William Christopher facts for kids

William Christopher (October 20, 1932 – December 31, 2016) was an American actor and comedian. He was best known for playing Private Lester Hummel on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. from 1965 to 1968. He also famously played Father John Mulcahy on the TV show M*A*S*H from 1972 to 1983. Later, he continued this role in the spin-off show AfterMASH from 1983 to 1985.

Growing Up

Christopher was born in Evanston, Illinois. His family was thought to be related to Paul Revere, a famous American hero. He grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, including Winnetka, Illinois. There, he went to New Trier High School.

He later graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He earned a degree in drama and studied Greek literature. While in college, he enjoyed fencing, soccer, and singing in the glee club.

Acting Career

Cast of M*A*S*H (1977). Back row, L–R: William Christopher, Gary Burghoff, David Ogden Stiers, and Jamie Farr. Front row, L–R: Loretta Swit, Harry Morgan, Alan Alda, Mike Farrell

Christopher (right) as an Army doctor on an episode of Good Times. John Amos and Jimmie Walker are also pictured.

William Christopher moved to New York City to start his acting career. He performed in many plays in different areas. He also acted in "off-Broadway" shows, which are smaller theater productions not on Broadway. His first Broadway show was Beyond the Fringe, a British comedy show.

Moving to Hollywood

After New York, Christopher moved to Hollywood to work in television. He appeared as a guest star in many popular TV series. These included The Andy Griffith Show, The Patty Duke Show, and Hogan's Heroes. He played different characters on Hogan's Heroes several times. He also had regular roles on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. and That Girl.

In the early 1970s, Christopher studied acting at Harvey Lembeck’s famous improv workshop in Los Angeles. He even performed improv skits on The Carol Burnett Show in 1972.

Becoming Father Mulcahy

In 1972, Christopher got the role of Father Mulcahy in the TV series M*A*S*H. The actor first chosen for the part was replaced after just one episode. Christopher then played Father Mulcahy for all 11 seasons of M*A*S*H. After M*A*S*H ended, he continued playing the character in the spin-off show AfterMASH for two seasons.

Movies and Other TV Shows

Christopher also acted in several movies. Some of these include The Fortune Cookie, The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell, and With Six You Get Eggroll. Interestingly, in With Six You Get Eggroll, he acted alongside Jamie Farr. Five years later, they would both star in M*A*S*H together.

After M*A*S*H, Christopher appeared in other TV shows like Good Times and Murder, She Wrote. He also made several guest appearances on The Love Boat. In 1998, he played a priest in an episode of Mad About You. He also kept acting in plays, touring the U.S. with Jamie Farr in The Odd Couple. One of his last roles was as Father Tobias on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives.

Helping Others

William Christopher's son, Ned, has autism. Because of this, Christopher spent a lot of his free time helping the National Autistic Society. He made public announcements to help people learn more about autism. In 1985, he and his wife Barbara wrote a book called Mixed Blessings. It was about their experiences raising Ned.

Family Life

Christopher met his wife, Barbara, on a blind date. They got married in 1957. They adopted two sons, John and Ned. William and Barbara even sang a duet together in an episode of M*A*S*H called "Dear Mildred".

His Passing

William Christopher passed away at his home in Pasadena, California, on December 31, 2016. He was 84 years old. His son, John, said that his father died from lung cancer. Christopher had been diagnosed with cancer about 18 months before his death. His death happened exactly one year after his M*A*S*H co-star Wayne Rogers also passed away.

Some of His Roles

• 1965–1968: Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (TV series) as Private Lester Hummel
• 1966: The Fortune Cookie as Intern
• 1968: With Six You Get Eggroll as Zip-Cloud
• 1972–1983: M*A*S*H (TV series) as Father John Mulcahy
• 1975: Good Times (TV series, Episode: "The Enlistment") as The Doctor
• 1983–1985: AfterMASH (TV series) as Father John Mulcahy
• 1985: Murder, She Wrote (TV series, Episode: "A Lady in the Lake") as Burton Hollis
• 2012: Days of Our Lives (TV series) as Father Tobias (his last role)

See also

In Spanish: William Christopher para niños