Maxwell Q. Klinger is a beloved character from the American sitcom, M*A*S*H. Played by Jamie Farr, Klinger is a Lebanese-American who is drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and assigned to the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) 4077 with the rank of Corporal.
Klinger is known for his flamboyant style of dress and his outrageous attempts to get out of the army by faking mental illness. He is ofen seen wearing women’s clothing in order to convince the army that he is unfit for duty. Despite his attempts to get out of the army, Klinger is a skilled and dedicated member of the MASH unit.
In the final episodes of the series, Klinger falls in love with Soon-Lee, a South Korean refugee. Soon-Lee is played by Rosalind Chao, who delivers a powerful performance as a woman who has lost everything in the war. Klinger helps Soon-Lee find her family and they eventually get married in the series finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.”
The episode is the most-watched U.S. sitcom television episode of all time, and Klinger’s marriage to Soon-Lee is a heartwarming moment for fans of the show. However, Klinger’s marriage is not without its challenges. He is ostracized by much of his own family for marrying a Korean, and he finds his hometown unwelcoming to a mixed-race couple.
Interestingly, Klinger’s character was inspired by comedian Lenny Bruce’s attempt to be released from military service in World War II by dressing in a WAVES uniform. Klinger’s attempts to get out of the army by faking mental illness are a nod to Bruce’s famous tactic.
Klinger is a beloved character from M*A*S*H who is known for his flamboyant style of dress and his outrageous attempts to get out of the army. His marriage to Soon-Lee in the series finale is a heartwarming moment for fans of the show, but it is not without its challenges. Klinger’s character is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the men and women who served in the Korean War.
What Did Klinger Do After Mash?
AfterMASH was a spin-off television series that folowed the lives of the characters from the original M*A*S*H series after the end of the Korean War. In AfterMASH, Klinger helped Soon Lee find her family and brought her with him when he returned to Toledo. However, Klinger faced challenges upon his return, as he was ostracized by much of his own family for marrying a Korean woman. Additionally, the couple faced discrimination and hostility from the people in Klinger’s hometown due to their mixed-race marriage. Despite these challenges, Klinger remained committed to his wife and worked to build a life with her in Toledo.
Was Klinger Based On A True Story?
The character of Klinger on the sitcom M*A*S*H was based on a true story. Comedian and playwright Larry Gelbart has stated that Klinger’s inspiration was comedian Lenny Bruce’s attempt to be released from military service in World War II by dressing in a WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) uniform. Klinger’s character shares similarities with Bruce’s attempt to be discharged, as Klinger often wore women’s clothing in an effort to be sent home from the war. The writers of M*A*S*H took this real-life story and adapted it into Klinger’s character, who beame a beloved and iconic figure on the show.
Was Klinger Married On MASH?
Klinger was married on M*A*S*H. In the series finale “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”, Klinger married Soon-Lee, a South Korean refugee portrayed by actress Rosalind Chao. This episode, which aired on February 28, 1983, was the most-watched U.S. sitcom television episode of all time as of 2021.
What Nationality Is Klinger From MASH?
Corporal Klinger from M*A*S*H was an Arab-American of Lebanese descent. He was born in Toledo, Ohio and was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. Therefore, his nationality is American with an ethnic background of Lebanese.
Conclusion
Klinger from M*A*S*H was a beloved character who brought humor and heart to the show. His portrayal as a Lebanese-American drafted into the army during the Korean War was a unique perspective that allowed for exploration of cultural identity and immigrant experiences. Klinger’s cross-dressing antics to get a Section 8 discharge becme his signature move, but his character evolved over time to become a trusted and respected member of the M*A*S*H unit. His ultimate marriage to Soon-Lee, a South Korean refugee, was a touching moment that showcased the ability of love to transcend cultural barriers. Even in the spin-off series AfterMASH, Klinger continued to face challenges in his personal life due to his interracial marriage, highlighting the ongoing struggles of marginalized groups in America. Klinger’s character remains an important and iconic part of television history.
