Mike Farrell

Lore & Background

Farrell was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota, one of four children. When he was two, his family moved to Hollywood, California, where his father worked as a carpenter on film sets. He attended West Hollywood Grammar School in the same class as Natalie Wood, graduated from Hollywood High School, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. After his discharge, he worked various jobs before becoming an actor.

His big break came in 1975 when he was cast as B.J. Hunnicutt on M*A*S*H, replacing Wayne Rogers. Farrell stayed with the series for its remaining eight years, also writing five episodes and directing four. He later starred in Providence and produced Patch Adams. Farrell has been active in the Screen Actors Guild, serving as first vice president in Los Angeles for three years starting in 2002. He has also been President of Death Penalty Focus since 1994 and has participated in humanitarian missions, including observing surgery on a guerrilla commander in El Salvador in 1985.

Reader's Guide

Mike Farrell's significance lies in his dual career as a beloved television actor and a committed activist. His portrayal of B.J. Hunnicutt on M*A*S*H made him a household name, and his subsequent work on Providence and as a producer of Patch Adams extended his influence in entertainment. However, his legacy is equally defined by his activism: he has been President of Death Penalty Focus since 1994, co-chaired California Human Rights Watch for ten years, and received PETA's Humanitarian Award in 2001. His involvement in the Screen Actors Guild and his public opposition to the death penalty and other causes demonstrate a consistent engagement with social issues. Farrell's autobiography, Just Call Me Mike, chronicles his journey from actor to activist, reflecting a life dedicated to both art and advocacy.

Did You Know?

• Farrell attended West Hollywood Grammar School in the same class as actress Natalie Wood.
• He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959.
• Farrell was present as an observer for Amnesty International during surgery on guerrilla commander Nidia Diaz in El Salvador in 1985.
• He married actress Shelley Fabares in 1984; they remained married until her death in 2026.