M*A*S*H star passes away
M*A*S*H star Judy Farrell has passed away at the age of 84, her son has confirmed to TNZ.
The actress, who is best known around the world for her portrayal of Nurse Able, died in hospital nine days after suffering a stroke which left her unable to communicate. However, TNZ have reported that Judy was conscious still and able to squeeze the hands of her loved ones.
While Judy’s son Michael - whom she shared with fellow M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell - has not yet spoken publicly about her mother’s passing, her former co-star Loretta Swift spoke to Fox News Digital about losing “family”.
“Judy was a most beautiful woman - inside and out. We grew up together," the actress behind Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan said. "She was family. This has been a painful loss, but we will always have the beauty of her memory.
“Rest in peace, Nurse Able."
Farrell starred as Nurse Able in eight episodes of the hit series, and was the only actress to ever be credited as the character. Initially, Nurse Able was a minor role - often just a placeholder for the instances where a background nurse had a line - and from Seasons 2-11 she was played by no fewer than 11 different people. By the fourth season, the role progressed so that she became involved in the show’s plot.
It was in the sixth season that Judy Farrell secured her place in television history as Nurse Able, taking over for the character’s final appearances on screen in Seasons 6-11 for eight episodes.
During her time on the show, Farrell starred alongside the likes of Loretta Swift, Alan Alda, and ex-husband Mike Farrell. The latter joined M*A*S*H’s cast in 1975, replacing Wayne Rogers, and remained until the 1983 finale.
The couple had married in 1963, but went on to divorce 20 years later, in the same year that M*A*S*H bid farewell to its audience. Their split was reportedly amicable, with the two going on to remarry and co-parent their children, son Michael and daughter Erin.
And as Farrell’s loved ones mourn her loss, fans and followers of the actress have taken to social media to share their grief, and to honour her work, sharing some of their fondest memories of her time bringing their beloved Nurse Able to life.
“RIP Nurse Able. I was so thrilled to have known you, Judy Farrell,” wrote comedian Murray Valeriano.
“Condolences to the Farrell and MASH families,” one fan said.
And for another, it came as a tragic opportunity to share a clip of Farrell’s work, showcasing the actress alongside some of her former co-stars, with Classic MASH writing “Sad news today.”
Sad news today. Judy Farrell has passed away. #ClassicMASH pic.twitter.com/hCfSpL7c0W
— Classic MASH 🍸 (@ClassicMASH) April 4, 2023
Images: Getty, Twitter, MASHFandom.com