Gwen Farrell obit

'M*A*S*H'Actress Gwen Farrell Adair Dead at 94

She was not on the list. 

Key points

Gwen Farrell Adair, an actress known for multiple roles on M*A*S*H who later became a boxing referee, has died at 94.

Adair portrayed several different nurses across the show's 11-season run.

She also appeared in movies like The Towering Inferno and Coffy.

Gwen Farrell Adair, the actress best known for her performances on M*A*S*H, has died. She was 94.

The actress' son, Keith Farrell, confirmed his mother's death in a GoFundMe page established to help cover funeral costs.

"Beyond her accomplishments, Gwen was so much more to her family," her loved ones wrote in the GoFundMe description. "She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom. She had a way of making those around her feel supported, understood, and cared for without needing recognition."

Her family continued, "Her passing leaves a deep void in our hearts, one that cannot be filled. We will miss her voice, her strength, and the quiet comfort she brought into our lives. While we are heartbroken, we are also incredibly grateful for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind."

Deadline reported that the actress died of natural causes in Sherman Oaks, Calif., on Thursday.

Born in Austin in 1972, Adair made her screen debut in the second episode of M*A*S*H in 1972, playing an uncredited nurse. She went on to appear in over a dozen episodes in the medical dramedy's first season, and was later credited as Nurse Butler, Nurse Wilson, Lt. Baker, Nurse Able, Nurse Gwen, and an anesthetist across seven more of the show's 11 seasons.

Adair also made her film debut in 1972 in the blaxploitation movie Black Gunn. She went on to appear in small roles in films like The Towering Inferno, Coffy, Soylent Green, Earthquake, and Billy Jack Goes to Washington. She also acted in a 1975 episode of Starsky & Hutch.

Adair switched up her career in 1980 when she entered the boxing world as a referee. "With confidence, fairness, and unwavering composure, she earned the respect of fighters, trainers, and fans alike," her family wrote in the GoFundMe description. "She didn't just do the job; she broke barriers and proved that strength comes in many forms."

The actress' family asked for financial support in the wake of her death. "As we navigate this difficult time, we are asking for support to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as any related costs that come with laying a loved one to rest with the honor and dignity she deserves," they wrote. "Any contribution, no matter the size, means so much to our family. If you are unable to donate, we truly appreciate you sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers."

The family added, "We are deeply grateful for the love and support during this time of grief."

 

Actress

Alan Alda, David Ogden Stiers, Gary Burghoff, William Christopher, Jamie Farr, Mike Farrell, Harry Morgan, and Loretta Swit in M*A*S*H (1972)

M*A*S*H

8.5

TV Series

NurseNurse WilsonNurse Gwen ...

1972–1983

26 episodes

 

Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977)

Billy Jack Goes to Washington

4.5

Reporter

1977

 

Starsky and Hutch (1975)

Starsky and Hutch

7.0

TV Series

Diane Sills (uncredited)

1975

1 episode

 

Fred Astaire, William Holden, Paul Newman, Richard Chamberlain, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, O.J. Simpson, Robert Vaughn, Robert Wagner, Susan Blakely, and Jennifer Jones in The Towering Inferno (1974)

The Towering Inferno

7.0

Party Guest (uncredited)

1974

 

Charlton Heston, Victoria Principal, Geneviève Bujold, Ava Gardner, Lorne Greene, George Kennedy, Marjoe Gortner, Lloyd Nolan, Richard Roundtree, and Barry Sullivan in Earthquake (1974)

Earthquake

5.9

Woman in Street (uncredited)

1974

 

Pam Grier in Coffy (1973)

Coffy

6.8

Waitress in Club (uncredited)

1973

 

Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Joseph Cotten, Chuck Connors, Richard Fleischer, Paula Kelly, Brock Peters, Walter Seltzer, Leigh Taylor-Young, and Russell Thacher in Soylent Green (1973)

Soylent Green

7.0

Woman in Confessional Line (uncredited)

1973

 

Black Gunn (1972)

Black Gunn

5.8

Woman at B.A.G. Headquarters (uncredited)

1972

 

Self

ESPN Top Rank Boxing (1980)

ESPN Top Rank Boxing

7.4

TV Series

Self - Referee (as Gwen Adair)

1993

1 episode