This final day in 2016
December 31, 2016 7:15 PM   Subscribe

Father Mulcahy ---William Christopher, the actor best known for playing Fr. Francis Mulcahy on the smash sitcom “MASH,” has died, CBS Los Angeles reports. He was 84.

Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1932, Christopher got his start as a stage actor in the 1950s before moving into television and film. Christopher held a variety of guest roles on many 1960s shows including The Andy Griffith Show, The Patty Duke Show, and The Men from Shiloh; he would also land recurring roles on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. – as Private Lester Hummel-, That Girl and Hogan’s Heroes.

Christopher landed his most famous role in 1972, replacing the actor who portrayed Father Mulcahy in the M.A.S.H. pilot. He would remain a series mainstay throughout the show’s 11 season run, and would reprise the character on the short-lived M.A.S.H. spinoff AfterMASH.

Christopher also held guest roles on shows such as The Love Boat, Good Times, Murder, She Wrote, and Mad About You among many others.

Christopher, whose son, Ned, is autistic, was an advocate for people with autism, devoting time to the National Autistic Society and recording public service announcements.
posted by shockingbluamp (87 comments total) 13 users marked this as a favorite
 
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posted by hippybear at 7:19 PM on December 31, 2016 [1 favorite]


The Reaper has turned on the ckergy now -- is no one safe?!

Because honestly, I could never think of him as anything other than an army chaplain, and he felt "branded" to a greater degree than other actor from that show.)
posted by wenestvedt at 7:21 PM on December 31, 2016 [2 favorites]


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posted by drezdn at 7:21 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 7:28 PM on December 31, 2016


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a marvelous character played by a man with integrity.
posted by bluesky43 at 7:29 PM on December 31, 2016 [7 favorites]


Ken Levine, who was a writer/producer on M*A*S*H, wrote a little obit post, in which he quoted Bill Christopher as Father Mulcahy with what he considered "the single greatest moment of M*A*S*H":
When the doctors cut into a patient and it's cold, you know the way it is now, today steam rises from the body and the doctor will will warm himself over the open wound. Could anyone look on that and not feel changed?
Talk about being the soul of the show...

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posted by oneswellfoop at 7:32 PM on December 31, 2016 [35 favorites]


Godspeed, padre.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:36 PM on December 31, 2016 [6 favorites]


Jocularity.

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posted by Melismata at 7:36 PM on December 31, 2016 [23 favorites]


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We watched that show every night while I was growing up. Often 3 times a night. We had a rule: we considered it a "new" episode if we hadn't seen it 3 times.

Godspeed, Father.
posted by greermahoney at 7:38 PM on December 31, 2016 [4 favorites]


Aww; I loved Father Mulchahey. He was a classic character. So funny and so humane.
posted by GospelofWesleyWillis at 7:39 PM on December 31, 2016 [2 favorites]


“Remember what the good book says: Love thy neighbor, or I'll punch your lights out!”

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posted by Fizz at 7:40 PM on December 31, 2016 [9 favorites]


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posted by drnick at 7:45 PM on December 31, 2016


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Goodnight padre.
posted by pt68 at 7:45 PM on December 31, 2016


"The meek may inherit the Earth but it's the grumpy who get promoted" - Father Mulchay
posted by pipoquinha at 7:48 PM on December 31, 2016 [6 favorites]


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posted by MrVisible at 7:48 PM on December 31, 2016


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(fuck, this one hurts. About like when Mr Rogers shuffled off)
posted by bartonlong at 7:52 PM on December 31, 2016 [3 favorites]


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posted by pointystick at 7:53 PM on December 31, 2016


"M*A*S*H: Dear Sis (#7.14)" (1978)
Radar: [Father Mulcahy is about to bless Radar's cow in Iowa over the phone] Do you think you can do it in Methodist?
Father Francis Mulcahy: I'm a piano player, Radar. I'll transpose.

"M*A*S*H: The More I See You (#4.22)" (1976)
Father Francis Mulcahy: I'd like your permission to return these, sir. Quartermaster sent us a gross of new bibles, and there seem to be quite a number of typographical errors.
Colonel Sherman T. Potter: Oh?
Father Francis Mulcahy: Uh, here's the first one. "Thou shalt commit adultery."
Colonel Sherman T. Potter: [Grinning] Well, that's the new army, Father.
Father Francis Mulcahy: Well, let's hope it's a typo. These lads are trained to take orders.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 7:54 PM on December 31, 2016 [15 favorites]


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posted by lalochezia at 7:58 PM on December 31, 2016


✚*✝
posted by radwolf76 at 7:59 PM on December 31, 2016 [1 favorite]


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posted by jbenben at 8:01 PM on December 31, 2016


You know bartonlong I was just processing this and it didn't take long for me to realize that this feels exactly like I felt when I heard about Mr. Rodgers and Jim Henson passing. I think it's that each of these people struck me as individuals with true and honest souls. I know that the difference is that William Christopher was an actor playing a sweet-natured man but his portrayal was so true, so honest, I will forever be convinced that he simply filled the role with himself.
posted by pipoquinha at 8:03 PM on December 31, 2016 [13 favorites]


As a side note, the little scene above with the bible promoting adultery is based on a real bible.

As to my memories of MASH, he was one character that stood out above the humor and the fray.

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posted by njohnson23 at 8:03 PM on December 31, 2016 [2 favorites]


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posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:04 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by BlueHorse at 8:05 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by TedW at 8:05 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by carter at 8:06 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by Emily's Fist at 8:07 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 8:08 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by detachd at 8:15 PM on December 31, 2016


"Jocularity, jocularity!"

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posted by Windopaene at 8:31 PM on December 31, 2016 [8 favorites]


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posted by Tailkinker to-Ennien at 8:33 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by tommasz at 8:35 PM on December 31, 2016


Thankyou padre.
posted by quinndexter at 8:39 PM on December 31, 2016


Pretty much every scene of his in MASH is guaranteed to make me burst into ugly tears. I loved this man.
posted by mynameisluka at 8:41 PM on December 31, 2016


I saw, but didn't speak to, William Christopher at an autism conference in the late 90s. I several times saw him spending much of his time talking to people since he was something of a celebish thing in parts of the community. But he seemed to enjoy it and was happy to do it. His M.A.S.H. work (I grew up with repeats) was also great and I've often thought of it.

Sorry to see him go.
posted by skynxnex at 8:46 PM on December 31, 2016 [3 favorites]


My absolute favorite character on MASH--and my favorite actor on the show. I loved Father Mulcahy's gentle but steely strength and his honor. His work in the community was commendable. He had a good life in his family, his work and his avocation, but he will be missed.

🕊
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posted by Silverstone at 8:53 PM on December 31, 2016 [4 favorites]


A good man playing a good character.
posted by HuronBob at 8:55 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by gudrun at 8:59 PM on December 31, 2016


Well sure, why the fuck not, 2016.
posted by boo_radley at 9:00 PM on December 31, 2016 [4 favorites]


I think at this point, we're just supposed to be grateful that it wasn't Alan Alda, or something.
posted by orange swan at 9:08 PM on December 31, 2016 [8 favorites]


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posted by valkane at 9:13 PM on December 31, 2016


One of the most decent characters in television history, an absolute mensch of a man. They don't write 'em like that anymore.

Godspeed, padre.

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posted by dbiedny at 9:18 PM on December 31, 2016 [2 favorites]


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posted by daybeforetheday at 9:31 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by Songdog at 9:48 PM on December 31, 2016


I loved him in MASH... RIP.

Fuck 2016 (or at least the few last minutes).

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posted by Benway at 9:56 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by mikelieman at 10:14 PM on December 31, 2016


( I had to step away from Terry Pratchett's final Tiffany Aching novel "The Shepherd's Crown" because I just couldn't deal with [redacted], then I took a nap after dinner wake up and... )
posted by mikelieman at 10:15 PM on December 31, 2016 [1 favorite]


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posted by luckynerd at 10:20 PM on December 31, 2016


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posted by bryon at 10:26 PM on December 31, 2016


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Col. Potter: Well, Francis, you've been a godsend.

Father Mulcahy: Look on the bright side: When they tell us to serve our time in Purgatory, we can say, "No thanks, I've done mine."
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 10:28 PM on December 31, 2016 [11 favorites]




I'm reminded of an old Russian tale (I think I read it via Arthur Ransome) were two old men are 'competing' to be the last dead of the year- an honourable position.

Oh William Christopher- 84 is a good run, but we had to lose you to 2016.

My favourite MASH character, along with Radar.

This one hurts.

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posted by freethefeet at 10:55 PM on December 31, 2016


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Wayne Rogers died new year's eve 2015, now William Christopher on new year's eve 2016 - - the surviving cast better bunker down for the end of 2017.
posted by fairmettle at 11:56 PM on December 31, 2016


One of my college roommates was another of William Christopher's adopted sons (there are two, as far as I know), and that son was brilliant and hurting then as I am sure he is brilliant and hurting now. I met John's dad a couple of times -- at John's wedding at his dad's beautiful home, and a couple of times more before UCLA football games to which one could walk from that beautiful home. I have heard how difficult John's brother was, also adopted, mentioned elsewhere in the thread, and I saw first hand how families don't have to give in in the face of difficulty, and can, in fact, create beautiful lives of grace and achievement. Godspeed.
posted by notyou at 12:31 AM on January 1, 2017 [8 favorites]


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posted by one teak forest at 12:51 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by On the Corner at 2:30 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by drworm at 3:47 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by young_simba at 4:07 AM on January 1, 2017


The episode that always comes to mind when I think of his character is the one linked above, which goes through a whole year in the camp. Father Mulcahey carefully grows a small plot of corn as a treat for the camp, and turns it over to the mess cook who turns it into creamed corn because that's just how he always serves it. I haven't seen that episode in maybe 25 years or more, but I still remember it so clearly.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:27 AM on January 1, 2017 [4 favorites]


As others mention, one of the most decent characters on television... and I always got the impression that yes, the actor was as fine of a human being as his character. Godspeed, Padre.

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posted by easily confused at 4:58 AM on January 1, 2017


I consider MASH, all by itself, to justify television's existence.
I came on Metafilter this morning to find out who died yesterday.

The Padre was a nice guy. But my favorite remains B.J. Honeycut.
posted by Goofyy at 5:00 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by Joey Michaels at 5:00 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by double bubble at 6:21 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by allthinky at 6:42 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by mondo dentro at 6:53 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by neutralmojo at 8:08 AM on January 1, 2017


*gives peanuts to his brother jake*
posted by jonmc at 8:16 AM on January 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


Christopher also held guest roles on shows such as The Love Boat,

I remember that episode, where the was one scene where he was making out with a woman. My young self felt vaguely scandalized.
posted by jonmc at 8:19 AM on January 1, 2017 [2 favorites]


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posted by the sobsister at 9:07 AM on January 1, 2017



posted by Katjusa Roquette at 9:41 AM on January 1, 2017


The episode that always comes to mind when I think of his character is the one linked above, which goes through a whole year in the camp. Father Mulcahey carefully grows a small plot of corn as a treat for the camp, and turns it over to the mess cook who turns it into creamed corn because that's just how he always serves it.

"You... you.... you.... NINNY!!!"

The cook honestly thought he was doing something nice for everyone by taking the extra trouble to cream the corn, but everyone was furious with him because they'd been looking forward to fresh corn on the cob -- they never got anything fresh in camp. I've heard the Korean war mess food really was as awful as the slop we saw on the show -- everything was canned or powdered, and worse, the cans were often WWII army surplus. Moreover creamed corn is revolting under any circumstances. I had one spoonful of it once and I swear I can still taste it sometimes.
posted by orange swan at 9:49 AM on January 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


Moreover creamed corn is revolting under any circumstances.

Me and pips love creamed corn, actually. But my dad did tell me that military food hadn't improved by much during his tour in Vietnam. Other people I know who've served later have said it's come a long way. YMMV.
posted by jonmc at 9:57 AM on January 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


I just spent the last few minutes going through all the Father Mulcahy quotes on IMDB. So many great moments. The one that sticks out to me still is this one from "Life Time" (the one where they save a man's life in real-time: "Dear God, I've never asked you for this before, and I don't know what You're going to think of me for asking now. But if you're going to take him anyway, please take him quickly so we can save the other boy."

Given the character's long arc in the show, this little prayer was so compassionate and almost shocking.

And of course, "Jocularity!"
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posted by zooropa at 10:31 AM on January 1, 2017 [4 favorites]


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posted by klausness at 10:57 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by Flippervault at 11:07 AM on January 1, 2017


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posted by Splunge at 11:28 AM on January 1, 2017


"Quick, who sang 'Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral' in Going My Way?"
posted by oneirodynia at 11:59 AM on January 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


Speaking as a clergyman, it was nice to have someone in my vocation who was a positive character on television.

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posted by 4ster at 12:11 PM on January 1, 2017 [4 favorites]


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posted by /\/\/\/ at 2:07 PM on January 1, 2017


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posted by tuesdayschild at 6:35 PM on January 1, 2017


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posted by Ogre Lawless at 7:43 PM on January 1, 2017


I don't know why I'm surprised that some people age and not others. I was confused for a minute "he was 84?". I'd just never imagined him old.
posted by bongo_x at 1:05 AM on January 2, 2017


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posted by RolandOfEld at 7:36 AM on January 2, 2017


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posted by Gelatin at 8:33 AM on January 2, 2017


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posted by LeftMyHeartInSanFrancisco at 4:03 PM on January 2, 2017


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