When MASH* fans think of unforgettable exits, Radar O’Reilly’s farewell easily ranks among the most emotional moments in TV history. But what many people don’t know is that this tearful send-off almost went terribly wrong — because actor Gary Burghoff originally insisted on doing it his way.

During the show’s eighth season, Radar’s storyline was written to send him home after a family tragedy — his Uncle Ed’s death left his mother alone in Iowa. Within the 4077th, it was a quiet, human decision: Colonel Potter allowed Radar to go back to help his family.
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