, the persona stuck.
Luckily for all his fans, Burghoff didn’t let his disability stand in his way, and he pursued his dream of becoming an actor.
Despite his misgivings about how others perceived him, Burghoff’s fellow cast members adored him. The director Charles Dubin recalled working with Burghoff before he left “M*A*S*H,” noting how caring and pleasant Burghoff was to everyone on set. However, Burghoff had another aspect of himself that drove down his self-esteem.
Burghoff had been born with a congenital disability called Brachydactyly, a form of Poland Syndrome. The condition left the actor with three fingers on his left hand that were noticeably smaller than the rest of his digits, and the abnormality had plagued him since he was a small child. The actor commented:
“Of course, this defect affected me while I was growing up. I suppose when I was very young, I knew my disability would set me apart and make me special.”
Luckily for all his fans, Burghoff didn’t let his disability stand in his way, and he pursued his dream of becoming an actor. Yet, becoming a fan-favorite on one of the most iconic TV shows America had ever produced never managed to quell his insecurities about his stout fingers and stocky frame.
Throughout his run on “M*A*S*H,” Burghoff tried to hide his left hand from the camera. He would often position himself so that the camera could only see one side of his body and usually gestured with his right if the scene required it, although the actor would be obligated to use both hands now and again.
In one of the earliest episodes, viewers were introduced to Radar as he stood in an open area, wearing a greyish shirt and his trademark cap. As the actor turned around and looked at the sky — once again hearing approaching helicopters before everyone else — the camera briefly panned over both his hands holding a football.
When Colonel Sherman T. Potter first made his appearance on the show, taking over from the beloved Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake, Radar and the new commander shared a scene where they first met. As Colonel Potter exited the room to find the latrines, the camera centered on Burghoff’s upper body as he opened a box with both hands.
Another infamous scene caught Burghoff with both hands on camera. During a regular morning salute, with the loathsome Major Frank Burns leading the ceremony, Radar does his usual morning salute with a bugle. In a hilarious twist, one of the men fires off the ceremonial canon at Burns’s behest.
Naturally, Radar gets the short end of the stick as the cannonball flies directly at him, knocking his instrument clean out of his hands. In the next few seconds, Burghoff turns toward the camera in a pantomime of rage, balling his fists and stomping in outrage. Here, both his hands can be seen for a brief second.
In one of the later episodes, the writers showed off Radar’s softer side when he cuddled his pet guinea pig, Babette. Naturally, Radar stood with his left hand beneath his right, but just as he started to sing, Father John Mulcahy called for him. Burghoff’s hands were visible again as he put the Babette away.
One of the scenes where Burghoff openly showed his left hand came as part of another gag the show pulled. At the start of the scene, Radar could be seen walking across a dirt road while two other military personnel walked away from the camera. The man on Radar’s right first lifted his hand in salute, followed shortly by one on the left.
Radar, the pleasant character he was, lifted his right hand in response to the first salute, as military etiquette dictates. Caught off guard by the quick second salute, Radar lifted his left hand as well, essentially performing a double salute. Feeling sheepish, he frowned and lowered his hands slowly in one of Burghoff’s classic displays of confusion.
Blue Ivy, 12, Stuns in a ‘Gilded and Glamorous’ Gown Alongside Mom Beyoncé at the ‘Mufasa’ Premiere
Blue Ivy Carter Shines at Mufasa: The Lion King Premiere in Gilded Elegance
At just 12 years old, Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of global superstars Beyoncé and Jay-Z, is stepping into her spotlight with grace and style. The young star captivated fans at the Hollywood premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King, showcasing her growing confidence, elegance, and undeniable star power.
A Golden Red Carpet Moment The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood served as the perfect backdrop for Blue Ivy’s show-stopping appearance. Dressed in a stunning metallic gold gown by renowned designer Christian Siriano, she exuded poise and sophistication. The gown featured a heart-shaped neckline and a flowing skirt, striking a balance between youthful charm and red-carpet glamour.

Designer Christian Siriano expressed his admiration on Instagram, writing, “The Stunninggggg #BLUEIVYCARTER in custom Siriano tonight looking more gilded and glamorous than ever!” Her look was completed with minimal yet elegant accessories, including gold earrings and delicate rings. Makeup artist Sir John enhanced her natural beauty with shimmering gold eyeshadow, a rosy blush, and a bold red lip.
Beyoncé’s Proud Tribute Proud mom Beyoncé took to social media to celebrate her daughter’s milestone moment, sharing heartfelt words: “My beautiful baby girl. This is your night. You put in so much effort and did an incredible job as the voice of Kiara. Your family is so proud of you. Keep shining bright!”
The touching message resonated with fans, with many noting the rare length and personal nature of Beyoncé’s caption. Her makeup artist, Sir John, added, “Look at the BABYYYYYYY oh my goodness 🥹.”
A Family Affair on the Red Carpet The evening was a family celebration, with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandmother Tina Knowles joining Blue Ivy for her big night. Beyoncé dazzled in a strapless gold Balmain gown, perfectly complementing her daughter’s outfit, while Jay-Z looked sharp in a chocolate brown suit. The family’s united front emphasized the significance of the moment in Blue Ivy’s blossoming career.

From Stage to Screen: Blue Ivy’s Journey Blue Ivy’s talent has been evident for years. Her performances during Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour in 2023 showcased her confidence and stage presence as she danced to “My Power.” Now, she’s taking her skills to the screen, voicing Kiara, the daughter of Queen Nala, in Mufasa: The Lion King.
The role marks a new milestone for Blue Ivy as she steps into the world of voice acting, bringing depth and emotion to a beloved Disney universe. Her portrayal bridges generations, continuing the legacy her mother helped establish in the 2019 adaptation of The Lion King.
A Tradition of Iconic Style This isn’t the first time Blue Ivy and Beyoncé have made fashion history together. Their gold ensembles at the Mufasa premiere echoed their iconic matching Alexander McQueen looks at the 2019 Lion King premiere, where they donned coordinating black-and-silver blazers and sparkling tulle skirts.
A Star on the Rise Born into music royalty in 2012, Blue Ivy has already achieved remarkable milestones, including a Grammy Award for her contributions to “Brown Skin Girl.” With younger siblings Rumi and Sir by her side, she continues to grow into her own identity while honoring her family’s powerful legacy.
Looking Ahead With Mufasa: The Lion King set to premiere on December 20, anticipation is building for Blue Ivy’s performance as Kiara. Whether she pursues acting, music, or another creative path, one thing is certain: Blue Ivy Carter is a star on the rise, and the world is eagerly watching her journey.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead Blue Ivy’s radiant presence at the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere marks a significant moment in her young career. From her breathtaking gold gown to her heartfelt role in the film, she’s proving herself as more than just the daughter of two legends—she’s an emerging icon in her own right.
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