Alan Alda, now 88, reflects on his tumultuous relationship with Jackie Cooper during the production of MASH, revealing long-standing tensions on set.
Jackie Cooper’s autobiography describes his experience directing MASH as one of his greatest disappointments, despite winning an Emmy for his work on the show.
The original comedic tone of MASH shifted to a more dramatic focus after key writers Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds left the series, impacting the show’s overall flavor.
Alan Alda and Mike Farrell, who played BJ Hunnicutt, had a competitive friendship that sometimes led to conflicts, notably during the filming of the episode “Preventative Medicine.”
Jackie Cooper criticized Alda for not managing cast tensions, while Alda defended his fellow actors, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a positive working environment.
Gary Berghoff, known for his role as Radar O’Reilly, faced criticism from cast and crew for his off-screen behavior, which reportedly caused disruptions during filming.
Alda emphasized the importance of open communication among the cast and crew, which contributed to the lasting success and impact of MASH as a beloved television series.