Jamie Farr Biography

Fast Facts

• Originally cast for one episode as cross-dressing Cpl
• Klinger on the first season of M*A*S*H, but the character proved to be so popular that his stay was extended, and he became a series regular by the third season
• Inspiration for Klinger's female attire came from comic Lenny Bruce's bit about dressing in a woman's uniform to get out of military service
• Was drafted and served in Japan and Korea with the U
• S
• Army from 1957 to '59, but returned to show business afterward under the guidance of friend and comedy legend Red Skelton
• Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985
• Made Broadway debut as Nathan Detroit in a revival of Guys and Dolls at age 60
• Authored two books: Just Farr Fun (1994), a memoir; and Hababy's Christmas Eve (2003), a children's book cowritten with his wife, Joy, and based on a story his Klinger character told about a family of camels who took the Three Wise Men to witness the birth of Jesus
• Is an avid golfer; in 1984, began hosting the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, an Ohio LPGA tour event that has raised millions for charity