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‘M*A*S*H’ Star William Christopher Had Unexpected Connections to ‘The Smurfs’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’
William Christopher, beloved as Father Mulcahy on ‘M*A*S*H,’ also voiced Angel Smurf and appeared on Days of Our Lives before his death in 2016 at age 84.
Fans of M*A*S*H will always remember William Christopher as the kindhearted Father Francis Mulcahy, but the beloved actor had a few surprising roles beyond the iconic television show. Before his death in December 2016 at 84, Christopher lent his voice to a familiar cartoon character and later appeared on a popular soap opera. On what would have been his 94th birthday, those lesser-known roles offer fans an intriguing glance into his long acting career.
Christopher first appeared as Father Mulcahy in the third episode of M*A*S*H’s first season, eventually appearing in 213 episodes of the hit series. He reprised the role for another 30 episodes in the followup series AfterMASH, as well.
In addition to his treasured role on M*A*S*H, Christopher appeared in a number of other shows. There were appearances on The Patty Duke Show and Hogan’s Heroes, as well as The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote.
One gig Christopher had after M*A*S*H may have gone unnoticed by his fans. He voiced the character of Angel Smurf in The Smurfs television series for 10 episodes.
The actor continued working until a few years before his death, and his last role took him to the land of soap operas. Christopher played Father Tobias in seven episodes of Days of Our Lives in 2012.
The actor also authored one book, Mixed Blessings, with his wife, Barbara Christopher. The book, released in 1989, detailed the couple’s real-life journey raising a son, Ned Christopher, who had autism. The couple had another son, John Christopher, and both sons were adopted.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Christopher died 18 months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. After his death, fellow M*A*S*H star Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, shared a statement mourning the actor’s death.
She wrote, “Our Dear Bill and his goodness are a great argument for there being a heaven. I never heard him complain or lose his temper. Everyone adored him.” Swit added, “He became TV’s quintessential padre as Father Mulcahy on M*A*S*H. It was the most perfect casting ever known.”
