Who Knew? Wayne "Trapper John" Rogers Regretted Leaving M*A*S*H? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-29-2011, 11:51 PM

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.''

Marvo301 · 05-30-2011, 12:15 AM

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!

jehobden · 06-01-2011, 06:47 PM

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.

Retro4Life · 06-01-2011, 09:12 PM

^ 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.

Rich3 · 06-08-2011, 01:52 PM

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.

Dr. Thong · 06-09-2011, 08:21 PM

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

hifijohn · 07-26-2021, 01:48 AM

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

Dr. Thong · 07-26-2021, 06:10 PM

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.

Chocolate Moose · 07-27-2021, 03:48 PM

hindsight is generally 20/20

DEH55 · 10-12-2021, 10:39 AM

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.

05-29-2011, 11:51 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	*Who Knew? Wayne "Trapper John" Rogers Regretted Leaving MASH?** 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.''
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

05-30-2011, 12:15 AM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	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!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

06-01-2011, 09:12 PM	#4
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	^ 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.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

06-09-2011, 08:21 PM	#6
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	At least there was a happy ending for Rogers, unlike McLean Stevenson.
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

07-27-2021, 03:48 PM	#9
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,900	hindsight is generally 20/20
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

06-01-2011, 06:47 PM	#3
jehobden Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2002 Location: DFW Area, TX Posts: 2,005	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.

06-08-2011, 01:52 PM	#5
Rich3 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 10, 2005 Posts: 696	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.

07-26-2021, 01:48 AM	#7
hifijohn Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 07, 2013 Posts: 209	Leaving one of the most successful tv shows in history?? yep I would regret it to.

07-26-2021, 06:10 PM	#8
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	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.

10-12-2021, 10:39 AM	#10
DEH55 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 19, 2020 Posts: 322	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.