Jamie Farr

Actor

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The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

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About

About this interview

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.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"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."

People Talking About ...

Highlights

Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans

02:45

Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"

03:43

Jamie Farr on the laugh track on M*A*S*H

00:27

Jamie Farr on the finale of M*A*S*H and creating a real time capsule

04:25

Jamie Farr on how his nose helped his career and almost getting a nose job

01:50

Full Interview

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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

05:08

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

01:05

Ben Casey

Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on Ben Casey

00:21

Blue Knight, The

Jamie Farr on the miniseries The Blue Knight with William Holden

00:08

Bob Hope Specials

Jamie Farr on a memorable Bob Hope special in which he and Milton Berle wear the same dress

01:33

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

01:05

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

01:05

Danny Kaye Show, The

Jamie Farr on appearing on The Danny Kaye Show

06:47

Dick Van Dyke Show, The

Jamie Farr on meeting Carl Reiner and getting a part of The Dick Van Dyke Show

00:53

Jamie Farr on appearing on The Dick Van Dyke Show

02:26

F Troop

Jamie Farr on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H

06:35

Gong Show, The

Jamie Farr on his involvement with The Gong Show

08:22

Jamie Farr on getting asked to do Hollywood Squares just as he finished The Gong Show

00:50

Jamie Farr on The Gong Show movie and his multiple appearances on the TV show

01:25

Hollywood Squares, The

Jamie Farr on getting asked to do Hollywood Squares just as he finished The Gong Show

00:50

Jamie Farr on the original Hollywood Squares

01:02

I Dream of Jeannie

Jamie Farr on appearing on I Dream of Jeannie

00:30

Insight

Jamie Farr on his appearance on Insight

02:35

Lucy Show, The

Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on Lucy

01:26

MAS*H

Jamie Farr on his role on The Red Skelton Show being similar to his role on M*A*S*H

02:02

Jamie Farr on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H

06:35

Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H; on the scripts and characters; on his role as "Maxwell Q. Klinger"

20:44

Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode

01:50

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

10:00

Jamie Farr on the filming of the finale of M*A*S*H and creating a real time capsule

04:25

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.) and his character traits

06:04

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

00:26

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

01:20

Jamie Farr on a typical production week on M*A*S*H; on the cast and crew

09:42

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

01:03

Jamie Farr on favorite scenes from M*A*S*H episodes

03:11

Jamie Farr on directing an episode of M*A*S*H

01:41

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

07:30

Jamie Farr on negotiating a raise on M*A*S*H

04:04

MAS*H: "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen"

Jamie Farr on the filming of the finale of M*A*S*H and creating a real time capsule

04:25

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

07:30

MAS*H: "The Interview"

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

00:26

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

01:20

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview"

01:03

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

01:05

Match Game

Jamie Farr on his appearances on Match Game

00:30

Merv Griffin Show, The

Jamie Farr on his first (almost) appearance on The Merv Griffin Show

01:57

Mike Douglas Show, The

Jamie Farr on co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show

04:25

My Favorite Martian

Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on My Favorite Martian

00:18

My Three Sons

Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on My Three Sons

01:22

Password

Jamie Farr on his work on game shows

00:24

Jamie Farr on loving Password

00:54

Red Skelton Show, The

Jamie Farr on his role on The Red Skelton Show being similar to his role on M*A*S*H

02:02

Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show

01:19

Jamie Farr on his time on The Red Skelton Show

01:07

You Are There

Jamie Farr on appearing on You Are There

00:50

Topics

Censorship / Standards & Practices

Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show

02:08

Jamie Farr on memorable episodes of The Gong Show with Jaye P. Morgan

01:35

Characters & Catchphrases

Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H

00:41

Jamie Farr on his input on "Klinger's" wardrobe on M*A*S*H

01:22

Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"

03:43

Jamie Farr on his favorite "Klinger" outfits on M*A*S*H

00:40

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

02:22

Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" strengths and weaknesses

01:49

Jamie Farr on how he's similar to his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

01:08

Jamie Farr on how "Klinger" on M*A*S*H evolved over the series

00:59

Jamie Farr on why "Klinger" stopped wearing dresses on M*A*S*H

01:25

Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" wedding dress on M*A*S*H

00:55

Jamie Farr on his input for "Klinger's" character traits on M*A*S*H

01:33

Jamie Farr on "Klinger" on M*A*S*H being an iconic character

00:51

Comedy-Variety

Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show

01:19

Emmy Awards

Jamie Farr on Loretta Swit's Emmy win for an episode of M*A*S*H

01:22

Fame and Celebrity

Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode

02:45

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

04:13

Jamie Farr on getting drafted during the Korean conflict

00:57

Korean War

Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957 and the pair entertaining troops together

04:13

Jamie Farr on getting drafted during the Korean conflict

00:57

Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H

03:41

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)

01:45

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

02:45

Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H

02:37

Pop Culture

Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H

00:41

Jamie Farr on his input on "Klinger's" wardrobe on M*A*S*H

01:22

Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"

03:43

Jamie Farr on his favorite "Klinger" outfits on M*A*S*H

00:40

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

02:22

Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" strengths and weaknesses

01:49

Jamie Farr on how he's similar to his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

01:08

Jamie Farr on how "Klinger" on M*A*S*H evolved over the series

00:59

Jamie Farr on why "Klinger" stopped wearing dresses on M*A*S*H

01:25

Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" wedding dress on M*A*S*H

00:55

Jamie Farr on his input for "Klinger's" character traits on M*A*S*H

01:33

Jamie Farr on "Klinger" on M*A*S*H being an iconic character

00:51

TV's Golden Age (1940s & '50s)

Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show

01:19

Television Industry

Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode

02:45

Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show

02:08

Jamie Farr on memorable episodes of The Gong Show with Jaye P. Morgan

01:35

War

Jamie Farr on getting drafted during the Korean conflict

00:57

Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957 and the pair entertaining troops together

04:13

Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H

02:07

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)

01:45

We Cried

Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H

02:37

We Laughed

Jamie Farr on cross-dressing as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H and reaction from fans from the "Big Mac" episode

02:45

Professions

Actor

View Profession

Jamie Farr on advice to aspiring actors

02:24

Genres

Comedy Series

Jamie Farr on the premise of M*A*S*H; on the scripts and characters and his character, "Maxwell Q. Klinger"

20:45

Jamie Farr on a typical production week on M*A*S*H; on the cast and crew

09:42

Jamie Farr on the final episode of M*A*S*H

02:37

Jamie Farr on negotiating a raise on M*A*S*H

04:04

Game Shows

Jamie Farr on his involvement with The Gong Show

08:22

Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials

Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show

01:19

People

Aaron Spelling

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Jamie Farr on Aaron Spelling looking out for him

00:47

Alan Alda

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Jamie Farr on Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds wanting to make a TV show of M*A*S*H

03:57

Jamie Farr on working with Alan Alda ("Hawkeye") on M*A*S*H

01:54

Allan Arbus

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Jamie Farr on Allan Arbus' character evaluating "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

00:30

Andy Griffith

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Jamie Farr on working with Andy Griffith

00:20

Art Carney

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Jamie Farr on appearing with Harvey Korman, Danny Kaye, and Art Carney on a "Three Musketeers" sketch on The Danny Kaye Show

01:23

Barbara Eden

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Jamie Farr on appearing on I Dream of Jeannie

00:30

Bob Hope

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Jamie Farr on a memorable Bob Hope special in which he and Milton Berle wear the same dress

00:40

Burt Reynolds

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on his first (almost) appearance on The Merv Griffin Show

01:57

Charles S. Dubin

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Jamie Farr on Charles Dubin directing an episode of M*A*S*H that had no cuts within each film segment

01:13

Charlton Heston

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Jamie Farr on working with Charlton Heston

00:19

Chuck Barris

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Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show

04:50

Jamie Farr on a memorable episode of The Gong Show in which the judges took over the show

01:22

Jamie Farr on The Gong Show movie and his multiple appearances on the TV show

01:25

Clint Eastwood

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on taking an acting class with Clint Eastwood

00:28

Danny Kaye

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Jamie Farr on appearing on The Danny Kaye Show

02:38

Jamie Farr on appearing with Harvey Korman, Danny Kaye, and Art Carney on a "Three Musketeers" sketch on The Danny Kaye Show

01:23

Jamie Farr on working with Danny Kaye

01:22

Danny Thomas

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on praying to St. Jude

03:12

Jamie Farr on his friendship with Danny Thomas

02:26

Jamie Farr on Danny Thomas

02:27

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.)

01:41

David Isaacs

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Jamie Farr on writers Ken Levine and David Isaacs developing "Klinger's" Toldeo roots on M*A*S*H

02:50

Dean Martin

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Jamie Farr on Dean Martin's nose job

00:19

Dick Van Dyke

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Jamie Farr on appearing on The Dick Van Dyke Show

01:25

Dinah Shore

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Jamie Farr on the beginnings of his golf tournament in Toledo

03:02

Dom DeLuise

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Jamie Farr on the Cannonball Run films

03:18

Doris Day

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on working with Doris Day

00:06

Edward R. Murrow

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on the M*A*S*H episode "The Interview" based on Murrow in Korea

01:03

Frank Sinatra

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on the Cannonball Run films

01:04

Frankie Avalon

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on the beginnings of his golf tournament in Toledo

03:02

Fred MacMurray

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on My Three Sons

01:22

Gary Burghoff

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on working with Gary Burghoff ("Radar") on M*A*S*H

00:32

Gene Reynolds

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Jamie Farr on how Hy Averback played a role in getting Farr a role on M*A*S*H

07:35

Jamie Farr on Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds wanting to make a TV show of M*A*S*H

03:57

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.)

01:41

George Stevens

View Person Page

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

05:30

Ginger Rogers

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on wearing an outfit as "Klinger" on M*A*S*H that Ginger Rogers wore

00:43

Harry Morgan

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Jamie Farr on episodes of M*A*S*H with Harry Morgan

01:01

Jamie Farr on working with Harry Morgan on M*A*S*H

00:37

Jamie Farr on a memorable Harry Morgan episode of M*A*S*H

02:08

Jamie Farr on speaking at Harry Morgan's funeral and using some of the lines from "Tuesdays with Morrie" in his speech

00:52

Harvey Korman

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Jamie Farr on appearing with John Mills and Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show

01:24

Jamie Farr on appearing with Harvey Korman, Danny Kaye, and Art Carney on a "Three Musketeers" sketch on The Danny Kaye Show

01:23

Howard Morris

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Jamie Farr on Howard Morris looking out for him

00:02

Hy Averback

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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

07:46

Jack Cassidy

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show

04:50

James Drury

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on doing a screen test with The Virginian's James Drury

00:11

Jaye P. Morgan

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Jamie Farr on memorable episodes of The Gong Show with Jaye P. Morgan

01:35

Jerry Lewis

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Jamie Farr on a party at Jerry Lewis' house

01:36

JoAnne Worley

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Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show

04:50

John Mills

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Jamie Farr on appearing with John Mills and Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show

01:24

Ken Levine

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Jamie Farr on writers Ken Levine and David Isaacs developing "Klinger's" Toldeo roots on M*A*S*H

02:50

Larry Gelbart

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Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H and how Farr got the role

05:11

Jamie Farr on Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds wanting to make a TV show of M*A*S*H

03:57

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger's" roots on M*A*S*H (contd.)

01:41

Jamie Farr on working with Larry Gelbart on M*A*S*H

01:06

Larry Linville

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Jamie Farr on working with Larry Linville on M*A*S*H

00:40

Lee Majors

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Jamie Farr on his first (almost) appearance on The Merv Griffin Show

01:57

Lenny Bruce

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Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H

00:41

Loretta Swit

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Jamie Farr on Loretta Swit's Emmy win for an episode of M*A*S*H

01:22

Jamie Farr on working with Loretta Swit ("Houlihan") on M*A*S*H

00:36

Lucille Ball

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Jamie Farr on his guest appearances on Lucy and working with Lucille Ball

01:26

McLean Stevenson

View Person Page

Jamie Farr on working with McLean Stevenson on M*A*S*H

00:38

Merrill Heatter

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Jamie Farr on his work on Merrill Heatter game shows

01:33

Mickey Rooney

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Jamie Farr on Mickey Rooney's chemistry not being correct on The Red Skelton Show

01:07

Mike Douglas

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Jamie Farr on co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show

03:10

Milton Berle

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Jamie Farr on a memorable Bob Hope special in which he and Milton Berle wear the same dress

00:40

Milton Delugg

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Jamie Farr on difficulties with the original format of The Gong Show

04:50

Peter Lawford

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Jamie Farr on his first time on TV, in Dear Phoebe with Peter Lawford

01:30

Red Skelton

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Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz looking for a project for Red Skelton and tapping Farr for it

03:51

Jamie Farr on his role on The Red Skelton Show being similar to his role on M*A*S*H

02:02

Jamie Farr on keeping in touch with Red Skelton when Farr got drafted in 1957, and Skelton helping his career after the Korean War

06:01

Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show and how well Farr and Skelton got along

09:43

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)

53:48

Robert D. Wood

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Jamie Farr on M*A*S*H as CBS' crown jewel

01:55

Sherwood Schwartz

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Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz looking for a project for Red Skelton and tapping Farr for it

03:51

Jamie Farr on Sherwood Schwartz writing for The Red Skelton Show

01:19

Telly Savalas

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Jamie Farr on the Cannonball Run films

00:36

Walter Cronkite

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Jamie Farr on appearing on You Are There

00:38

Wayne Rogers

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Jamie Farr on working with Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H

00:38

William Christopher

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Jamie Farr on working with Bill Christopher on M*A*S*H

00:24

William Holden

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Jamie Farr on rooming with William Holden's cousin while studying at The Pasadena Playhouse

00:33

Jamie Farr on the miniseries The Blue Knight with William Holden

04:04

William S. Paley

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Jamie Farr on William Paley's wife loving M*A*S*H

01:33