Mike Farrell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Farrell
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Farrell in 2016
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| Born |
Michael Joseph Farrell Jr.
February 6, 1939 |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1963–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
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Branch
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United States Marine Corps |
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Service years
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1957–1959 |
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Rank
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Private First Class |
| Unit | 3rd Marine Division |
| Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters". | |
Michael Joseph Farrell Jr. (born February 6, 1939) is an American actor, director, and writer. He is best known for playing Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the classic television show M*A*S*H. Farrell also starred as veterinarian Dr. Jim Hansen in the family drama Providence.
Beyond acting, Farrell is a film producer and dedicated community activist. He produced the hit comedy-drama movie Patch Adams starring Robin Williams. Farrell has worked for many decades to support human rights, promote peace, and protect animal welfare.
Contents
Early Life and Growing Up in California
Childhood and Schooling in Hollywood
Michael Joseph Farrell Jr. was born on February 6, 1939, in South St. Paul, Minnesota. He was one of four children born to Agnes Sarah Cosgrove and Michael Joseph Farrell. When Mike was two years old, his family relocated from Minnesota to Hollywood, California.
In California, his father found steady employment working as a carpenter on movie studio sets. This early connection gave young Mike a glimpse into the entertainment industry. He attended West Hollywood Grammar School, where he shared a classroom with future movie star Natalie Wood. Farrell later attended and graduated from Hollywood High School.
Military Service and Finding His Passion
After graduating from high school, Farrell joined the United States Marine Corps in 1957. He served his country until 1959, reaching the rank of Private First Class in the 3rd Marine Division. Following his honorable discharge from military service, Farrell worked several odd jobs while discovering his passion for theater and acting.
Professional Acting Career and Major Roles
Beginning Years on Television in the 1960s
Farrell began appearing in minor television roles and commercials during the 1960s. He secured small guest appearances on famous programs such as Lassie, where he played a young forest ranger, and Combat!, where he played an army doctor. He also made a guest appearance on the popular musical sitcom The Monkees and an uncredited appearance in the movie The Graduate.
In 1968, Farrell earned a recurring role as Scott Banning on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives. He remained with the program for two years. During this period, he continued to expand his acting experience by appearing in medical and police dramas, including The Interns and The Man and the City.
Breakthrough Success with M*A*S*H
Farrell's major breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the cast of the critically acclaimed television show M*A*S*H. He was cast as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, a skilled and compassionate surgeon stationed at a mobile army hospital. Farrell stayed with the show for eight seasons until its finale in 1983.
Farrell contributed to the show behind the camera as well. He wrote five episodes of the series and directed four episodes. His work on the episode titled "Death Takes a Holiday" earned him award nominations for writing and directing. The final episode of M*A*S*H became one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history.
Television Career After M*A*S*H
Following M*A*S*H, Farrell remained very active across television and film:
- He starred as veterinarian Dr. Jim Hansen on the drama series Providence from 1999 to 2002.
- He provided the voice for Jonathan Kent, the adoptive father of Clark Kent, in Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League.
- He made guest appearances on major television shows, including Murder, She Wrote, Desperate Housewives, Supernatural, and NCIS.
- He performed in television movies, including portraying President John F. Kennedy in a one-man educational special for PBS.
Work as a Film and Television Producer
Farrell/Minoff Productions
In 1985, Farrell teamed up with producer Marvin Minoff to create their own entertainment company called Farrell/Minoff Productions. Their goal was to create thoughtful films and television programs that told inspiring stories.
Notable Projects
- Dominick and Eugene (1988): An emotional drama about twin brothers that earned major award nominations.
- Patch Adams (1998): A successful comedy-drama movie starring Robin Williams. The movie tells the true story of a doctor who used humor and kindness to help heal sick patients.
Farrell and Minoff worked together as partners for more than 25 years until Minoff passed away in 2009.
Humanitarian Work and Community Activism
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Defending Human Rights Around the World
Farrell has dedicated a large portion of his life to community service and human rights advocacy:
- He served as the co-chair of the California branch of Human Rights Watch for ten years.
- He has served as the president of Death Penalty Focus since 1994, working to improve fairness within the legal system.
- He traveled to Central America with humanitarian groups to provide medical aid and relief to communities affected by regional conflicts.
Animal Protection and Union Leadership
Farrell is an advocate for animal protection and received the Humanitarian Award from PETA in 2001. He also participated in leadership roles within the acting community, serving as the first vice president of the Screen Actors Guild in Los Angeles from 2002 to 2005.
Published Books and Writing
Farrell is the author of two autobiographical books:
- Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist (2007): An autobiography that shares stories from his childhood in California, his acting career on M*A*S*H, and his international humanitarian work.
- Of Mule and Man (2009): A travel journal documenting his 9,000-mile road trip across the United States to meet readers and discuss social causes.
Personal Life
In 1963, Farrell married actress and teacher Judy Hayden. They had two children together before divorcing in 1983. In 1984, Farrell married actress and singer Shelley Fabares. They remained happily married for over four decades until her death in 2026.
Awards and Honors
- Primetime Emmy Awards (1980, 1981): Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for M*A*S*H.
- Directors Guild of America Award (1982): Nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Comedy Series for M*A*S*H.
- Women in Film Humanitarian Award (1993): Won for his dedication to international human rights and community service.
- TV Land Impact Award (2009): Won alongside his fellow cast members for the enduring cultural influence of M*A*S*H.
See also
In Spanish: Mike Farrell para niños
