Biographie

In the later years of M.A.S.H. (1972), especially after he took on the role of company clerk when "Radar" (Gary Burghoff) left, he stopped his recurring gag of wearing women's clothes because he didn't want his children being teased about it growing up.

His M.A.S.H. (1972) character was originally only supposed to be on one episode, but he proved so popular that he returned as a day player, and was finally given a contract in the third season.

Was one of two cast members of the original M.A.S.H. (1972) television cast to have actually served in the armed forces in Korea; Farr's tour of duty came in the years after the war. Alan Alda served a six-month tour as a gunnery officer in Korea. In addition, the dog tags Farr wore on the M.A.S.H. (1972) set were actually his issued set from his time in the army. Drafted in 1957, he underwent basic training at Fort Ord in California, as part of the 6th Infantry Division. Following basic training, he was sent to Queens, N.Y., to make training films.

Graduated from Woodward High School with honors and was named most outstanding student. In addition to writing and acting in two variety shows, he was a member of the Drama Society, class president for three years, feature editor of the school newspaper, president of the radio class, manager of the football and basketball teams and a member of the varsity tennis team.

Thought at first the women's wardrobe in his dressing room meant he would be sharing the room with a woman, but was surprised to learn otherwise. Not wanting to play a cross-dresser in the typical girlish way, he suggested to the producers that his character be manly, but crazy, thinking his clothes and other quirks were normal. The unusual spin worked.

The benefits from stardom as Klinger outweigh any setbacks. It's a double-edged sword. What makes you famous is what interferes with getting other roles. But there are things that never would have happened without M.A.S.H. (1972). There certainly would be no Jamie Farr Kroger Golf Classic.

[on playing himself with Rodney Dangerfield in a special] I gave a line reading, and he turned to me and said, "No, you wouldn't say it that way".

[on doing theater] When you leave the theater, you didn't see Klinger, you saw George Burns or you saw Applegate.

[on life after M.A.S.H. (1972)] It's a difficult thing to overcome, but I've been quite fortunate. I haven't been out of work, literally since "M*A*S*H" went out of production.

[on the death of his professional on- and off-screen chemistry with Harry Morgan, who played Col. Sherman Potter]: Harry was very special to all of us cast members. Not only was he a wonderful performer that made such a difference ... he was a dear friend to every cast member. He was absolutely a pixie, a gremlin as mischievous as all get out. You couldn't be around Harry for very long without wanting to embrace him and I think our Lord will feel the same way.