Wayne Rogers, Trapper John On ‘M*A*S*H,’ Dead At 82

Wayne Rogers, “Trapper John” of the 1970s show M*A*S*H, died on Thursday of complications from pneumonia. His publicist, Rona Menace, confirmed his death.

Rogers played the sidekick of lead character, Hawkeye Pierce in the 11-year show based around surgeons in a Korean war mobile hospital. Rogers was a pivotal part of the first three seasons with his comedic martini slinging. Rogers left the series before Season 4 due to disputes over the direction of his character. After Rogers left, the show went on to produce eight more successful seasons. Three decades after the show went off the air, a spinoff called Trapper John, MD aired but Rogers did not play the character.

Rogers continued to act after leaving M*A*S*H. He appeared on The Killing Time, Ghosts of Mississippi, The Gig, The Hot Touch and others. None lived up to the success of M*A*S*H, but Rogers went on to build his own empire that included real estate and stocks. Before he died, Rogers was also a frequent panelist on Cashin In where he provided his wisdom and insight into the world of business.

Rogers leaves behind wife, Amy, his two children, Bill and Laura, and four grandchildren.