“MASH” had its fair share of behind-the-scenes secrets. McLean Stevenson originally wanted to play Hawkeye, while Wayne Rogers, who played Trapper John, never signed a contract. The character of Clinger was initially meant to be homosexual. The laughter track was toned down to match the show’s serious subject matter.
The series lasted 11 years, longer than the actual Korean War. Alan Alda directed 31 episodes and won awards for writing, directing, and acting. Loretta Swit appeared in all but 11 episodes. The show buried a time capsule, later found by a construction worker. Alda named a minor character after his real-life daughter. Despite its success, there were spin-offs, like “WALTER,” about Radar O’Reilly.