Together with Alan Alda and Loretta Swift, Wayne Rogers made up a core part of the M*A*S*H team as the beloved 'Trapper John' before his mysterious exit after Season 3. But why did the sitcom star leave his biggest role behind and how did he go on to build a fortune? Read on to find out.
© CBS via Getty ImagesWayne Rogers started on screen in 1958
Meet Wayne Rogers
Born on April 7 1933, Wayne Rogers got his start on screen in a 1958 episode of Camera Three. Just a year later, he joined the cast of soap opera Search for Tomorrow and became a regular as Slim Davis throughout 1959 on more than 250 episodes.
Other regular roles include Stagecoach West (1960-1961) as Luke Perry and The F.B.I.. But it was M*A*S*H that truly made Wayne a household name.
© Getty ImagesThe actor is best known for his role on M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H stardom
Wayne starred as Captain 'Trapper John' McIntyre on M*A*S*H, alongside Alan Alda and Loretta Swift as staff at an army hospital during the Korean War.
The show ran for 11 seasons between 1972 and 1983, with star Alan appearing in 251 episodes, while Wayne disappeared 74 episodes and six years into the hit sitcom.
© CBS via Getty ImagesWayne felt that his character was being sidelined
Disagreements on set
While Trapper John might still be a beloved part of the M*A*S*H crew today, Wayne found himself increasingly pushed to the sidelines as Alan Alda's Hawkeye became the primary focus point of the show.
These decisions prompted Wayne to leave after season three, as he had approached the show expecting to be taking on an equal, co-starring role with Alan.
© FilmMagic via Getty ImagesWayne opted to pursue success on the stock market
Building a fortune
After leaving his sitcom fame behind, Wayne pursued a completely different career alongside his continuing screen work, building a fortune in the financial sector.
The actor worked as head of stock-trading investment firm Wayne Rogers & Co. and was also sat on the board of directors for Fortune 100 company Vishay Intertechnology. At the time of his death, he was estimated to have a net worth of $75 million.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesWayne was a father of two, welcoming a son and daughter in his first marriage
Family life
Wayne first tied the knot in 1960, marrying actress Mitzi McWhorter. The pair separated in 1983 after welcoming two children together: son William Rogers IV and daughter Laura.
The M*A*S*H actor married for the second time in 1988 to Amy Hirsh. The pair remained together until his death in 2015.
© FilmMagic via Getty ImagesThe star sadly died in 2015 at the age of 82
A lost sitcom star
Wayne sadly passed away at the age of 82 on December 31, 2015 due to complications from pneumonia.
He is best remembered for his roles on M*A*S*H, House Calls and Stagecoach West, as well as building an impressive fortune in the financial industry.
