After three seasons on the now-iconic military series, Rogers — the likable ladies man ''Trapper'' John McIntyre — grew weary of fighting for screen time with Alan Alda's Hawkeye. The show lasted 11 seasons (1972-1983) and won 14 Emmy Awards. ''If I had known it would run that long,'' Rogers reportedly admitted, ''I probably would have kept my mouth shut and stayed put.''

http://www.smokeysoffice.com/entertain/mash/MashPhoto/Cast/Trapper.jpg

He left a lot of money on the table by leaving early. That's probably what he regrets. Oh well. His loss was Mike Farrell's gain. Mr. Farrell had no problem being Alan Alda's second banana and he laughed all the way to the bank!

I think that B.J. was a better contrast to Hawkeye than Trapper. He was from a different part of the country and was (all but once) faithful to his wife.

^ Always thought so too. I liked Trap but he was too much like Hawkeye to really stand out. Rogers ended up doing quite well for himself in the investment world so I guess it worked out for everyone. :)

This seems like a "normal" thing that might have happened to any other actor in the same role. I think, maybe in the movie version, it was the two characters more being the focus. But after the TV show started, it became clear that Alda was the real star who was a perfect actor for the role. The co-starring actor, not being as objective as the average viewer, would not have seen what was happening.

At least there was a happy ending for Rogers, unlike McLean Stevenson.

Leaving one of the most successful tv shows in history?? yep I would regret it to.

Wayne Rogers said that if he'd known they would do shows that focused on the supporting characters like they did in the later years of the show, he would have stayed.

I don't blame him for leaving, though -- he was promised one thing and the producers reneged on that.

hindsight is generally 20/20

I remember Wayne's quote and it was more in a joking way. He seriously said that he missed everyone and that was what he,missed most. Wayne didn't need the money and he worked regularly after he left. It wasn't like Mclean where he wanted to be a lead guy. Wayne thought they were not really giving him anything to do or sink his teeth into. And he was right. I don't blame him for feeling that way. Later on the show learned from that mistake and gave BJ more to do. And to be fair no one knew Mash would last 11 years. And lets be honest. It should not have lasted 11 years.