Gary Burghoff Net Worth, Bio, Wiki, Education, Height, Family, Career And More
Gary Burghoff’s Net Worth
The American actor Gary Burghoff has amassed a respectable $6 million fortune. Most likely, the most memorable role you have of him is from the Broadway version of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” And who could overlook his outstanding performance in the TV series adaptation of the iconic movie “MASH,” where he played Radar?
Gary, though, was not limited to the theater and cinema. On the game show circuit, he also gained popularity by frequently participating in “Match Game.” In fact, between 1974 and 1975, he made an astounding 140 appearances on the show!
Who is Gary Burghoff?
Are we not seeing a Renaissance guy in Gary Burghoff? Aside from acting, he is an inventor, singer, jazz musician, and wildlife artist who was born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, USA on May 24, 1934.
His family life was a blend of practicality and artistry. His dad, Rony, worked with clocks, while his mom, Anna, was deeply involved in the local theater scene. Anna was a powerhouse – dancer, choreographer, writer, poet, songwriter, and director. Little Gary soaked up the vibrant energy of the stage from a young age, tagging along to his mom’s rehearsals and getting swept away by the magic of performers.
Their home in Forestville, a quaint Victorian house, was where Gary and his older brother David shared a room. Despite the six-year age gap, they were close companions in their creative adventures, fostering a bond that would shape their futures.
Gary Burghoff Biography
Gary Burghoff was born on May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut, in the United States. The environment in which he was raised was supplied by his parents, Rodney and Ann Burghoff. Rodney, a dedicated employee at a clock company, balanced the practicalities of life, while Ann brought grace and rhythm as a professional dancer.
Gary’s family circle also included his older brother, David Burghoff, who found his passion in philately. Growing up in their Connecticut home, the Burghoff brothers shared experiences, dreams, and the occasional sibling rivalry, shaping each other’s journeys in unique ways.
Gary Burghoff Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full name | Gary Rich Burghoff |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | May 24, 1943 |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Place of birth | Bristol, USA |
| Career | Actor, jazz musician, inventor, wildlife artist, songwriter |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Father | Rony Burghoff |
| Mother | Anna Burghoff |
| Brother | David Burghoff |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Former spouses | Janet Gayle (1971-1979), Elizabeth Bostrom (1985-2005) |
| Daughter | Gena Gale Burghoff |
| Sons | Rodney and Ann Burghoff |
| Height | 5 feet 5.5 inches (1.66 m) |
| Hair colour | Burnt auburn |
| Eye colour | Grey |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Net worth | $6 million |
Gary Burghoff Education
Gary’s artistic flair bloomed early on. During his sophomore year at Delavan-Darien High School, he made a bold move from Bristol to Delavan, Wisconsin, driven by his passion for dance and drumming.
High school wasn’t just about textbooks for Gary. He found himself drumming away for the Bud Wilber Orchestra at Milwaukee nightclubs, adding a rhythmic beat to the city’s nightlife. And after graduation, he found himself under the wing of the Belfry Players in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, where he honed his acting chops.
But Gary’s quest for mastery didn’t stop there. He took his talents to the big apple, attending HB Studio in New York City for professional acting training. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Sanford Meisner, James Tuttle, and Charles Nelson Reilly, Gary’s skills flourished, paving the way for his future successes in the spotlight.
Height & Weight
Gary’s heritage is rooted in his White ethnicity, a reflection of his family background. With his short burnt auburn hair and a pair of striking grey eyes, he’s always had a distinctive look. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall (that’s 1.65 meters for the metric folks) and weighing around 145 pounds (which translates to about 66 kilograms), Gary carries himself with a confident presence, embodying the essence of his talents and personality.
Gary Burghoff Medical Issues
Despite being born with brachydactyly, a condition linked to Poland syndrome that resulted in three of his fingers being notably smaller than the rest, Gary didn’t let that hinder his musical aspirations. In fact, his achievements as a drummer become even more remarkable in light of this challenge. His determination and talent allowed him to overcome physical obstacles, proving that passion and perseverance can conquer any limitation.
Gary Burghoff Family
Gary Rich Burghoff, beloved for his unforgettable portrayal of Radar O’Reilly in the TV series MASH, is rooted in a tight-knit family. His parents, Rodney and Ann Burghoff, were his steadfast pillars of support and love. Gary’s journey through parenthood was shared with his former spouses, Janet Gayle and Elizabeth Bostrom, and together they raised a daughter, Gena Gale Burghoff, as well as sons Jordan and Miles Burghoff. In addition to his immediate family, Gary finds solace and camaraderie in his brother, David Burghoff, whose companionship likely played a significant role in Gary’s life.
Gary’s family clearly holds a special place in his heart, providing him with support and encouragement through the highs and lows of life, even if his career frequently puts him in the spotlight. His relationships with his MASH co-stars Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and Larry Linville may have been lifelong connections that have enhanced his life on and off screen, but they go beyond familial ties.
Gary Burghoff Personal Life
Despite his unshakeable dedication as a father, Gary Burghoff’s marriage has been plagued by ups and downs. Gary took the deliberate decision to put his family above notoriety in spite of alluring offers from the entertainment sector.
In 1971, he took his vows with Janet Gayle, and their union welcomed a beautiful daughter, Gena Gale Burghoff, into the world in Santa Monica, California, on July 20, 1975. However, their marriage hit a rocky patch and eventually ended in 1979, shortly after Gary departed from the hit series “MAS*H.” This tumultuous time was compounded by the loss of his father, leading Gary to return to his hometown of Bristol with his four-year-old daughter, where he raised her as a single parent. It was during this challenging period that Gary found solace in studying the Bible, seeking comfort and guidance in faith.
In 1985, Gary found love again with Elisabeth Bostrom, with whom he shared the joys of fatherhood, welcoming sons Jordan and Miles Burghoff into their lives. However, their marriage also faced its share of struggles and ultimately ended in divorce in 2005. Differences in beliefs, particularly regarding Christianity, played a significant role in their separation, leading Bostrom to relocate to California with their sons.
As of 2022, Gary appears to be single but maintains a strong bond with his children. His love for wildlife and conservation takes him around the globe, advocating for causes close to his heart. Despite the trials in his personal life, Gary cherishes his friendships with his “MAS*H” co-stars, collaborating with them on projects like the podcast “Clear + Vivid.”
California was home to Gary, where his passion for nature flourished in his garden teeming with various bird species, earning him the endearing nickname “The Birdman of Malibu.”
Rumors of Gary’s demise surfaced in March 2022 following the passing of Donald Shaffer, the inspiration behind the iconic character Radar O’Reilly. However, Gary remains alive and well, continuing to leave his mark on the world.
Career
Career Beginnings
Gary was chasing his dream of becoming an actor, he had to pay the bills somehow. So, he ended up working as a sales assistant at an underwear store, of all places, right there in Saks Fifth Avenue. Can you imagine Gary helping folks pick out their unmentionables during the day?
But when the sun set, Gary’s true passion came alive. He was a drummer with The We Three, playing gigs at local nightclubs.
His passion was music, and even when acting opportunities presented themselves, he was powerless to turn down the stage’s allure.
Gary was cast as Charlie Brown in the off-Broadway production of “You’re a Good Man” in 1967. It was a big break, but Gary stayed loyal to his musical roots. He kept jamming on the drums, this time with the band Relatives, where a young Lynda Carter stole the show as lead vocalist.
Their gigs took them to glitzy spots like the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where Gary’s beats and Lynda’s vocals wowed audiences night after night. And talk about a crossover! Gary and Lynda later teamed up on screen for an episode of “The New Adventures of Wonder Woman.”
It’s clear that for Gary, music and acting weren’t just jobs – they were his passions, intertwined in a journey filled with rhythm and creativity.
Rise to Prominence
Robert Altman sent Gary Burghoff an invitation that would change his life in 1970 to star in his dark comedy “MASH.” He had no idea that this part would propel him to popularity. The movie was a huge success and helped to establish the legendary TV show “MAS*H” that came after. Gary appeared on screens as Radar O’Reilly from 1972 until 1980. For his outstanding performance, he was honored with six Emmy Awards.
While Gary was busy entertaining audiences as Radar, he also found time for other projects. He may have appeared on television programs such as “Ellery Queen,” “Sweepstakes,” and “Insight.” But as time passed, Gary began to experience stress from his busy schedule. He bemoaned the fact that “MAS*H” consumed too much of his time and made him feel distant from his family. He ultimately decided to give his loved ones priority and quit the show.
But Gary’s bond with “MASH” wasn’t over just yet. He returned for the spin-offs “AfterMASH” and “WALTER,” keeping Radar’s spirit alive. After stepping back from the limelight, Gary made a few more appearances on screen, including roles in “Burke’s Law” and “Behind the Waterfall” in the mid-’90s. And even though he officially retired from acting, Gary couldn’t resist one last hurrah, playing Pastor Mahoney in the movie “Daniel’s Lot” in 2010. It seems the magic of the silver screen never truly lets go of its stars.
Other Works
Gary left the flash and glamour of show business behind to enjoy the peace and quiet of California’s wilderness after he retired. With the beauty of nature all around him, painting provided him with comfort and inspiration.What’s remarkable is that Gary taught himself how to paint and draw, honing his skills to become quite the artist.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed. Back in 1961, Gary’s art piece “Men of Jazz” earned him a prestigious Hallmark Award. And talk about representing your home state with pride – Gary was chosen to showcase Wisconsin’s artistic talent in Washington’s Hallmark Student Art Exhibition.
But Gary’s creativity didn’t stop there. He also dipped his toes into the world of writing, penning his autobiography titled “To MAS*H and Back: My Life in Poems and Songs.” It’s clear that Gary’s artistic spirit knows no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on both the canvas and the page.
M*A*S*H Salary
Gary discovered that he was at a turning point in his “MAS*H” journey. The show’s grind had taken a toll, and he felt tired and depleted beyond belief. He acknowledged that he had lost his enthusiasm for life and that his spark had faded.
But Warner Bros. didn’t want to see him depart, so in an attempt to keep him around, they held up a tempting $4 million contract. Now, $4 million was considered a small fortune in 1979; nowadays, that amount would be close to $15 million! But Gary chose to turn down the generous offer.
It’s interesting to note that even if he had taken the deal, he would not have been the highest-paid star on the show. In addition to his writing credits, Alan Alda, who portrayed Hawkeye, made an astounding $5.6 million every season. Carroll O’Connor deserves special mention. He was paid $4.8 million per season to work on “Archie Bunker’s Place.”
Ultimately, Gary’s decision demonstrated that sometimes, following your gut and putting your health first come before material gain, even if it means passing up a sizable salary.
Gary Burghoff wife and children
Gary’s romantic history has been filled with ups and downs, including two marriages that ended in divorce. His first marriage, to Janet Gayle, started in 1971, and his first child was born into happiness in 1975. Regretfully, in 1979, their journey together came to an end.
Relentlessly optimistic about love, Gary chose to retry marriage and exchanged vows with Elizabeth Bostrom. Their marriage terminated in 2005, despite their best attempts, and they were blessed with two kids from their union. In order to preserve the privacy of both of his ex-spouses and himself, Gary has decided to keep the reasons for both divorces a secret.
Despite the twists and turns in his romantic life, Gary finds joy and fulfillment in his role as a father. He has three wonderful children to show for it: Gena Gale Burghoff, his daughter from his first marriage, and Jordan and Miles Burghoff, his sons from his second marriage. They may have taken different paths in life, but Gary’s love for his children remains a constant source of strength and joy.
Summary
Gary Burghoff, born on May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut, USA, is a multi-talented individual known for his roles in Broadway, television, and film. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Radar O’Reilly in the iconic TV series “MASH.” Besides acting, he is also a jazz musician, inventor, and wildlife artist. His upbringing in a family deeply involved in the arts nurtured his passion for performance from a young age. Despite facing challenges like brachydactyly, he pursued his musical aspirations and found success as a drummer. Gary’s career highlights include his Emmy-winning role in “MASH” and his contributions to various television programs and films. He prioritized his family over fame, turning down lucrative offers to maintain a work-life balance. In his personal life, he has experienced ups and downs in his marriages but finds joy in his role as a father.
FAQs
What is Gary Burghoff’s net worth?
Gary Burghoff’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million, amassed through his diverse career in acting, music, invention, and artistry.
What is Gary Burghoff best known for?
Gary Burghoff is best known for his role as Radar O’Reilly in the TV series “MASH,” as well as for his performances on Broadway and his contributions to the entertainment industry as a jazz musician, inventor, and wildlife artist.
What awards has Gary Burghoff won?
Gary Burghoff has won six Emmy Awards for his outstanding performance as Radar O’Reilly in the TV series “MASH.”
What other ventures has Gary Burghoff pursued besides acting?
Besides acting, Gary Burghoff has pursued music, invention, and artistry. He is a skilled jazz musician, inventor, and wildlife artist, showcasing his diverse talents beyond the realm of entertainment.
What challenges has Gary Burghoff overcome in his life?
Gary Burghoff has overcome challenges such as brachydactyly, a condition linked to Poland syndrome, which resulted in three of his fingers being notably smaller than the rest. Despite this, he pursued his passion for music and achieved success as a drummer.
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