Gwen Farrell Adair, the actress who played multiple nurses throughout M*A*S*H's run, died Thursday of natural causes in Sherman Oaks. She was 94.
Born in Austin, Texas, Adair made her onscreen debut in the second episode of the CBS war comedy drama in 1972. Her work on the show became her most recognizable role, appearing across the series' legendary 11-season run that ended in 1983. M*A*S*H became a cultural phenomenon, and Adair's appearances as various medical personnel placed her among the ensemble cast that helped define the show's blend of humor and wartime drama.
Her son announced her death. Beyond M*A*S*H, Adair worked steadily in television and film throughout her career, though the groundbreaking Korean War series remained her signature credit. The show itself aired from 1972 to 1983 and spawned a feature film, multiple spin-offs, and enduring syndication that introduced generations of viewers to its characters and storylines.
Adair's death marks another loss for the M*A*S*H family, which has seen several of its principal cast members pass in recent years.