The death of Patrick Adiarte at 82 marks the passing of one of Hollywood’s most versatile yet understated talents. While remembered by millions as Ho-Jon from MAS*H’s early episodes, Adiarte’s true legacy lies in his remarkable journey from child performer to respected character actor and dancer.
Adiarte’s Ho-Jon became an instant fan favorite when MAS*H premiered in 1972, with the character’s departure for American education leaving many viewers disappointed. But this was just one highlight in a career that began when the Manila-born performer was still a child. His early life contained enough drama for a miniseries – surviving wartime imprisonment, immigrating to America, and landing on Broadway before his tenth birthday.
It was his dancing feet that first brought him fame. After understudying in “The King and I,” he graduated to film roles that showcased his graceful movement. Gene Kelly became both mentor and champion, famously predicting Adiarte could follow in Fred Astaire’s footsteps. This praise seemed prophetic when Adiarte held his own in dance sequences with Kelly during television specials.
Though best known for television work including “Hawaii Five-O” and “The Brady Bunch,” Adiarte never abandoned his first love of dance. Even as acting roles slowed, he continued teaching, sharing the techniques he’d learned from the golden age of Hollywood musicals. His passing closes a chapter on an era when performers needed to be true triple threats – able to act, sing, and dance with equal skill.
