For seven seasons, Gary Burghoff charmed audiences as the sweet-natured Radar on MASH*, but few knew about the personal challenge he faced on set. Born with brachydactyly, a condition that affected the fingers on his left hand, Burghoff often positioned himself to keep it hidden from the camera. Yet, in a handful of scenes, his left hand made an unexpected appearance.
One such moment happened early in the series when Radar, ever the alert company clerk, hears incoming helicopters before anyone else. As he turns, both hands grip a football—one of the few times viewers got a clear look at his left hand. Another slip occurred when Colonel Potter arrived, and Radar used both hands to open a box, though the camera mostly focused on his upper body.
Perhaps the most noticeable reveal came during a chaotic bugle ceremony. After Major Burns’ cannon mishap sends Radar’s instrument flying, the frustrated corporal balls both hands into fists, giving fans a brief glimpse of his left hand. Even in quieter moments, like when he held his pet guinea pig, Babette, his left hand occasionally peeked through.
But the funniest moment came when Radar, caught off-guard by a double salute, instinctively raised both hands before realizing his mistake. Burghoff’s perfect comedic timing turned what could have been an awkward moment into one of Radar’s most endearing quirks.
Though Burghoff initially struggled with being typecast as the “cute” small guy, his portrayal of Radar remains one of TV’s most beloved characters—proving that true talent transcends physical differences.
