John Orchard was a British actor who is best remembered for playing Australian anesthesiologist “Ugly John” Black in the first season of MAS*H, the popular TV series about the Korean War. He also appeared in several other TV shows and movies, such as Hogan’s Heroes, Get Smart, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. He died in 1995 at the age of 66. What was the cause of his death and how did he live his life? Here is a brief overview of his career and personal life.
Early Life and Career
John Orchard was born on 15 November 1928 in Kennington, London. He started his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various British films and TV shows, such as I Believe in You, The Feminine Touch, and The Whisperers. He moved to California in 1963 and pursued a career in Hollywood. He landed roles in several big-screen productions, such as King Rat, The Thomas Crown Affair, Ice Station Zebra, and Capone. He also guest-starred in many TV shows, such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Wild Wild West, Mission: Impossible, and Columbo.
MAS*H and Beyond
John Orchard’s most famous role was Ugly John Black, an Australian doctor who worked in the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit during the Korean War. He was one of the original cast members of the TV series MAS*H, which debuted in 1972 and became a huge hit. Ugly John was a recurring character in the first season, often seen operating the PA system or playing poker with the other doctors. He was also known for his distinctive accent and his fondness for alcohol. However, his character was dropped after the first season, as the producers decided to focus on fewer characters and more stories.
Orchard returned to MAS*H years later, playing a different character in one episode. He portrayed Muldoon, an Australian non-commissioned officer and regular at Rosie’s Bar, who allowed the establishment to operate provided he received free liquor when he ordered “coffee”. He had a conflict with Major Winchester, who was tending bar and tried to charge him for his drink.
After MAS*H, Orchard continued to work in TV and film, but never achieved the same level of fame. He appeared in shows such as The Rockford Files, The Fall Guy, and Murder, She Wrote, and in movies such as Madame Sin, Cleopatra Jones, and Rustlers’ Rhapsody. His last film role was in 1985, as the town sheriff in Rustlers’ Rhapsody, a parody of western movies.
Personal Life and Death
John Orchard was married to Carol Randall, and they had one daughter, Sarah Orchard. He lived in California until 1977, when he moved back to England. He died in Beckenham, Kent, on 3 November 1995, of a non-communicable disease, according to Wikispro. He was 66 years old. He was cremated and his ashes were given to his family, according to Find a Grave.
John Orchard was a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting impression on the fans of MAS*H and other shows and movies. He was also a kind and funny gentleman, as his co-stars and friends remembered him. He may be gone, but his work and legacy will live on.
