Gary Burghoff Net Worth, Age, Bio, Career 2025

If you’re curious about Gary Burghoff’s net worth in 2025, you’re not alone. This beloved actor, best known as Radar O’Reilly from MASH*, has built an impressive fortune over the decades. As of 2025, Gary Burghoff’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, a notable increase from previous years. In 2024, his net worth hovered around $6 million, while in 2023, it was closer to $5.5 million. That’s steady growth, thanks to his diversified career and smart investments.

Let’s break it down for you. With a net worth of $10 million, Gary earns approximately $1,140 every day, $34,700 each month, and about $416,000 annually, if you spread it evenly across the year. That’s roughly $47 per hour-impressive for someone who started out as a stage actor in the 1960s. His income comes from multiple streams: acting royalties, art sales, invention patents, and real estate.

What’s remarkable is how Gary’s earnings have continued to grow, even decades after his peak TV fame. He still receives residuals from MASH* reruns and syndication deals, and his wildlife art has found a solid audience among collectors. If you’re thinking about how to build wealth over time, Gary Burghoff is a great example of steady, diversified growth.

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About Gary Burghoff: The Man Behind Radar O’Reilly

Why Is Gary Burghoff So Popular?

You probably know Gary Burghoff best as Radar O’Reilly, the lovable, quirky company clerk from MASH*. But did you know he originated the role of Charlie Brown in the 1967 Off-Broadway musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown? His portrayal of Radar was so iconic that he was the only actor to reprise his role from the original MASH* film to the long-running TV series. His innocent charm and comedic timing made Radar a fan favorite, earning Gary an Emmy Award in 1977 and six nominations overall.

Early Life and Background

Gary Rich Burghoff was born on May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut, to Rodney Burghoff, a clock company worker, and Ann Burghoff, a professional dancer and theater director. He grew up in Clinton and later Delavan, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for music, art, and acting. Despite being born with Poland syndrome-a condition that left three fingers on his left hand significantly smaller-Gary never let it slow him down.

Career Highlights and Awards

Gary’s big break came in 1967 with You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. But it was MASH* (1970 film, 1972–1979 TV series) that made him a household name. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and became a regular on game shows like Match Game and Tattletales. Beyond acting, Gary is a talented jazz drummer, wildlife painter, and inventor, holding several patents for fishing lures and even a toilet seat handle.

Personal Life: Family, Friends, and Relationships

Gary Burghoff has been married twice-first to Janet Gayle (1971–1979) and then to Elisabeth Bostrom (1985–2005). He has three children: Gena Gale, Miles, and Jordan. His parents, Rodney and Ann, supported his creative ambitions from a young age. Gary’s best friends in the industry included fellow MASH* cast members, though some co-stars later admitted to tensions on set due to his requests for more screen time and missed rehearsals.

Controversies and Criticism

Like many celebrities, Gary faced his share of controversies. He left MASH* after season 7, citing burnout and a desire to spend more time with his family, but also due to contract disputes and a feeling that his character deserved more attention. Some co-stars reportedly welcomed his departure, citing missed rehearsals and on-set frustrations. However, his fans remained loyal, and his reputation as Radar endured.

Personality, Hobbies, and Interests

Gary is known for his gentle, caring personality-mirrored in Radar’s love for animals, which was inspired by Gary’s real-life work at an animal rehabilitation clinic. He’s an avid fisherman (with patents to prove it), a baseball fan, and a passionate wildlife artist. His hobbies include painting, stamp collecting, and jazz drumming. He even launched a chain of ice cream shops in Hawaii in the late 1970s, though it didn’t take off.

Health, Challenges, and Triumphs

Despite living with Poland syndrome, Gary excelled in drumming and acting. He faced career challenges after leaving MASH*, with fewer acting offers, but reinvented himself as an artist and inventor. He’s not known to smoke or drink heavily and has maintained a relatively healthy lifestyle, though he’s described as more on the stocky side than slim. His zodiac sign is Gemini.

Lifestyle, Properties, and Philanthropy

Gary enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, thanks to his diverse income streams. He owns property in California and continues to sell his artwork nationwide. He’s also known for his charitable work, especially in wildlife conservation, though exact donation amounts are private.

Unknown Facts and Fun Tidbits

• Gary’s teddy bear from MASH* is now at the Smithsonian Institution.
• He’s a philatelist and starred in a USPS video for stamp collectors.
• He once sold underwear at Saks Fifth Avenue while studying acting in New York.
• He’s visited every U.S. state except Alaska, which he hopes to visit someday.

Latest News and Public Image

While Gary has stepped back from the spotlight, he occasionally appears at fan conventions and continues to share his art. He’s respected for his versatility and resilience, even if he faced some industry criticism in the past.

For more on Gary’s career and legacy, check out his IMDb profile or his Wikipedia page.

Education & Career: From Wisconsin to Hollywood

Gary Burghoff graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in Wisconsin in 1962. He later studied drama at HB Studio in Greenwich Village, New York City, a renowned acting school that has produced many stars. During his early days in New York, Gary supported himself by selling underwear at Saks Fifth Avenue and playing jazz in local clubs.

His career began with the Belfry Players in Wisconsin, but his breakthrough was the role of Charlie Brown in 1967. After that, he landed the role of Radar in the film and TV versions of MASH*, which changed his life forever. Gary later switched gears, focusing on art, inventions, and occasional TV appearances. He faced career gaps after MASH* but filled them with new ventures, showing a knack for reinvention.

Achievements and Contributions: Why Gary Burghoff Stands Out

Gary Burghoff changed the TV landscape with his portrayal of Radar O’Reilly, making the character both endearing and memorable. Here’s a quick look at his top achievements:

• Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (1977)
• Six Emmy nominations for MASH*
• Originated Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1967)
• Only actor to play the same character in both the MASH* film and TV series
• Regular on Match Game and Tattletales game shows
• Renowned wildlife artist with national gallery exhibitions
• Holds several patents for fishing lures and tackle
• Authored over 100 songs and recorded a jazz album in the 1980s
• Philatelist and USPS video host for stamp collectors
• Animal rehabilitation volunteer and wildlife advocate
• Launched a chain of ice cream shops in Hawaii
• Contributed to fingerprint lifting technology
• Wrote an introduction for a collection of student plays
• His MASH* teddy bear is in the Smithsonian
• Inspired generations of actors with his resilience and creativity

Height, Color and Weight: Gary Burghoff’s Physical Appearance

Gary Burghoff stands at about 5 feet 6 inches tall. He has brown hair and brown eyes, though his hair has grayed with age. Due to his Poland syndrome, three fingers on his left hand are smaller, but he’s never let that define him. He’s described as having a stocky build, not particularly slim or overweight-just the kind of everyman look that made Radar so relatable.

Social Media Accounts: Where to Find Gary Burghoff Online

Gary Burghoff is not very active on mainstream social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter, which is common for stars of his generation. Most of his fan interactions happen through official websites and at conventions. There are several fan pages and tribute accounts, but these are not managed by Gary himself. The last known public post from Gary was related to a wildlife art exhibition in 2023, shared through a gallery’s Facebook page.

FAQs about Gary Burghoff

What is Gary Burghoff’s nickname?
Gary is sometimes called “Radar” by fans, after his most famous role.

Did Gary Burghoff ever remarry after his divorces?
No, after divorcing Elisabeth Bostrom in 2005, Gary has not remarried.

What is Gary Burghoff’s favorite book or quote?
Gary has cited “To Kill a Mockingbird” as a favorite, appreciating its themes of justice and compassion.

Does Gary Burghoff have any pets?
Yes, he’s a lifelong animal lover and has cared for various pets, including birds and small mammals, often adopting rescues.

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