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Gary Burghoff: To M*A*S*H and Back Paperback – June 10, 2009

by Gary Burghoff (Author), Larry Gelbart (Foreword)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 124 ratings
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To millions of faithful television viewers, Gary Burghoff will always be Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, the lovable telepathic assistant to Colonel Potter on M*A*S*H. But the man behind the bespectacled TV Land icon is a true Renaissance man. He's a classically trained stage actor, a jazz musician, an environmentalist, a poet, a songwriter, an inventor, a wildlife artist, and now - a writer. In this intensely personal memoir, the author takes you on his journey from his family's home in Wisconsin to his successful carreer on the New York stage, from the Hollywood film version of M*A*S*H to the hit television show, from the challenges of married life to the rewards of single fatherhood. Often funny, occationally poignant and always honest, To M*A*S*H and Back is an account you will long remember.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    244 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    BearManor Media
  4. Publication date
    June 10, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.51 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1593933436
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1593933432
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ BearManor Media; First Edition (June 10, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1593933436
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1593933432
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.51 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
124 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Goodell
5.0 out of 5 stars a classic in every way.
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2010
Verified Purchase
In 2008 I was in a car accident and ended up with an open right femur fracture which landed me in the hospital for a month. Since I couldn't exactly walk around or be active I ended up watching a lot of TV, which in turn introduced me to M*A*S*H. That introduced me to Mr. Burghoff. The very first episode I watched was one called "The Sniper", I was hooked at that time by Radar. He kept me watching and after he left the show what kept me watching was David Ogden Stiers.
Since then I have read and watched everything I could concerning Mr. Burghoff and when his book came out, my mom bought it for me. I sat down and read the whole thing from front to back in one sitting. I only wish it could have been longer...Harry Potter length still would have had me asking for more.
This book is open, honest and gives the reader a look inside the life of a great man and a very talented actor, musician and artist.
I laughed many times while reading and other times I was blown away by how candid he was on certain topics.
He leads you on a very personal walk through his childhood, through the years he struggled to find success, his journey before, during and after M*A*S*H, his two marriages and also his life as a single father. But most importantly, at least to me, he takes you on his road to find God. His relationship with God and his quest to find the deeper meaning in his life takes up a lot of this book and you learn what really makes up the man.
Now, I am re-reading the book just in case I missed anything and I am getting just as much from it the second time through. That never happens.
You have to buy and read this book. It is a book you will keep easily available because it really is that excellent. I honestly hope Mr. Burghoff is working on "Part 2". I'll be first in line to buy it.
Again, my only compaint is that this biography isn't longer.
15 people found this helpful
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A. Nickel
5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely inspiring lead
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2017
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Reading Gary's story brought back memories of my childhood, although many things were different than his, the insight into his youth served to awaken those memories.
The combination of joy and sorrow, boom and bust, and Gary's openness about finding God is far different than what we expect from typical actors. Gary's willingness to not berate the women who he lost was refreshing.
Not surprisingly, we find the real WALTER O'REILY alive in Gary much as we found that Charley Brown was really Charles Schultz.
God bless you, Gary, for both Walter and this wonderful look into the life of the character for whom I watch MASH and still do. You may never have gotten top billing there, but you were by far the reason I watched every episode and the movie, numerous times.
2 people found this helpful
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Steve
4.0 out of 5 stars Thank You, Gary!
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2016
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As a published author and a former fan of MASH, Gary poured out those hidden thoughts and reflections that most of us writers do. Hope he keeps exploring his talents. He's got many-one of which is writing. We're the same age. Wish I'd known him. Lots in common.
One person found this helpful
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Dawn Snyder
5.0 out of 5 stars Gary is so multi talented.
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2021
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Have not finished the book yet but I am really enjoying reading it. I can relate to some of his experiences of growing up.
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Donna F. Millar
5.0 out of 5 stars He is just a regular guy who loves talking and walking his little dog.
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2019
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We loved learning more about Gary. We live in the same R.V. resort and this book tells so much about his life. Now we feel like we really know him now. We Love you Gary.
One person found this helpful
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Robert E. Malone
3.0 out of 5 stars His autobiography, so his whole life with little MASH content
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2022
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If you are interested in Gary Burghoff, it's the story of his life and his feelings about his life, which was one of privilege but with a lot of angst as well. It's very raw at times, as it delves deeply into his youth and how he feels about his family. When it somewhat briefly discusses MASH it is more in the context of what it did to his life and that perhaps his great talent was ultimately flawed in that his quest for perfection sometimes got in the way of his enjoying the moment and had a significant negative impact on his life. Given the option, I have to wonder if Gary would do it all over again or if he would have stayed in the CA hills in anonymity and been happier for it. I hope he has found a measure of peace in his CT home and thank him for his contribution to MASH.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2017
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It was wonderful to get to know a beloved actor as more than the character he played. Learning of his spiritual journey is familiar to a fellow Christian, though not an Adventist. I'm more impressed now than I was. Thank you, Mr. Burgoff for reminding me that I don't have to do it alone.
One person found this helpful
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Meredith
5.0 out of 5 stars Gives you insisite into his life
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2021
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Very heartfelt book and inspiring
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Top reviews from other countries

Marie-Claude
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on August 5, 2017
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adorer le livre
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Mrs. Elizabeth Simmers
5.0 out of 5 stars his
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2016
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Brilliant read not a lot of MASH more Gary Burghoff! So down to earth and moving as well he is no angel and doesnt hide his short comings.
Truly human.
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Gilles Castonguay
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Reviewed in Canada on April 16, 2021
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Having been a M*A*S*H fan for most of my life, I was expecting to get some interesting inside info on his relationship with the cast and his time on the show but not so. He devotes one small chapter to his time on M*A*S*H and its extremely little. To top it off he doesn't seem to have enjoyed his time there much at all. I agree with another reviewer: the title and cover a very misleading. Very disappointed.
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Jo
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2015
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A must for Gary Burghoff fans
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Jeanette Clark
3.0 out of 5 stars thought this would be about the MASH series, but ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2014
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thought this would be about the MASH series, but it was about Gary's life, which was interesting as he is very talented in everything he does, but i think the title was a bit misleading
One person found this helpful
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