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M*A*S*H actress dead at 94 as family pay tribute to her ‘legacy’

Hollywood actress Gwen Farrell died at age 94 in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 30. 

The late star’s passing was confirmed by her son Keith Farrell to TMZ on Friday, although a cause of death was not disclosed. 

Farrell had portrayed the character a nurse throughout the span of 26 episodes on the hit war comedic-drama series M*A*S*H beginning in 1972. 

She had made appearances in other projects such as Coffy (1973), Earthquake (1974) and Billy Jack Goes To Washington (1977). 

Her loved ones launched a GoFundMe page on Thursday to help cover the costs of funeral and memorial expenses. 

Farrell’s family also reflected on her life and legacy, which also included her taking on a major role in the boxing world as a referee in the 80s. 

Hollywood actress Gwen Farrell died at age 94 in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 30; seen above in M*A*S*H

Hollywood actress Gwen Farrell died at age 94 in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 30; seen above in M*A*S*H

The late star's passing was confirmed by her son Keith Farrell to TMZ on Friday, although a cause of death was not disclosed

The late star’s passing was confirmed by her son Keith Farrell to TMZ on Friday, although a cause of death was not disclosed

‘Today, our family is heartbroken to share the passing of Gwen Farrell Adair,’ the message wrote on the GoFundMe, which is seeking to raise $13,000. 

Farrell was born in Austin, Texas and ‘lived a life full of strength, character, and quiet resilience.’

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The actress’s mother Lovie Yancey was notably the founder of the American restaurant chain Fatburger.

Her family expressed that the star’s ‘journey was anything but ordinary’ and ‘had a brief moment on screen, appearing as a nurse in the beloved television series M*A*S*H.

‘But her true legacy was built in the real world through her strength, her presence, and the way she carried herself every single day.’ 

Beginning in 1980 in California, Farrell pursued another passion by becoming a referee in the boxing world. 

‘With confidence, fairness, and unwavering composure, she earned the respect of fighters, trainers, and fans alike,’ her family also shared.

‘She didn’t just do the job; she broke barriers and proved that strength comes in many forms.’

Her family expressed that the star's 'journey was anything but ordinary' and 'had a brief moment on screen, appearing as a nurse in the beloved television series M*A*S*H; seen above middle on M*A*S*H in 1974

Her family expressed that the star’s ‘journey was anything but ordinary’ and ‘had a brief moment on screen, appearing as a nurse in the beloved television series M*A*S*H; seen above middle on M*A*S*H in 1974

'But her true legacy was built in the real world through her strength, her presence, and the way she carried herself every single day,' her family added

‘But her true legacy was built in the real world through her strength, her presence, and the way she carried herself every single day,’ her family added 

Beginning in 1980 in California, Farrell pursued another passion by becoming a referee in the boxing world; seen in 2009

Beginning in 1980 in California, Farrell pursued another passion by becoming a referee in the boxing world; seen in 2009

Farrell was also dedicated to her family. 

‘She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom,’ her loved ones continued. 

‘She had a way of making those around her feel supported, understood, and cared for without needing recognition.’ 

The star’s death has left ‘a deep void in our hearts, one that cannot be filled,’ her family wrote towards the end of the emotional statement. 

‘We will miss her voice, her strength, and the quiet comfort she brought into our lives. While we are heartbroken, we are also incredibly grateful for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.’ 

Farrell’s loved ones also sent gratitude ‘for the love and support during this time of grief.’ 

The late star’s acting career began in the early 70s when she appeared in an uncredited role in the 1972 action thriller Black Gunn. 

The following year, she went on to appear in the sci-fi thriller Soylent Green as well as the action film Coffy.  

Her loved ones launched a GoFundMe page on Thursday to help cover the costs of funeral and memorial expenses

Her loved ones launched a GoFundMe page on Thursday to help cover the costs of funeral and memorial expenses

Farrell was also dedicated to her family. 'She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom,' her loved ones continued'

Farrell was also dedicated to her family. ‘She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom,’ her loved ones continued’

In 1972, she began to appear in the beloved series M*A*S*H as a nurse and starred in 26 episodes. Her last appearance on the CBS series was in 1983. 

She was also one of the nurses that could be seen running during the show’s opening credits. 

M*A*S*H aired for 11 seasons and additionally starred Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, McLean Stevenson, Loretta Swit, Larry Linville, Gary Burghoff, Mike Farrell, Harry Morgan and Jamie Farr. 

The premise is: ‘The staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation,’ per IMDB. 

Farrell continued to work in the entertainment industry throughout the 70s before stepping into the boxing world. 

She previously opened up about her pioneering involvement as a referee during an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2009. 

'I think in boxing they realized, to use the terminology, I was a fighter. I wanted to pursue my dream - and that's what I did,' Farrell told the Los Angeles Times in 2009

‘I think in boxing they realized, to use the terminology, I was a fighter. I wanted to pursue my dream – and that’s what I did,’ Farrell told the Los Angeles Times in 2009 

‘I really feel that if you have a dream, you should pursue it; don’t give up,’ she told the outlet.

‘I think in boxing they realized, to use the terminology, I was a fighter. I wanted to pursue my dream – and that’s what I did.’

Former referee Marty Denkin said of Farrell at the time, ‘What she gave to boxing was the realization that a female could be an official.

‘Hanging in there, showing the guts she did, was what she was all about.’ 

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