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R.I.P. Wayne Rogers, Trapper John of 'MAS*H'

The actor who portrayed Trapper John McIntyre passed away December 31 at the age of 82. Watch the MeTV salute to Wayne Rogers all week.

January 4, 2016, 12:37PM By MeTV Staff

Wayne Rogers, who died on December 31 at the age of 82, leaves behind a legacy of portraying one of the most beloved characters on one of the most popular TV series of all time.

MAS*H

7/26 7:30PMFade Out, Fade In (Part 2)
"Radar gets a temporary replacement for Maj. Burns: a Major Charles Emerson Winchester III. Maj. Winchester arrives at the 4077th, only to painfully discover that he's the permanent replacement after Frank Burns is thoroughly examined, uncannily acquitted, undeservingly promoted (to Lt. Colonel!!!), and quickly transferred to a VA hospital in Indiana. The Eye Of The Hawk and Beej struggle with Charles' conceit about his professionalism in OR, but they discover that he can take it as well as dish it out when it comes to practical jokes!"
7/28 7:00PMFallen Idol
"Radar wants to become a man so Hawkeye recommends he goes to Seoul. On his way there he is hit by a mine. Hawkeye performs surgery on him. After surgery, Hawkeye goes to the Officers Club where he gets hammered. The next day he goes to surgery severely hung over. Radar tells Hawkeye he is disappointed in him. Hawkeye explodes and is then yelled at by Major Houlihan, Colonel Potter and Father Mulcahy. Radar and Hawkeye make up. Radar receives a Purple Heart. "
7/28 7:30PMLast Laugh
"Madness strikes as B.J. and his old friend Bardonaro play a series of practical jokes on each other, just as Bardonaro is about to leave Korea. Hawkeye gets the last laugh. He sends Bardonaro off without his traveling papers, and in a jeep with too little gas."

*available in most MeTV markets

On M*A*S*H, Rogers brought to life Trapper John McIntyre, the fun-loving Army surgeon of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Although Rogers only appeared in the first three seasons of the long-running show, his character quickly became a fan favorite.

McIntyre was known as a legendary prankster, always causing trouble with his buddy Hawkeye Pierce, portrayed by Alan Alda. Initially Rogers and Alda were supposed to have equal screen time, yet when Alda's character became more popular with audiences, the writers and producers fed Hawkeye more scenes on the show. Because of this, Rogers left the show after the third season.

After M*A*S*H, Rogers continued to have success in acting, obtaining recurring role in popular television shows like Murder She Wrote. Beyond acting, Rogers also found success as a money manager and investor.

Rogers died from complications of pneumonia in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.

To pay tribute to the actor, MeTV is airing classic episodes featuring Trapper John McIntyre's best moments as part of the "MeTV Salute to Wayne Rogers." Tune in to M*A*S*H this week, Monday through Friday, at 7PM | 6C.

The highlighted episodes include “Requiem for a Lightweight,” “Hot Lips and Empty Arms,” “Officer of the Day,” "Check-Up," "Kim," "Mail Call," "The Army-Navy Game," "Radar's Report," "As You Were," "O.R." and "Private Charles Lamb." Visit our schedule for more details.