Stop Complaining
In the beginning, the writers of the show were open to feedback. Over time, however, the actors’ notes became more and more tedious. As a result, the writers wanted to get back at the cast, as well as stop the tedious notes. And so, the writers wrote completely unnecessary details in scripts. For instance, at one point, the actors had to wear heavy parkas and act as if it were the dead of winter. In reality, they were out on a hot summer day in Malibu, California. This tactic had the effect that the writers hoped for, and the complaints and notes had stopped. Unhappy with being one of the many stars on set, many cast members got somewhat frustrated. McLean Stevenson ended up leaving the show for this very reason, as he hoped to find a more successful role for himself somewhere else.
MASH Still
The Fan Favorite
During the series, Wayne Rogers, who played Captain “Trapper” John McIntyre, decided to leave the show. The producers informed him that he couldn’t, as it would be a breach of his contract. As it turns out, Rogers had never even signed a contract, allowing him to leave with no problem. The fan favorite had initially auditioned for the role of Hawkeye Pierce but decided against it as Pierce was gruffer than he liked. Instead, he requested to read for Trapper, and it ended up being a good role for him. After he left, Rogers continued with acting, and found some success in it before going on to produce, direct, and even write in Hollywood. He even created his own stock investment corporation as he dabbled in finances.
Wayne Rogers