About
"I always tell everybody, 'that's an original character.' Because every time any man put on women's clothing, it was either as a disguise, like in "Some Like it Hot" or "Charley's Aunt", or they're trying to be silly. But nobody had ever put it on and just played it straight, just as a guy. Klinger was an original."
In his nearly four-hour interview, Jamie Farr describes his childhood in Toledo and his foray into acting. He describes his training at the Pasadena Playhouse, his role in the film Blackboard Jungle, and his extensive work with comedian Red Skelton. Farr speaks of his service during the Korean War, and briefly touches on his many television appearances throughout the 1960s on programs like My Three Sons, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and I Dream of Jeannie. Farr then details the role and show for which he's best known - that of "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H. He recalls working with the cast and crew members, what a typical production week was like, and comments on specific episodes. He also talks about AfterMASH, and his involvement with game shows including The Gong Show and Hollywood Squares. Nancy Harrington conducted the interview on December 15, 2011 in Bell Canyon, CA.
Highlights
Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans
Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"
Jamie Farr on the laugh track on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on the finale of M*A*S*H and creating a real time capsule
Jamie Farr on how his nose helped his career and almost getting a nose job
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his early childhood and influences; on how his mother was almost aboard The Titanic; on childhood mishaps
On how he got involved with The Pasadena Playhouse; on rooming with William Holden's cousin; on his first professional acting job in "Mr. Roberts"; on his first time on television
On getting a role in the film Blackboard Jungle; on being in Life magazine
On the pilot for Mighty O; on Sherwood Schwartz looking for a project for Red Skelton and tapping Farr for it; on meeting Red Skelton; on getting drafted and getting several movie roles; on entertaining troops with Red Skelton; on his father's death
On The Red Skelton Show; on his friendship with Red Skelton; on branching out on his own; on meeting his wife
On meeting Carl Reiner; on getting a role in a George Stevens movie The Greatest Story Ever Told and the role's connection to St. Jude and Danny Thomas; on his friendship with Danny Thomas
Chapter 2
On Danny Thomas; on appearing on The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Danny Kaye Show
On guest appearances on My Three Sons, My Favorite Martian, Lucy, Ben Casey, You Are There, and I Dream of Jeannie; on working with Andy Griffith, Charlton Heston and others who always looked out for him; on how the casting business has changed
On writing an episode of Blue Light; on former writing partner, Eddie Carroll (who went on to voice "Jiminy Cricket"); on attending film school while acting on M*A*S*H
On Hy Averback hiring him for the series The Chicago Teddy Bears; on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr on M*A*S*H; on auditioning for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H
On the premise and scripts of M*A*S*H; on the best night of television ever - Saturday night with All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Carol Burnett Show; on the main characters and "Klinger" recurring on M*A*S*H
On cross-dressing as "Klinger" and his favorite outfits on M*A*S*H
Chapter 3
On his appearance on Insight; on his M*A*S*H character "Klinger's" character traits and background
On on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"; on "Klinger" as an iconic character
On a typical production week on M*A*S*H; on working with the cast and crew; on his favorite episodes and directing an episode of M*A*S*H
On the end of M*A*S*H; on the ratings of the final episode; on the show's legacy
On "Klinger's" return in After MASH; on his work on game shows and talk shows
Chapter 4
On his involvement with The Gong Show; on appearances on Match Game, Password, Hollywood Squares, and Super Password
On the original Hollywood Squares; on co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show
On the Cannonball Run films; on negotiating a raise on M*A*S*H
On then-current projects; on advice to aspiring actors; on how his nose helped his career; on his proudest achievement; on how he'd like to be remembered
Shows
AfterMASH
Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" return in After MASH and the chemistry of the show not being right
All in the Family
Jamie Farr on the best night of television ever - Saturday night with All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Carol Burnett Show
Ben Casey
Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on Ben Casey
Blue Knight, The
Jamie Farr on the miniseries The Blue Knight with William Holden
Bob Hope Specials
Jamie Farr on a memorable Bob Hope special in which he and Milton Berle wear the same dress
Bob Newhart Show, The (1972-78)
Jamie Farr on the best night of television ever - Saturday night with All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Carol Burnett Show
Carol Burnett Show, The (1967-78)
Jamie Farr on the best night of television ever - Saturday night with All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Carol Burnett Show
Danny Kaye Show, The
Jamie Farr on appearing on The Danny Kaye Show
Dick Van Dyke Show, The
Jamie Farr on appearing on The Dick Van Dyke Show
Jamie Farr on meeting Carl Reiner and getting a part of The Dick Van Dyke Show
F Troop
Jamie Farr on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H
Gong Show, The
Jamie Farr on his involvement with The Gong Show
Jamie Farr on getting asked to do Hollywood Squares just as he finished The Gong Show
Jamie Farr on The Gong Show movie and his multiple appearances on the TV show
Hollywood Squares, The
Jamie Farr on getting asked to do Hollywood Squares just as he finished The Gong Show
Jamie Farr on the original Hollywood Squares
I Dream of Jeannie
Jamie Farr on appearing on I Dream of Jeannie
Insight
Jamie Farr on his appearance on Insight
Lucy Show, The
Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on Lucy
M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H; on the scripts and characters; on his role as "Maxwell Q. Klinger"
Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode
Jamie Farr on negotiating a raise on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his role on The Red Skelton Show being similar to his role on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on the filming of the finale of M*A*S*H and creating a real time capsule
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.) and his character traits
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"
Jamie Farr on a typical production week on M*A*S*H; on the cast and crew
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"
Jamie Farr on favorite scenes from M*A*S*H episodes
Jamie Farr on directing an episode of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on M*A*S*H coming to an end and the ratings of the final episode and the show's ongoing popularity and legacy
M*A*S*H: "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen"
Jamie Farr on the filming of the finale of M*A*S*H and creating a real time capsule
Jamie Farr on M*A*S*H coming to an end and the ratings of the final episode and the show's ongoing popularity and legacy
M*A*S*H: "The Interview"
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"
Mary Tyler Moore Show, The
Jamie Farr on the best night of television ever - Saturday night with All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Carol Burnett Show
Match Game
Jamie Farr on his appearances on Match Game
Merv Griffin Show, The
Jamie Farr on his first (almost) appearance on The Merv Griffin Show
Mike Douglas Show, The
Jamie Farr on co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show
My Favorite Martian
Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on My Favorite Martian
My Three Sons
Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on My Three Sons
Password
Jamie Farr on loving Password
Jamie Farr on his work on game shows
Red Skelton Show, The
Jamie Farr on his role on The Red Skelton Show being similar to his role on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show
Jamie Farr on his time on The Red Skelton Show
You Are There
Jamie Farr on appearing on You Are There
Topics
Censorship / Standards & Practices
Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show
Jamie Farr on memorable episodes of The Gong Show with Jaye P. Morgan
Characters & Catchphrases
Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his input on "Klinger's" wardrobe on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"
Jamie Farr on his favorite "Klinger" outfits on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" strengths and weaknesses
Jamie Farr on how he's similar to his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on how "Klinger" on M*A*S*H evolved over the series
Jamie Farr on why "Klinger" stopped wearing dresses on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" wedding dress on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his input for "Klinger's" character traits on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on "Klinger" on M*A*S*H being an iconic character
Classic TV Series Episodes
Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H
Comedy-Variety
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show
Emmy Awards
Jamie Farr on Loretta Swit's Emmy win for an episode of M*A*S*H
Fame and Celebrity
Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode
Historic Events and Social Change
Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957 and the pair entertaining troops together
Jamie Farr on getting drafted during the Korean conflict
Korean War
Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on the dog tags he wore as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and how the show was similar to the real Korean Way (in which Farr had served)
Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957 and the pair entertaining troops together
Jamie Farr on getting drafted during the Korean conflict
Memorable Moments on Television
Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode
Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H
Pop Culture
Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his input on "Klinger's" wardrobe on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"
Jamie Farr on his favorite "Klinger" outfits on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" strengths and weaknesses
Jamie Farr on how he's similar to his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on how "Klinger" on M*A*S*H evolved over the series
Jamie Farr on why "Klinger" stopped wearing dresses on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" wedding dress on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his input for "Klinger's" character traits on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on "Klinger" on M*A*S*H being an iconic character
Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H
Television Industry
Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode
Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show
Jamie Farr on memorable episodes of The Gong Show with Jaye P. Morgan
TV's Golden Age (1940s & '50s)
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show
War
Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on the dog tags he wore as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and how the show was similar to the real Korean Way (in which Farr had served)
Jamie Farr on getting drafted during the Korean conflict
Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957 and the pair entertaining troops together
We Cried
Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H
We Laughed
Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode
Professions
Actor
Jamie Farr on advice to aspiring actors
Genres
Comedy Series
Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H; on the scripts and characters and his character, "Maxwell Q. Klinger"
Jamie Farr on negotiating a raise on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on a typical production week on M*A*S*H; on the cast and crew
Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H
Game Shows
Jamie Farr on his involvement with The Gong Show
Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show
People
Alan Alda
Jamie Farr on Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds wanting to make a TV show of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on working with Alan Alda ("Hawkeye") on M*A*S*H
Allan Arbus
Jamie Farr on Allan Arbus' character evaluating "Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Frankie Avalon
Jamie Farr on the beginnings of his golf tournament in Toledo
Hy Averback
Jamie Farr on Hy Averback hiring him for The Chicago Teddy Bears and how Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H
Lucille Ball
Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on Lucy and working with Lucille Ball
Chuck Barris
Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show
Jamie Farr on a memorable episode of The Gong Show in which the judges took over the show
Jamie Farr on The Gong Show movie and his multiple appearances on the TV show
Milton Berle
Jamie Farr on a memorable Bob Hope special in which he and Milton Berle wear the same dress
Lenny Bruce
Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H
Gary Burghoff
Jamie Farr on working with Gary Burghoff ("Radar") on M*A*S*H
Art Carney
Jamie Farr on appearing with Harvey Korman, Danny Kaye, and Art Carney on a "Three Musketeers" sketch on The Danny Kaye Show
Jack Cassidy
Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show
William Christopher
Jamie Farr on working with Bill Christopher on M*A*S*H
Walter Cronkite
Jamie Farr on appearing on You Are There
Doris Day
Jamie Farr on working with Doris Day
Milton Delugg
Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show
Dom DeLuise
Jamie Farr on the Cannonball Run films
Mike Douglas
Jamie Farr on co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show
James Drury
Jamie Farr on doing a screen test with The Virginian's James Drury
Charles S. Dubin
Jamie Farr on Charles Dubin directing an episode of M*A*S*H that had no cuts within each film segment
Clint Eastwood
Jamie Farr on taking an acting class with Clint Eastwood
Barbara Eden
Jamie Farr on appearing on I Dream of Jeannie
Larry Gelbart
Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H and how Farr got the role
Jamie Farr on Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds wanting to make a TV show of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.)
Jamie Farr on working with Larry Gelbart on M*A*S*H
Andy Griffith
Jamie Farr on working with Andy Griffith
Merrill Heatter
Jamie Farr on his work on Merrill Heatter game shows
Charlton Heston
Jamie Farr on working with Charlton Heston
William Holden
Jamie Farr on the miniseries The Blue Knight with William Holden
Jamie Farr on rooming with William Holden's cousin while studying at The Pasadena Playhouse
Bob Hope
Jamie Farr on a memorable Bob Hope special in which he and Milton Berle wear the same dress
David Isaacs
Jamie Farr on writers Ken Levine and David Isaacs developing "Klinger's" Toldeo roots on M*A*S*H
Danny Kaye
Jamie Farr on appearing on The Danny Kaye Show
Jamie Farr on appearing with Harvey Korman, Danny Kaye, and Art Carney on a "Three Musketeers" sketch on The Danny Kaye Show
Jamie Farr on working with Danny Kaye
Harvey Korman
Jamie Farr on appearing with John Mills and Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show
Jamie Farr on appearing with Harvey Korman, Danny Kaye, and Art Carney on a "Three Musketeers" sketch on The Danny Kaye Show
Peter Lawford
Jamie Farr on his first time on TV, in Dear Phoebe with Peter Lawford
Ken Levine
Jamie Farr on writers Ken Levine and David Isaacs developing "Klinger's" Toldeo roots on M*A*S*H
Jerry Lewis
Jamie Farr on a party at Jerry Lewis' house
Larry Linville
Jamie Farr on working with Larry Linville on M*A*S*H
Fred MacMurray
Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on My Three Sons
Lee Majors
Jamie Farr on his first (almost) appearance on The Merv Griffin Show
Dean Martin
Jamie Farr on Dean Martin's nose job
John Mills
Jamie Farr on appearing with John Mills and Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show
Jaye P. Morgan
Jamie Farr on memorable episodes of The Gong Show with Jaye P. Morgan
Harry Morgan
Jamie Farr on episodes of M*A*S*H with Harry Morgan
Jamie Farr on speaking at Harry Morgan's funeral and using some of the lines from "Tuesdays with Morrie" in his speech
Jamie Farr on working with Harry Morgan on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on a memorable Harry Morgan episode of M*A*S*H
Howard Morris
Jamie Farr on Howard Morris looking out for him
Edward R. Murrow
Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview" based on Murrow in Korea
William S. Paley
Jamie Farr on William Paley's wife loving M*A*S*H
Burt Reynolds
Jamie Farr on his first (almost) appearance on The Merv Griffin Show
Gene Reynolds
Jamie Farr on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds wanting to make a TV show of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.)
Wayne Rogers
Jamie Farr on working with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H
Ginger Rogers
Jamie Farr on wearing an outfit as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H that Ginger Rogers wore
Mickey Rooney
Jamie Farr on Mickey Rooney's chemistry not being correct on The Red Skelton Show
Telly Savalas
Jamie Farr on the Cannonball Run films
Sherwood Schwartz
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz looking for a project for Red Skelton and tapping Farr for it
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show
Dinah Shore
Jamie Farr on the beginnings of his golf tournament in Toledo
Frank Sinatra
Jamie Farr on the Cannonball Run films
Red Skelton
Jamie Farr on the dog tags he wore as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and how the show was similar to the real Korean Way (in which Farr had served)
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz looking for a project for Red Skelton and tapping Farr for it
Jamie Farr on his role on The Red Skelton Show being similar to his role on M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957, and Skelton helping his career after the Korean War
Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show and how well Farr and Skelton got along
Aaron Spelling
Jamie Farr on Aaron Spelling looking out for him
George Stevens
Jamie Farr on getting a role in a George Stevens movie The Greatest Story Ever Told and the role's connection to St. Jude and Danny Thomas
McLean Stevenson
Jamie Farr on working with McLean Stevenson on M*A*S*H
Loretta Swit
Jamie Farr on Loretta Swit's Emmy win for an episode of M*A*S*H
Jamie Farr on working with Loretta Swit ("Houlihan") on M*A*S*H
Danny Thomas
Jamie Farr on Danny Thomas
Jamie Farr on praying to St. Jude
Jamie Farr on his friendship with Danny Thomas
Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.)
Dick Van Dyke
Jamie Farr on appearing on The Dick Van Dyke Show
Robert D. Wood
Jamie Farr on M*A*S*H as CBS' crown jewel
JoAnne Worley
Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show