20 Memorable “M*A*S*H” Guest Stars You Might Have Forgotten
Watching classic television can feel like opening a time capsule filled with surprises.
M*A*S*H, the beloved series that ran for eleven seasons, welcomed dozens of actors who later became household names.
It somehow had a good chunk of the industry guest starring before anyone else knew who they were!
Before they headlined blockbusters or anchored hit sitcoms, these stars made memorable stops at the 4077th, and spotting them on a rewatch is half the fun.
1. Ron Howard
Back when Ron Howard was still Opie Taylor in many viewers’ minds, he showed up on M*A*S*H as Private Wendell Peterson.
His character lied about his age to enlist, and the episode became one of the show’s most emotional hours.
This appearance came before Happy Days turned him into Richie Cunningham. Seeing baby-faced Ron in army fatigues feels like watching history unfold in reverse.
2. Laurence Fishburne
Years before Neo met Morpheus in The Matrix, a teenage Laurence Fishburne played Corporal Dorsey in “The Tooth Shall Set You Free.”
His performance hinted at the gravitas he’d bring to later roles, even though he was barely out of high school.
Fishburne’s appearance reminds us how M*A*S*H served as a launching pad for serious talent.
His intensity already showed through, making this early cameo a treasure for fans who love tracking actor origins.
3. Patrick Swayze
Before Dirty Dancing made everyone swoon, Patrick Swayze portrayed Private Gary Sturgis in “Blood Brothers.”
His character faced terminal illness but refused to abandon his fellow soldier, showcasing the emotional range Swayze would later perfect in romantic dramas.
This episode aired years before his leading-man era began. Watching him deliver such a heartfelt performance in army greens feels surreal now.
4. John Ritter
If you blinked during certain episodes, you might’ve missed John Ritter before Three’s Company made him a sitcom legend.
His guest turn became one of the most frequently cited “future star” moments, and fans love pointing it out during rewatches.
Ritter brought his natural comedic timing even to a drama-heavy show.
Where else could you see Jack Tripper’s spiritual predecessor hanging around a Korean War field hospital? Exactly nowhere.
5. Leslie Nielsen
Known later for slapstick comedy, Leslie Nielsen played Colonel Buzz Brighton with total seriousness.
His authoritative presence reminded viewers he started as a dramatic actor before reinventing himself as comedy gold.
Nielsen’s dynamic performance showed he could command a scene without cracking a single joke.
This episode aired long before “Don’t call me Shirley” became a cultural catchphrase.
6. Shelley Long
Two years before pouring drinks as Diane Chambers on Cheers, Shelley Long guest-starred as Lieutenant Mendenhall in “Bottle Fatigue.”
Her appearance marked an early television role that showcased her ability to balance wit and professionalism.
Long’s performance hinted at the sharp comedic chops she’d later display in Boston’s favorite bar. However, seeing her in military nurse attire instead of behind the bar feels wonderfully strange.
7. George Wendt
Before becoming Norm Peterson, the beloved barfly everyone knew by name, George Wendt made a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance on M*A*S*H.
His face later became instantly recognizable, but during this cameo, he was just another talented character actor paying dues.
Though small, his role demonstrated the show’s knack for casting future icons. Seriously, how did this show have every future star being a guest?
8. Rita Wilson
Rita Wilson showed up on M*A*S*H before becoming a familiar screen presence in her own right.
Her appearance came years before she’d star in films like Sleepless in Seattle or become known as Tom Hanks’ wife.
Seeing her in a guest role feels like catching lightning in a bottle, a glimpse of talent before Hollywood fully recognized it.
However, most viewers sail right past this episode without realizing who they’re watching. That’s the magic of rewatching classics.
9. Ed Begley Jr.
It’s a fun early-spotting moment on M*A*S*H once you realize Ed Begley Jr. later became a familiar face on St. Elsewhere and a long list of other roles.
Begley brought authenticity to every scene, even as a guest player. His role might’ve been small, but his commitment was huge, so it’s no wonder casting directors kept calling him back for more.
Where other actors phone it in, Begley always showed up ready to work, and this cameo was no exception.
10. Teri Garr
With the ensemble cast dominating every episode, Teri Garr’s guest spot on M*A*S*H is easy to miss.
Before Tootsie and Young Frankenstein made her a comedy icon, she stopped by the 4077th and delivered a memorable performance.
Her appearance came during her rise to fame, catching her right before Hollywood fully embraced her talents.
Just saying, spotting Teri on a rewatch feels like finding hidden treasure.
11. Ned Beatty
Ned Beatty, the character actor extraordinaire, showed up in guest roster, and fans love pointing out his appearance.
His performance brought the gravitas he’d display throughout his legendary career, from Superman to Network.
Watching him work alongside the main cast feels like witnessing a masterclass in understated acting. However, many viewers forget he only stopped by the show because he blended so seamlessly into the ensemble.
Now that’s the mark of true talent.
12. Blythe Danner
A guest appearance on M*A*S*H delivers one of those “how did I forget she was on this?” moments, thanks to Blythe Danner’s memorable performance.
Before becoming Gwyneth Paltrow’s famous mom or starring in Meet the Parents, she brought elegance and depth to her brief appearance.
Danner’s performance showcased the acting chops that would define her career. Though decades have passed, spotting her on a rewatch reminds viewers why she’s remained a Hollywood fixture.
13. Pat Morita
Did you know that before teaching Daniel-san the crane kick in The Karate Kid, Pat Morita made a standout cameo on M*A*S*H?
His appearance hits differently once you know his later career, especially since he brought warmth and humor to every scene.
Morita’s role demonstrated his range beyond the comedic characters he often played. Mr. Miyagi would’ve been proud of this earlier performance.
14. Philip Baker Hall
This character actor who elevated every project he touched, also appeared in M*A*S*H’s deep bench of talent.
His performance showcased the intensity he’d later bring to Seinfeld, Magnolia, and countless other productions.
Hall never needed many lines to command attention, and this cameo proved it.
15. Xander Berkeley
Xander Berkeley, the ultimate “that guy” actor, shows up on guest cast lists and immediately makes sense.
Before appearing in everything from 24 to TWD, he stopped by the 4077th and left his mark.
Berkeley’s performance demonstrated the reliability that would define his career. His face became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable “I’ve seen him somewhere” mugs, and this early appearance explains why.
16. Robert Townsend
During his “before he was widely known” era, Robert Townsend popped up on M*A*S*H in a cameo that plenty of fans miss.
Years before directing Hollywood Shuffle or starring in The Meteor Man, he paid his dues on television’s best shows.
Townsend’s appearance came during his climb toward becoming a multihyphenate talent and his performance hinted at the creativity he’d later display behind the camera.
17. Brett Cullen
Brett Cullen, yet another later-famous face, turned up in M*A*S*H’s guest ecosystem before becoming a fixture in films like The Dark Knight Rises.
His appearance came during his early career when television offered young actors valuable experience.
Cullen’s performance showcased the professionalism that would carry him through decades of steady work.
18. Larry Wilcox
Best known as Officer Jon Baker on CHiPs, Wilcox made his way through M*A*S*H’s long guest roster during the show’s run. .
Wilcox brought his natural charm to the role, even though it was far from the California highways he’d later patrol.
His performance reminded viewers that actors often bounce between genres before finding their signature role.
19. Andrew Dice Clay
Clay’s early appearance on M*A*S*H surprises people during rewatches because it came years before his controversial comedy career exploded.
His unexpected cameo shows how the series welcomed truly all types of performers.
The role was straightforward and far removed from his later persona. Seeing him play it straight instead of performing his Diceman character feels like watching an alternate timeline.
20. Joan Van Ark
In those “you might’ve missed them” M*A*S*H roundups, Joan Van Ark often pops up as a fun early spot for anyone who knows her later Knots Landing run.
Her appearance came before primetime soap operas made her a household name.
Van Ark brought sophistication to her role, hinting at the dramatic chops she’d display throughout the 1980s.
