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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘M.A.S.H.’ star William Christopher dies at 84

In this Sept. 15, 1982, file photo, cast members of the television series “M.A.S.H.,” from left, William Christopher, Harry Morgan, Mike Farrell, Alan Alda and Jamie Farr, take a break on the set during taping in Los Angeles. Christopher died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016. (WALLY FONG / Associated Press)
Associated Press

“M.A.S.H.” star William Christopher has died. He was 84.

Christopher’s agent, Robert Malcom, said the actor died at 5:10 a.m. Saturday at his home in Pasadena, California. He tells the Associated Press that Christopher’s wife said her husband died peacefully.

Malcom said Christopher was diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago and had been in hospice since the beginning of the week.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his two sons.

Christopher is best known for the role of Father Francis Mulcahy on “M.A.S.H.,” the 1970s TV show set during the Korean War.

“Everyone adored him,” said fellow “M.A.S.H.” actor Loretta Swit. “A great sense of humor and a great humanitarian. He became TV’s quintessential padre as Father Mulcahy on M.A.S.H. It was the most perfect casting ever known.”