William Christopher
| William Christopher | |
|---|---|
Christopher as Father Mulcahy in M*A*S*H
|
|
| Born | October 20, 1932 Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | December 31, 2016 (aged 84) Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1965–2012 |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara O'Conner |
| Children | 2 |
William Christopher (October 20, 1932 – December 31, 2016) was an American actor, best known for playing Father Mulcahy on the television series M*A*S*H and Private Lester Hummel on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Early life[edit]
Christopher was born in Evanston, Illinois, in a family believed to be descendants of Paul Revere.[1] He spent his youth in several of Chicago's northern surburbs,[2] including Winnetka, Illinois, where he attended New Trier High School.[2] Christopher graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, with a B.A. in drama, focusing on Greek literature.[1][3] While at college, he participated in fencing, soccer, and the glee club, and was initiated as a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.[4]
Christopher met his future wife, Barbara, on a blind date. They married in 1957 and the couple adopted two sons, John and Ned.[1]
Career[edit]
Christopher moved to New York and appeared in a variety of regional productions and later a number of Off-Broadway productions such as The Hostage at One Sheridan Square. His Broadway debut came in Beyond the Fringe, a British revue, acting alongside Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.[5][1]
Christopher left New York City for Hollywood to attempt to gain work in television where he guest-starred in several well-known series, including The Andy Griffith Show, Death Valley Days, The Patty Duke Show, The Men from Shiloh and Good Times (he portrayed the military doctor examining J. J. Evans). Christopher had recurring roles on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., That Girl, and Hogan's Heroes. He made several guest appearances on The Love Boat. In 1972 Christopher gained the role of Father Mulcahy in the television series M*A*S*H when the actor who was first cast in the role, George Morgan, was replaced after a single appearance in the pilot episode.[5] Immediately following M*A*S*H, Christopher continued the role for the two seasons of the short-lived spin-off, AfterMASH.[1]
In feature films, Christopher performed in The Fortune Cookie, The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell, The Shakiest Gun in the West, With Six You Get Eggroll, and Hearts of the West.[1] He had parts in telefilms including The Movie Maker, The Perils of Pauline, and For the Love of It. With Six You Get Eggroll is notable for fans of M*A*S*H as Jamie Farr appears along with Christopher five years before the show, both playing hippies.[1]
Christopher appeared in various television series, including Murder, She Wrote and Hogan's Heroes (season 3, episode 21). In 1998 he guest-starred in an episode of Mad About You.[1] He also remained active in the theater, including a tour of the United States in the mid 1990s with Jamie Farr performing Neil Simon's The Odd Couple on stage.[1] In 2008–09, he toured with Church Basement Ladies.[6]
Charity work[edit]
Christopher, whose son Ned has autism, devoted much of his spare time to the National Autistic Society, doing public service announcements to bring attention to autism. In 1985, he and his wife, Barbara, wrote Mixed Blessings, a book about their experiences in raising Ned.[5]
Death[edit]
Christopher died at his home on December 31, 2016, in Pasadena, California. According to his son, John Christopher, the 84-year old actor died as the result of small-cell carcinoma.[7][8]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "William Christopher – Biography". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ^ a b Hendrickson, Matthew (December 31, 2016). "'MASH' actor, Evanston native William Christopher dead at 84". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ^ Carcamo, Cindy (December 31, 2016). "William Christopher, Father Mulcahy on 'MASH,' dies at 84". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ^ "Honoring the Sigma Chi Fraternity on the occasion of its 150th anniversary". Congressional Record. June 22, 2005. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ^ a b c Littleton, Cynthia (December 31, 2016). "'M*A*S*H' Star William Christopher Dies at 84". Variety. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ^ "Church Basement Ladies Tour 2008". Troupeamerica.com. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
- ^ "William Christopher, Father Mulcahy on 'MASH,' dies at 84". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved 2017-01-01.
- ^ Dunham, Will (December 31, 2016). "Actor William Christopher, M*A*S*H chaplain, dead at 84". Reuters.
