Gary Burghoff: To M*A*S*H and Back

by Gary Burghoff, Larry Gelbart (Foreword)

To millions of faithful television viewers, Gary Burghoff will always be Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, the lovable telepathic assistant to Colonel Potter on M*A*S*H. But the man behind the bespectacled TV Land icon is a true Renaissance man. He's a classically trained stage actor, a jazz musician, an environmentalist, a poet, a songwriter, an inventor, a wildlife artist, and now - a writer. In this intensely personal memoir, the author takes you on his journey from his family's home in Wisconsin to his successful carreer on the New York stage, from the Hollywood film version of M*A*S*H to the hit television show, from the challenges of married life to the rewards of single fatherhood. Often funny, occationally poignant and always honest, To M*A*S*H and Back is an account you will long remember.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

244 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2009

Reviews

[Claire Keck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand why his coworkers on MASH hated his guts now

[Matthew McDonough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this wonderful little memoir far more than I expected to; I guess I just didn't know that much about the person behind the character. I do now, and I'm so very happy I took the chance on reading this book.

[Penny Peck · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only actor to appear in both the film and TV versions of "MASH" as the same character, Burghoff's memoir is entertaining, describing his youth, Broadway experience, work in Hollywood, and choice to work just on stage and not on film or TV anymore. He also talks about his religious outlook and work with animals. The writing is engaging and he is frank about his own flaws; unfortunately, the section on the TV series is brief in comparison to the other chapters, yet that is a major aspect of his career. Maybe he didn't have too many stories to tell - at least he doesn't bash his fellow actors. An interesting look at a famous, successful actor who chose to step away from the limelight.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book and it was one of the few books that I actually bought because I love Gary's portrayal of Radar. There are some touching and very funny moments in this memoir but unfortunately it dragged so much that I stopped at around Ch 13. I did enjoy most of what I had read up until that point but honestly I was afraid to read anything more so as not to "shatter" my image of such a beloved character. The pictures included were really nice and overall the book is ok. Just not for me.

[Ray Daley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't expect to learn ANYTHING about his time on the show MASH here. Gary mentions it in passing a few times, there's no detail about it at all, which considering it made him famous is truly a disappointment.

Don't buy this.

Do not recommend.

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was entertaining to read about Gary's life and career. Then he swerved into Jehova Witness and Christianity and all that. That didn't really belong in the book.

[Martha C.Rankhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

It was wonderful to get to know a beloved actor as more than the character he played. Learning of his spiritual journey is familiar to a fellow Christian, though not an Adventist. I'm more impressed now than I was. Thank you, Mr. Burgoff for reminding me that I don't have to do it alone.

[Graceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Burghoff goes back through his life and faces some truths about himself that could not have been easy to admit. In this short memoir, the man who has done many things, but who will always be remembered as M*A*S*H's beloved Radar, tells us about his insecurities during childhood, his dream of making it big, and then the blessings that flowed his way.

Family and Faith are paramount in Gary Burghoff's life, and you will read about both, especially the latter, in great detail. He's had good times and lean times, but he's clearly learned from the journey. So many don't, so this by itself makes him unusual, and reading his memories is a welcome experience.

[Carrie]

I never liked M A S H, but I loved this book. Gary Burghoff is a fascinating man, and he has lived a fascinating life. I loved reading about his journey to God. We all have to discover God for ourselves, and his beliefs are so universal. We are all our father's creations, and we all remember home.

[rabbitprincess]

Yay Radar! This looks like an interesting book.

[Andy Bamford · Rating 5 out of 5]

much more than I expected. as a big MASH fan I'm working my way through the autobiographies but Gary presented so much more then a view into his acting life. I recommend highly.