Just Farr Fun

by Jamie Farr, Robert Blair Kaiser (Collaborator)

To much of the world, Jamie Farr will always be Corporal Maxwell Klinger, forever trying (and failing) to get a Section 8 discharge from the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital - more often know as M*A*S*H. M*A*S*H was more than just a TV show. It entertained people, and it also tried to say something- that people count, that life is sacred, and that war is stupid. Summing up 50 years of television history, TV Guide's editor's declared M*A*S*H the best sitcom in history. It's final episode, a 2 1/2 hour special on February 28th 1983, turned out to be the highest-rated show in TV history, with 125,000,000 views. People still watch M*A*S*H reruns in fact. Jamie Farr, born of Lebanese immigrant parents in Toledo, learned to live with Klinger and make Klinger's comic character work for him. When he didn't get cast in Hollywood because of his the public's identification with the characters in M*A*S*H, he worked on stage all over the US and Canada. This book is a memoir of his acting and Broadway career.

Genres: Memoir, Biography

344 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1994

Reviews

[Miles Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a breezy and entertaining autobiography by Jamie Farr, best known as the cross-dressing Corporal Klinger on "M*A*S*H." As it happens, Farr has had a much larger career, going back to the 1950s, and is actually a veteran of the Golden Age of Hollywood, when he worked and studied alongside up-and-comers like Robert Blake, Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood, and for such luminaries as Red Skelton, Danny Kaye and Cecil B. DeMille. Like most acting memoirs, this story is full of rejection and discouragement -- failing to get parts, being humiliated by more famous actors, extended periods of unemployment, etc. -- but Farr is an upbeat fellow and so are his memories: his positive attitude is so unlike that of most actors that it makes the book worth reading by itself. I had to penalize it a star because sometimes Farr is just too damned diplomatic -- he dishes a little on the jerks he met (Joey Bishop, Hugh Hefner, Johnny Carson, etc.), but I get the feeling that he had a lot more to say about some people, but just didn't want to say it. I took another star because for some reason, either editorial or because Jamie wanted it that way, he makes no mention whatsoever of the two years he spent on the M*A*S*H spin-off AfterM*A*S*H. This would have been excusable had he not gone into minute detail about every other aspect of his acting career, including regional commercials, off-Broadway theater and bit parts in TV shows and movies. It's a glaring omission. But aside from that, I enjoyed the book and while it's a bit superficial, it's a fast fun read and gives some insight into a man who genuinely enjoys making other people laugh.

[John Peel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Farr is best known for playing Corporal Klinger on "M*A*S*H", but he's been around for a lot more than that. He tells stories well (mostly funny, but some touching)of his life and career that are impossible to resist. Mind you, he does get a few wrong - he seems to think that Ralph Bellamy played the Wolfman in Universal's monster movies (it was Lon Chaney). But you'll still laugh at the story! Tremendous fun.

[Michael Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read-Jamie is a delightful person grateful for everyday in the entertainment business. I am grateful to read such a fun book!

[Kristin Rounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a M*A*S*H fan, you will LOVE this book!

[tyRonE hArDing · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written. Farr comes off very stuckup.

[Claire Keck · Rating 3 out of 5]

He’s not what I expected from Klinger tbh

[Michele Pfrogner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Farr is an "actor's actor:" professional, prepared, hard-working, confident (but nice!). I would have enjoyed hearing even more stories about MASH, some discussion of After MASH, and other "younger" actors (like Jerry Zaks), whom Farr helped and influenced. He gives much credit to those, like Red Skelton, who helped him: how did he return the "favor?" Also, there were many typos--editors need to do their jobs! I did appreciate the author's comments about being "politically correct" affecting humor--and this book was published in 1994! He admits that a lot of jokes/routines/skits from years ago would receive much criticism "today." We just can't laugh at ourselves anymore.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one thinks of Jamie Farr, the first thing that comes to mind is Corporal Maxell Klinger from the series M*A*S*H....but this is only part of a long life of acting opportunities hes had...for anyone who saw the Cannonball Run (Burt Reynolds movies) Jamie was in one of those...and for those fans of the Red Skelton show, Jamie also appeared in that timeless classic.

Jamie talks of his rise to fame from his beginnings in Toledo, Ohio and the stops he made along the way. He also talks some about his faith and thats no more evident in his devotion to St. Jude (theres even a dedication to and Prayer to St. Jude at the end of the book).

For anyone looking for a feel-good famous star story, this is a great book to check out!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shares the story of the life and times of Jameel Farah, a.k.a. Jamie Farr, a.k.a. Klinger from the M*A*S*H television series. There is a lot of writing about his many different experiences during his career, many of which caused me to fall out of my chair laughing. He also devotes a few chapters to the magic that was M*A*S*H. In general, this is a fun and lesser known book!

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard that Jamie Farr was only to be on Mash one time but the ratings went through the roof and they kept him. He made sometimes a serious show so funny. I loved all his lame excuses to get out of the army, him trying to escape on a kite with pink bunny slippers, and all the crazy costumes he wore, and all the crazy deals he made.

[Richard E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, very interesting background story. lots of history of the industry.

[Hadel Ma'ayeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, my cousin so love the book. ;-)

[Ruthie Sellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I never expected the person to be so much like is character on M*A*S*H! this was lighthearted, fun, and a peek into old school Hollywood.