Gary Burghoff Celebrates His 80th Birthday – Radar’s Transformation into a Grandfather

Best known for his iconic role as Radar in the hit series M*A*S*H, Gary Burghoff captured hearts as the young army enlistee who clung to his beloved teddy bear while forming indelible connections with his military comrades.

Acclaim and awards followed Gary during his stint on the series, cementing his place in television history. His decision to exit the show disappointed legions of fans, a move he felt compelled to make in his quest for greater acknowledgement.

Personal matters seemed to have steered Gary away from M*A*S*H. He was grappling with difficulties in his marriage to Janet Gayle, tied the knot in 1971, eventually welcoming their daughter, Gena, on July 20, 1975.

Despite an impressive $4 million offer from the show’s producers in 1979, which would have made him one of television’s highest earners at the time, Gary chose to step back, valuing time with family and friends over financial incentive.

Now an octogenarian, Gary married Elizabeth Bolstrom in 1985 and they have been blessed with two children, Miles and Jordan. The family joy bloomed anew on March 23, 2023, as Miles welcomed his first child, a daughter named Rylee Elisabeth Burghoff, whose arrival he celebrated on social media with snapshots of the baby and her mother.

The bond between Gary and his son Miles is heartwarming. Although Miles chose a path different from acting, the father-son duo relishes their shared passion for angling, with Gary guiding Miles in his venture into professional fishing.

This shared passion was exemplified in 1977 when Gary, awarded Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, skipped the ceremony for a fishing expedition. This anecdote highlights their family’s dedication to the sport.

Aside from his M*A*S*H legacy, Gary’s philanthropic spirit shone through as he participated in a video and supported a GoFundMe initiative aiding California wildfire victims four years ago. Gary’s enduring legacy continues to ignite respect and admiration from fans who remember his days on the celebrated sitcom.

Wishing Gary many more years filled with happiness and health.