Gary Burghoff’s Hidden Hand
Fans of the beloved series M*A*S*H may have noticed a subtle omission—the avoidance of showing Radar O’Reilly’s left hand. This intentional choice stems from actor Gary Burghoff’s condition known as brachydactyly, which resulted in the deformation of his hand. Sadly, Gary felt compelled to conceal his hand while working in Hollywood, particularly for the sake of authenticity during M*A*S*H filming, as military regulations would have likely prevented someone with such a deformity from enlisting. Despite the hidden hand, Gary’s talent and dedication to his craft shone through, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s legacy.