Judy Farrell, Star Of MASH, Dead At 84
MASH star Judy Farrell passed away at 84 following a stroke.
Judy Farrell, best known for her role as Nurse Able on the popular comedy series MASH, has died at the age of 84. The actress passed away at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center on April 2. Her son, Michael, told The Hollywood Reporter that his mom succumbed to complications from a stroke she suffered a few days earlier.
Born in Quapaw, Oklahoma, on May 11, 1938, Judy Farrell had a passion for acting from a young age. She earned a fine arts degree in theater from Oklahoma State University and moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. The actress taught high school English and married Mike Farrell in 1963. While raising their two children, the couple also performed together at the Laguna Playhouse.
But they eventually divorced in the early 1980s. Elements of her marriage to Mike Farrell were incorporated into MASH. In an episode titled “The Colonel’s Horse,” Mike’s character B.J. Hunnicutt said his wife Peg (played by Catherine Bergstrom) was from Judy Farrell’s hometown of Quapaw.
Their fictional couple’s daughter’s name in the series was also Erin, as a nod to his real-life child.
Judy Farrell appeared in eight episodes of MASH from 1976 to 1983. She made her debut in the comedy in a 1976 installment called “Out of Sight, Out of Mind.” During the episode, Hawkeye (played by the talented Alan Alda) tries to fix a gas stove in the nurses’ tent, but he accidentally blows it up and is temporarily blinded by the accident.
MASH aired on CBS for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983. The show was based on the 1970 movie of the same name by director Robert Altman. The series was developed by Larry Gelbart as a spin-off from the feature film, which itself was based on Richard Hooker’s 1968 novel.
Set during the Korean War, the story follows the staff of an Army hospital that uses laughter to deal with their situation.
Billed as a black comedy, MASH was known for its strong anti-war stance during a tumultuous time in American history. The show spoke for the many people disillusioned with the Vietnam War and its surrounding political climate. The Judy and Mike Farrell series enjoyed excellent ratings and critical acclaim, with its final episode drawing one of the largest audiences in television history.
Judy Farrell’s acting career also included minor roles in several television series like Quincy M.E. and Fame. She appeared in big-screen films like J.W. Coop in 1971, Chapter Two in 1979, and 2006’s Long-Term Relationship. She also wrote several episodes of the soap opera General Hospital and 13 episodes for its spin-off Port Charles.
She is survived by her second husband, Joe Bratcher, along with her children, Michael and Erin. Judy Farrell will be remembered as a loving mother and entertainer. Her legacy in Hollywood will live on through her performances and the impact she had on those who worked with her. Messages of support from her colleagues have been seen across social media since her passing.
