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M*A*S*H's Jamie Farr had a problem with people not recognizing him
He was a standout on M*A*S*H, but unseen off-screen.
Jamie Farr was our favorite feminine, dress-wearing corporal on M*A*S*H. What was meant to be a small role for Farr turned into a major one — where he worked with other majors and major stars.
Despite being known for playing a very specific type on M*A*S*H, Farr wasn’t worried about being typecast. Not because of any grand plan — but because no one ever seemed to remember his face anyway.
"Nobody ever remembers me," Farr said in a 1973 interview with The Arizona Republic. "Although I’ve been in this business for 20 years and have made a nice living, I’ve got one of those faces people just don’t recall."
"I always have to remind producers and casting directors of the roles I’ve played and the series I’ve been in before," Farr continued. "They look at me carefully, snap their fingers and say, 'Oh! Now I know where I’ve seen you!'"
According to the interview, Farr had recently finished co-starring in The Family Plot, a movie produced by Bing Crosby Productions. And even though he created one of M*A*S*H's most memorable characters as Klinger, he remained mostly anonymous on the movie set.
"The film’s assistant director watches M*A*S*H all the time, and even he didn’t recognize me," Farr said.
Maybe it was the women’s clothing, or the occasional makeup, that made Farr so unrecognizable off-screen — he did look far different without a dress. But one would think that with all the success he had on M*A*SH, he’d be one of the last people to blend in.
Some actors might envy Farr’s ability to stay elusive. Some might even consider it a superpower, since many stars have to give up going to grocery stores or restaurants. Farr said he longed for the kind of public recognition that came with adoring crowds, autographs and more.
"I love this business and I’m proud to be part of it," Farr said. "I’d like to have more people recognize me — then maybe I wouldn’t have to constantly remind casting directors who I am."
Even though he remained unrecognized by the masses, he was incredibly proud of what he’d achieved in the entertainment industry.
"If I never do another thing in my whole life, I am happy," Farr said. "Here I am, a Hollywood actor. I’m appearing in a big movie with a co-starring role and co-star billing. I’m working with some of the best people in the business — talking, laughing and being an equal. What more could I possibly ever ask of my career?"
Besides being more recognized, he had it all made.
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