'M.A.S.H.' Star Wayne Rogers Dead at 82

Chat show host Larry King tweeted: "Saddened about #MASH star Wayne Rogers' passing". Elliot Gould was same character in the "M*A*S*H" feature film in 1970 that preceded the TV show and Pernell Roberts played the title character in the 1980s spinoff drama "Trapper John, M.D".

Wayne Rogers, who starred in "M*A*S*H" - one of the most popular shows in TV history - has died.

Rogers played the sidekick of lead character, Hawkeye Pierce in the 11-year show based around surgeons in a Korean war mobile hospital. The actor felt that Alan Alda's character, "Hawkeye" Pierce, was increasingly the focus of the show.

The Alabama native's acting career spanned over 40 years.

Another added: "God rest the soul of Wayne Rogers (MASH) who died recently of Pneumonia".

In addition to TV, Rogers made appearances in several films, including Cool Hand Luke with Paul Newman and Rob Reiner's Ghosts of Mississippi.

He additionally had recurring roles in TV exhibits "City of Angels", "House Calls", and "Murder, She Wrote".

The actor also became known for his financial acumen after considerable success in property investment. In both 1988 and 1990, Wayne Rogers testified before a "House judiciary committee to speak in favour of maintaining the Glass-Steagall banking laws of the 1930s". A shrewd businessman - he later became a notable real estate developer and investor, with producing credits on several Neil Simon stage hits - he worked on Wall Street as well. He is survived by his wife Amy, children Bill and Laura, and four grandchildren.

Wayne Rogers was previously married to Mitzi McWhorter.

Sad news for fans of the television show 'M*A*S*H'.