People often wonder about Gary Burghoff net worth — and it’s no surprise. With a career full of big wins and memorable roles, his bank account reflects decades of entertainment success. The beloved actor who brought Radar O’Reilly to life has built quite a fortune over the years. From his iconic M*A*S*H days to his creative ventures beyond acting, Burghoff’s wealth tells an interesting story of talent and smart choices.
Gary Burghoff became a household name through one of television’s most beloved shows. His innocent, teddy bear-clutching character won hearts across America for nearly a decade. But there’s much more to his financial story than just his famous TV role. The Connecticut-born star has worn many hats throughout his career, each adding to his impressive net worth.
How Much Is Gary Burghoff Worth?
Gary Burghoff has an estimated net worth of $6 million as of 2025. This figure comes from multiple reliable sources including Celebrity Net Worth and entertainment industry publications. While this might seem modest compared to some Hollywood A-listers, it’s quite impressive for someone who stepped away from the spotlight decades ago.
When we compare Gary Burghoff net worth to other M*A*S*H stars, the numbers tell an interesting story. His co-star Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce, has accumulated significantly more wealth over the years. However, Burghoff’s $6 million fortune shows the lasting power of his smart financial decisions and diverse income streams.
The actor’s wealth has remained stable over the years thanks to residuals from M*A*S*H reruns. The show continues to air worldwide, providing ongoing income long after filming ended. This steady stream of earnings has helped maintain his comfortable lifestyle and financial security.
It’s worth noting that Burghoff could have been much wealthier today. In 1979, Warner Bros offered him a $4 million contract to stay on M*A*S*H, which would equal about $15 million in today’s money. He turned down this massive payday to focus on his family and personal well-being.
Career Highlights
Gary Burghoff’s journey to fame began long before M*A*S*H made him a star. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he originated the role of Charlie Brown in the Off-Broadway musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. This performance showcased his talent and opened doors to bigger opportunities in entertainment.
The role that changed everything came in 1970 when director Robert Altman cast him as Radar O’Reilly in the movie M*A*S*H. Burghoff was the only actor from the original film who was asked to reprise his role for the television series. This decision proved to be career-defining and financially rewarding.
During his seven seasons on the TV version of M*A*S*H, Burghoff received six Emmy nominations and won the award in 1977. His portrayal of the innocent, intuitive company clerk became one of television’s most beloved characters. The show’s massive success made him a household name across America.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Burghoff appeared regularly on game shows like “Match Game,” where he was featured in over 140 episodes. These appearances kept him in the public eye and provided additional income. He also took on various acting roles in films and television throughout his career.
Main Sources of Income
Acting has been Gary Burghoff’s primary source of wealth throughout his career. His M*A*S*H salary, combined with ongoing residuals from reruns, forms the foundation of his net worth. The show continues to air globally, ensuring a steady income stream decades after production ended.
Game show appearances provided another significant income source during and after his M*A*S*H years. His regular spots on “Match Game” and other shows kept him visible to audiences while adding to his earnings. These appearances were both fun and financially beneficial for the actor.
Burghoff has also earned money through brand endorsements over the years. He appeared in advertisements for BP gasoline, IBM computers, and PriceRadar.com. While not his main income source, these endorsement deals have contributed to his overall wealth and kept him connected to commercial audiences.
His creative talents extend beyond acting into profitable ventures. Burghoff is an accomplished wildlife painter whose artwork sells in galleries nationwide. His paintings have become increasingly valuable, with some pieces selling for $10,000 or more. This artistic pursuit has become both a passion and a revenue stream.
Luxury Lifestyle
Gary Burghoff has chosen a relatively modest lifestyle compared to many celebrities with similar net worth. He built a log cabin in Connecticut where he lived with his family for many years. This choice reflects his preference for a quiet, nature-focused life away from Hollywood’s glitz and glamour.
The actor has always been passionate about the outdoors and wildlife. He enjoys fishing and canoeing, often taking trips to scenic locations like Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His love for nature influences both his lifestyle choices and his artistic work as a wildlife painter.
Burghoff’s spending habits seem focused on experiences rather than material possessions. He values time with his children and has made family a priority throughout his life. This approach to wealth management has helped him maintain his fortune while living comfortably.
His homes have reflected his down-to-earth personality rather than flashy celebrity status. The log cabin in Connecticut represented his desire for a simple, peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature. This choice shows how he’s used his wealth to create the life he truly wanted.
Investments and Side Businesses
Gary Burghoff has shown impressive entrepreneurial spirit beyond his entertainment career. He holds multiple patents for fishing equipment, including a device called “Chum Magic” that attracts fish to boats. These inventions demonstrate his creative problem-solving abilities and provide additional income streams.
His wildlife painting has evolved from a hobby into a serious business venture. Burghoff’s artwork is exhibited in galleries across the United States, and he has donated pieces to wildlife preservation auctions. This artistic pursuit combines his passion for nature with profitable business opportunities.
The actor has also been involved in television production work. He hosted a public television series called “Pets: Part of the Family” in 1999, which focused on relationships between people and their animal companions. This work allowed him to combine his love of animals with his entertainment industry experience.
Burghoff’s diverse interests have led to various creative projects over the years. He’s worked as a director, inventor, and even a jazz drummer. This variety of pursuits has helped him maintain multiple income sources and keep his career interesting and financially stable.
Charity and Giving Back
Gary Burghoff has consistently used his fame and fortune to support causes close to his heart. His passion for wildlife conservation has led him to donate artwork to various preservation society auctions. These contributions help raise money for important environmental causes while showcasing his artistic talents.
The actor has been involved in animal rights advocacy throughout his career. His work on the PBS series “Pets: Part of the Family” demonstrated his commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. This involvement shows how he’s used his platform to make a positive impact.
Burghoff’s charitable activities often connect to his personal interests and values. His Christian faith has influenced his giving patterns and community involvement. He believes in using his resources and influence to help others and support meaningful causes.
His approach to charity seems to focus on quiet, consistent giving rather than high-profile donations. This style matches his overall preference for staying out of the spotlight while still making a positive difference in the world.
Final Thoughts
Gary Burghoff net worth of $6 million tells the story of a man who chose family and personal fulfillment over maximum financial gain. His decision to leave M*A*S*H at the height of his fame cost him millions but gave him something more valuable — time with his loved ones and peace of mind.
The actor’s diverse talents have served him well financially. From acting and painting to inventing and music, he’s built multiple income streams that have sustained his wealth over decades. His story shows that celebrity net worth isn’t just about the biggest paycheck but about making smart, sustainable choices.
Today, Gary Burghoff’s wealth continues to provide him with a comfortable lifestyle while supporting his various creative pursuits. His legacy extends far beyond his bank account to include memorable performances, beautiful artwork, and positive contributions to society. His financial success reflects a life well-lived on his own terms.
FAQs
Did Jamie Farr and Gary Burghoff get along?
Yes, Jamie Farr and Gary Burghoff had a good relationship. Jamie Farr was actually supportive of Gary and didn’t want him to leave M*A*S*H]. In a 2024 article, Farr said: “I told Gary his leaving might be bad for the show and bad for him, but I couldn’t talk him out of it”]. The search results indicate that Jamie was one of the cast members who was close with Gary, along with Loretta Swit and Harry Morgan. Their relationship appears to have been positive both during and after the show.
Is Gary Burghoff one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
The search results mention that Gary Burghoff credits his Christian faith for helping him through difficult times in his life. However, there is no specific information in the provided search results that confirms whether he is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or identifies his particular denomination. The results only reference his general Christian faith and how it helped keep him grounded during challenging periods.
Did Gary Burghoff have a disability?
Yes, Gary Burghoff was born with a condition called Poland syndrome, specifically brachydactyly. This birth defect caused three fingers on his left hand to be significantly smaller than those on his right hand. During M*A*S*H filming, he would often hide his left hand behind a clipboard or other objects. Burghoff has spoken about how this condition affected him while growing up, saying “Of course this defect affected me while I was growing up. I suppose when I was very young, I knew my disability would set me apart and make me special”.
Does Gary Burghoff get royalties from M*A*S*H?
Yes, Gary Burghoff receives royalties from M*A*S*H reruns. The search results indicate that M*A*S*H residuals had picked up by 1994 and helped him get back on his feet financially. Additionally, when he was credited in episodes after leaving the show, he would still receive royalty checks when those episodes aired, even if he wasn’t actually in them. The ongoing global broadcast of M*A*S*H reruns continues to provide him with residual income decades after the show ended.
