Actress Judy Farrell, known for her role in CBS’ M*A*S*H, has passed away at the age of 84. The actress died on Sunday, April 2nd, after suffering a stroke. She had been in the hospital for the last few days.
Farrell shot to fame by portraying Nurse Able in the hit war-time-based comedy series M*A*S*H. She went on to star in several other shows and also worked as a writer on soap operas. Read on to know more about her life and career.
Actress Judy Farrell Dies at 84
Judy’s son Michael confirmed her death on Tuesday. He revealed that the actress suffered a stroke nine days ago and was taken to a hospital. She was conscious and squeezed the hands of her loved ones who visited her in the hospital but was not able to speak. Judy died of complications from the stroke in the presence of her family on Sunday.
The actress is survived by Joe Bratcher and her two children: Erin Farrell, 60, and Michael Farrell, 53. She was earlier married to Mike Farrell, who starred alongside her in M*A*S*H. The couple got divorced in 1983.
Judy Shot to Fame as Nurse Able in CBS’ M*A*S*H
Judy Farrell was born in Quapaw, Oklahoma, in 1938. She attended Oklahoma State University and received a fine arts degree in theater. During her master’s at UCLA, she met her future husband, actor Mike Farrell. She eventually started teaching English and Drama at Laguna Beach High School while also pursuing theater.
Judy then appeared in eight episodes of the CBS comedy-drama M*A*S*H, which revolved around members of the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. The show was on air for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983.
The actress then went on to appear in small roles in a number of television shows, including Get Smart, The Partridge Family, Fame, and Quincy M.E. She also wrote 13 episodes for the soap opera Port Charles. Her film credits include J.W. Coop (1971) and Chapter Two (1979).
Tributes Pour in for the Actress
A number of fans and celebs have expressed their grief over Judy’s demise and paid tributes to the actress. “Prayers to Mike and their family and friends! So very sad I really hate to hear this news. They sure gave alot of their lives, talent, memories to us in not only making a great show but also being great people in real life,” tweeted a fan.
Judy’s co-star from M*A*S*H, Loretta Swit, who starred as Major Margaret Houlihan, also mourned her loss and said, “Judy was a most beautiful woman – inside and out. We grew up together. She was family. This has been a painful loss, but we will always have the beauty of her memory. Rest in peace, Nurse Able.”
“Sad to hear the passing of Judy Farrell. May she rest in peace. Another of the MASH family gone,” tweeted a fan. Another commented, “Judy Farrell (American actress, writer, teacher) passed away on April 2, 2023 at the age of 84. A sad loss for the entertainment industry. #AmericanActress #RIPJudyFarrell.”
Our condolences to Judy Farrell’s family. May her soul rest in peace!
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