It remains a cultural juggernaut that blended the visceral horrors of war with the absurdity of bureaucracy, leaving an indelible mark on global television history. For many, the distinct hum of helicopter blades signaling the start of M*A*S*H is a sound that defined an era of evening entertainment.

But as the years march on, the ranks of the fictional 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital are thinning. Today, only a select group of the original ensemble remains to tell the stories of the show that ran from 1972 to 1983—a series that resonated just as deeply in Nairobi living rooms during reruns as it did in the United States.

The Captain: Alan Alda

At the center of the survival list is Alan Alda, the man who brought the acerbic, brilliant Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce to life. Born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo in Manhattan, Alda’s influence on the series was total; beyond his on-screen role, he wrote and directed numerous episodes, shaping the show's unique voice.

Now approaching his 90s, Alda remains a force in the industry. While many of his peers have retired, reports confirm he is still active in film and advocacy. His career, spanning seven decades, serves as a bridge between the golden age of television and modern cinema.

Radar’s Resilience: Gary Burghoff

Gary Burghoff, known globally as the clairvoyant company clerk "Radar" O'Reilly, holds a unique distinction in the franchise's history. He is the only actor who originated the role in the 1970 film and carried it over to the television series.

A native of Bristol, Connecticut, Burghoff’s talents extended beyond acting; he was a trained tap dancer and drummer, skills occasionally showcased during the series. Though he left the show before its conclusion, his portrayal of the innocent, efficient clerk remains one of TV's most enduring character archetypes.

The Remaining Roster

Beyond the headliners, a vital group of cast members continues to represent the show's legacy. These actors provided the critical support that made the ensemble cast work so effectively:

• Jamie Farr: Famous for his role as the dress-wearing Corporal Klinger, whose attempts to get a psychiatric discharge became a running gag that evolved into a character of genuine depth.
• Mike Farrell: Who stepped in as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, providing the moral compass to Alda’s Hawkeye in the show's later seasons.
• Rosalind Chao: Who played Soon-Lee, bringing a crucial local perspective to the narrative near the series' end.
• Jeff Maxwell & Odessa Cleveland: Who played Igor Straminsky and Lieutenant Ginger Bayliss, respectively, fleshing out the world of the 4077th.

As time passes, the work of these actors serves as a digital monument to a specific moment in history—a time when comedy was used to process the tragedy of conflict. For the viewer, their continued presence is a reminder of the enduring power of well-told stories.