Rivalries can inspire and push people harder and further towards their goals. A healthy competition can be exactly what the doctor ordered, and oftentimes accelerates and focuses the artistic process for some. However, those rivalries can also prove to be a sore subject, especially when the topic of money enters the conversation.

Wayne Rogers got an enviable big break as part of the M*A*S*H cast when it debuted in 1972. Rogers played "Trapper" John McIntyre, and was even positioned as one of the funniest characters on the show. While the role and the screen time were valuable for any working actor, Rogers quickly soured on the character and the show.

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M*A*S*HM*A*S*H Maydays1970s

Wayne Rogers loved business almost as much as he loved acting

"I had beef from the first day of shooting," Rogers told Dayton Daily News in 1978. "I was promised a contract that never materialized — profits, percentages, billing, money — it was all lip service."

So, what is one to do when the most popular show on TV withholds promised payments? Well, Wayne took his ball and went home.

"I left after three years," said Rogers, "and they sued me for three and a half million dollars."

The studio lost the court case, and Rogers won his freedom. He was able to cut ties and leave M*A*S*H for good. Rogers was replaced by Mike Farrell as B.J. Hunnicutt, who carried the second-banana role through to the end of the series.

"It was a one-way street. I wanted more diverse parts. I'm not sorry I left the show. I have no regrets," said Rogers.