Mike Farrell Says Gay Fans of ‘MASH’ Still Ask Him This About BJ Honeycutt Detail
Though M*A*S*H, the iconic Alan Alda dramedy, became famous for many things during its 11 seasons, pioneering new fashion trends was not one of them. Sure, Sgt. Klinger (Jamie Farr) could often be found sporting a whimsical party dress during the show’s 1972-1983 run, but most of the cast sported drab-colored fatigues, as would befit folks serving in an active military conflict. There was, however, one major exception: Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, played by Mike Farrell, who became known for his signature pink long-sleeve shirt.
There was no official explanation ever given on the show for Hunnicutt’s attire, but through the years, some fans have wondered if the pink shirt was meant to comnvey connection to or solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
In a 2023 interview with TV Insider, Farrell finally addressed the back story behind his pink shirt:
It’s fun to think about what would have happened if social media had been around during M*A*S*H‘s original run. For example, B.J.’s mustache would be a hot topic of conversation.
Farrell: People often ask me, “What do you think of the mustache?” I will say my mother hated the mustache. The mustache was a fun thing. Alan called me at the beginning of one season and said, “They think we are too much alike. What do you think about growing a mustache?” I thought it was a great idea. We made a lot out of it, which was fun to do. I wore what started as a red long shirt. Through many washes, it came out pink. I thought it was hilarious to be wearing a pink shirt in the middle of all that. I get many comments from people in the gay community who tell me they loved my pink shirt and ask if that was a signal. I tell them no, but that I’m glad they noticed it.
Summer Blockbusters
June 2025
'Jaws' made us afraid of the water, 'Star Wars' took us light years away and Marty McFly took us back to 1955. Flashback to these classic Summer Blockbusters.
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