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R.I.P. Eileen Saki, known for classic role as Rosie on M*A*S*H
The actress, who also appeared in ''Splash,'' was 79.
TMZ reports that M*A*S*H's Rosie, Eileen Saki, has died.
The actress, best known for her role as the proprietor of "Rosie's Bar" on the seriocomic war series, died Monday, May 1st, 2023, in her home in Los Angeles. Her death comes after a long battle with cancer.
Saki also starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1984 comedy Splash. In addition to these roles, Saki made guest appearances on CHiPS, Good Times, Gimme a Break!, and Without a Trace. Most recently, she appeared in an Uber Eats advertisement opposite L.A. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
As Rosie, Eileen Saki provided M*A*S*H, and its characters, with a much-needed respite from the horrors of war. Soldiers took solace at Rosie's Bar, where they could pull up a chair, order a drink, and forget they were in the middle of war-torn Korea. Most importantly, they were able to eat something other than what was served in the mess tent. All of this, though, was secondary to the sassy warmth and inviting atmosphere provided by the bar's owner, Rosie.
According to Pop Culture, Jeff Maxwell, who played Pvt. Igor Straminsky, called Eileen, "a very special woman" who captivated you with a twinkle and a smile.
"I am very grateful to have had that experience. It's one I will cherish forever. My heart and love go to Bob and their family. Love you Eileen and Rosie."
Saki is survived by her husband, Bob Borgen. She was 79.
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22 Comments
I remember her in Splash. She played a doctor.
OO Binky.
Jeff Maxwell made some touching comments there 🙂
“Eileen Saki, the Japanese-American actress best known for playing bar owner Rosie in the hit sitcom M*A*S*H, has died. She was 79.
Saki’s husband, producer Bob Borgen, confirmed the passing to Fox News Digital. She died on Monday, May 1, in Los Angeles, California, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Eileen passed away just two months after being diagnosed with Advanced Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer,” Borgen told Fox. “She was working up until January 2023 and shot big commercials in October and November — in fact, she got a callback for her last audition and was happy about that.”
Borgen continued, “She loved her time on M*A*S*H and appreciated all the messages she received from M*A*S*H fans and former cast members during the last few weeks.”.”
Hard to believe she was only in nine episodes of MASH. Even though she was the third actress to play Rosie she’s the one I always think of as the character.
But she was an addition to MASH.
