Michael Joseph "Mike" Farrell (born February 6, 1939) is an American actor, director, and activist best known for his role as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the acclaimed CBS television series MASH* (1975–1983). Throughout his career, Farrell has also been a prominent human rights advocate, notably as president of Death Penalty Focus, an organization working to abolish capital punishment.
Early Life and Career
Mike Farrell was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Agnes Sarah (née Cosgrove) and Michael Joseph Farrell Sr. When he was two years old, his family moved to Hollywood, California, where his father worked as a studio carpenter. After graduating from West Hollywood High School, Farrell served in the United States Marine Corps. He later worked a variety of jobs before pursuing an acting career.
His early acting credits included guest appearances on television shows such as Combat!, I Dream of Jeannie, The Monkees, and Bonanza. He also had recurring roles as Scott Banning on the soap opera Days of Our Lives (1968–1970) and as physician Dr. Sam Marsh on The Interns (1970).
MASH* and Major Roles
Farrell's breakthrough role came in 1975 when he joined the cast of MASH* in its fourth season, replacing McLean Stevenson as the "new" main surgeon, Captain B.J. Hunnicutt. Hunnicutt was portrayed as a dedicated, ethical, and homesick family man who often served as a moral compass for the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Farrell quickly became an integral part of the ensemble, and his character developed a strong camaraderie with Alan Alda's Hawkeye Pierce. During his tenure on MASH*, Farrell also began directing several episodes of the series.
After MASH* concluded in 1983, Farrell continued to work steadily in film and television. Notable roles include:
- Superman: The Animated Series (voice acting, 1996–1999) as Jonathan Kent.
- Providence (TV series, 1999–2002) as Jim Hansen, the father of the main character.
- Desperate Housewives (TV series, 2007–2008) as Milton Lang.
- Ghost Whisperer (TV series, 2008–2010) as Bill Gordon.
He has also appeared in numerous made-for-television movies and feature films, often playing characters with strong moral principles.
Activism and Advocacy
Beyond his acting career, Mike Farrell is widely recognized for his long-standing commitment to social and political activism. His advocacy efforts primarily focus on human rights, with a strong emphasis on opposing the death penalty.
- Death Penalty Focus: Farrell served as president of Death Penalty Focus, a non-profit organization dedicated to abolishing capital punishment in the United States, for many years. He frequently speaks and writes on the topic, drawing from his experiences and research.
- Human Rights: He has worked with various human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, traveling to observe and report on human rights abuses in countries such as Central America.
- Environmentalism: Farrell is also an advocate for environmental causes and has supported efforts to protect natural resources and combat climate change.
- Political Engagement: He has been involved in various political campaigns and has served on the Los Angeles City Council's Human Relations Commission.
His memoir, Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist, published in 2007, details his life, career, and extensive activist work.
Personal Life
Mike Farrell was first married to actress Judy Hayden in 1963. They had two children, Michael and Erin, before divorcing in 1983. In 1984, he married actress Shelley Fabares, best known for her roles in The Donna Reed Show and Coach. They have been together since.
Filmography (Selected)
Television:
- Days of Our Lives (1968–1970) – Scott Banning
- The Interns (1970) – Dr. Sam Marsh
- MASH* (1975–1983) – Captain B.J. Hunnicutt
- Superman: The Animated Series (voice, 1996–1999) – Jonathan Kent
- Providence (1999–2002) – Jim Hansen
- Desperate Housewives (2007–2008) – Milton Lang
- Ghost Whisperer (2008–2010) – Bill Gordon
- The Red Road (2014) – David Hancock
- American Crime Story (2016) – Judge Lance Ito
Film:
- The Group (1966) – Reporter (uncredited)
- Target Risk (1975) – Mike
- Sex and the Single Parent (1979) – Roger
- Memorial Day (1983) – Matt Walker
- J.F.K.: Reckless Youth (1993) – Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.
- The Quick and the Dead (1995) – Clay Cantrell
- Patch Adams (1998) – Dean Anderson
- The Suicide Notes (2007) – Mark
- Collision Course (2012) – Professor Richard Adams
Bibliography
- Farrell, Mike. Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist. Akashic Books, 2007.
External Links
- Death Penalty Focus official website
- Mike Farrell at IMDb