Nobody—not a single soul—could have foreseen that the son of a grocer from Toledo, Ohio, would one day become an international sensation simply by wearing dresses and flowered hats. Yet that’s exactly what happened to Jamie Farr, originally named Jameel Farah, whose unforgettable performance as Corporal Klinger on the beloved television show M*A*S*H made him a household name. For eleven memorable years, from 1972 to 1983 on CBS, Jamie Farr brought to life a character who defied convention by constantly trying to get discharged from the army by dressing in women’s clothing.
There was something undeniably funny and charming about this cigar-smoking, bowlegged man in high heels. But beyond the humor, Jamie Farr infused the character with a surprising emotional depth that offered a light-hearted contrast to the grim realities of war. Offscreen, Jamie was just as vibrant and personable as the character he played. Whether he was in the middle of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, making jokes with his fellow cast members, appearing on a game show, or hosting a golf tournament, Jamie Farr always seemed to be enjoying life to the fullest.
And as it turns out, he really was. Jamie Farr lived every moment with joy and enthusiasm, and he often encouraged others to do the same.
Jamie Farr’s most acclaimed film is Heavy Traffic (1973), which stands out as his highest-rated performance. On the other hand, his role in Cannonball Run II (1984) is often regarded as his least favorably reviewed work.