Identity of Brunette in Opening Credits Revealed

23 Comments

It’s something that has puzzled M*A*S*H fans for decades. Who is that brunette nurse running towards the chopper pad in the opening credits? I thought I had discovered the identity of this brunette actress last year when a fan of the series e-mailed me suggesting it was Michele Lee. But a pair of articles in The Los Angeles Times from 1978 point in another direction.

In the May 26th, 1978 edition of the “TV Talkback” section of The Los Angeles Times, the following question and answer appeared:

Q. On the opening sequence of MASH there is a brunette nurse out front and running fast toward the chopper pad. Can you tell us who she is? My husband is quite taken with her.
F.R., San Diego

A. Will you believe this? Even 20th Century-Fox, where the series is filmed, doesn’t know. That opening sequence was filmed seven years ago when the series began. The studio had an “extra call,” with the union supplying several extras for nonspeaking roles in backgrounds scenes. Several girls were picked for that opening scene and instructed to run toward the cameras. After they were paid, that’s all they did that day. So if that brunette is out there in the Hollywoods somewhere, please identify yourself so that F.R.’s hubby will be happy.

About a month later, in the April 16th, 1978 edition of “TV Talkback,” the following exchange was printed:

Q. I was delighted that someone out there wondered who I was? (TV Talkback, March 26). Yes, I’m the brunette on the opening title shot of “MASH” seen running towards the camera. It was seven years ago that I ran out of that tent toward the helicopter pad at 20th Century-Fox ranch. The producer was Gene Reynolds. He lined up about 20 girls and we literally raced for the job. I had run in high school, so I was more than eager to compete. I’ve since acted in various series, “Kojak,” “Starsky & Hutch” and others. Thanks again, and thanks to F.R., of San Diego, for asking.

Kathy Denny Fradella,
Van Nuys.

A. Another mystery solved.

Here’s a head shot of Ms. Fradella from the April 16th, 1978 edition The Los Angeles Times:

Kathy Denny Fradella

Be sure to check out my feature Nurses of the 4077th: The “Running Nurses” from the Opening Credits for information on two of the other actresses in the opening credits.

References

  • “TV Talkback.” Los Angeles Times. 26 Mar. 1978: N27.
  • “TV Talkback.” Los Angeles Times. 16 Apr. 1978: P4.

23 Replies to “Identity of Brunette in Opening Credits Revealed”

  1. This is the question that has been boggling my mind for YEARS. I fell in love with her the first time I saw M*A*S*H. I look forward to watching the opening credits on every episode. Thank You !

    1. You and probably one million other guys (maybe a few women, too).
      I stand in that line right in FRONT of you (smiles)

    2. Her name Gine (Jenny) Callahan…I grew up with the family.. The picture is hers.. Im 50yrs old and her father was involved with MGM THRU THE 50_60_70s..shes a Gough!!! She’s on facebook

  2. I too have always looked at and wondered the names of the nurses in the opening. I think they did a fantastic job showing the “reality” of what that time was, and the urgency they all had on their faces. I am glad to know who kathy was, but, really would like to know the names of the others, especially the blonde in the second row.
    Thanks, Gary

  3. I can’t believe this’ Me Too! that chick is super hot!
    It’s the only reason I watched MASH trying to get a glimpse of her!.
    So beautiful!

  4. on netflix, during the opening credits of mash, episode ‘strange bedfellows’ there is a flash on the screen when the word M*A*S*H comes on the screen. What is the picture of?

  5. It’s 2016 in the UK and we (me) am catching up on the MASH series…seems relevant even today
    I agree with you guys (chaps) She is a buty.
    If still around be delighted to say “Thanks”
    el Del xxx

  6. In “Cinnamon Skin,” one of John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee novels, one of the characters talk about this nurse, wondering about how many times she must have been seen due to all the reruns.

  7. I was shocked to think there was anyone else wanting to know who thatq girl was!! for years ive been wanting to find out, as I too, was very taken by her great looks!!! now I know!!

  8. Miss Denny stole my heart the first time i saw her running up that hill to the helicopter. Her exceptional good looks and her intense expression as she flew up that hill made me feel like I was one of the wounded men on the helicopter she was coming to help…….

  9. That WOMAN whatever her name is, is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. She was the main reason I watch the opening to each MASH episode. Though I don’t know who you are or your name, know that you have been a fantasy of mine for many years. Undoubtedly, you are as beautiful today, June 30, 2017 as you were back at the time you first ran to that helo pad. Most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Thanks for all the memories. Bob Seacrist, Virginia Beach, VA.

  10. How is it she never became a super star????? She puts 99.9% of those “so-called” super stars to shame. Simply one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.

  11. IT IS OCTOBER 15 2017 AND FINALLY I FIND OUT HER NAME!!!! SHE REMINDED ME OF NURSES I WAS WORKING WITH WHEN I WAS IN THE AIR FORCE!!!!

  12. I’m late to this forum but finally decided to search for the identity of this beauty. I’ve been smitten since I was in college! What is more amazing is that in just a few frames of film, a person can become immortalized. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am, at how many other guys picked up on the brief flash of Kathy’s image and felt as I did.

  13. Dam here I am in love with the same girl that dozens of other guys are what does she do now and what does she look like bet I would still love her. Jo

  14. I don’t believe the girl who responded by saying it was she, I think the girl’s first name is Joann ?; she appears on the old reruns of Match Game. Sitting on the first seat in the front row.

  15. I too have loved this woman since I first started watching MASH and wanted to find her name.After 25 years of re runs the opening sequence is still something I Iook forward to , wife always got annoyed when I said she is a fantastic woman

    1. Well, add me to the list. I didn’t think my perfect female actually existed until I saw this 3 second shot of her back in the 70s. Been looking for her name off & on for decades. I can now free that portion of my brain…of course now that I’m single. 😉

  16. I was only a small child when M.A.S.H originally aired on television. As an adult, though, I am able to enjoy it on streaming platforms. The show is slightly tainted in my mind, however, as I (like many) see Ms. Fradella running and know that’s the most ill ever see of her on the show.

    It’s like a big tease isnt it lol?! Out of 11 seasons, there wasn’t a single episode that focused on the lives and hardships of the nurses. Everyone knows nurses are the backbones of hospitals- c’mon guys. It would’ve been so easy to make a couple “letter to home” episodes from the perspective of a nurse- and yes, we would have to bring back Kathy for this. Good series but the ball was dropped here in a major way.

    Kathy, if you’re reading this, although its almost 2022 now, you should know that later generations are still discovering this show, and falling for you all over. I have one question I’d like to pose- if you could go back, and were offered a recurring role as a nurse, if given complete creative control, how would you describe your character?

  17. MASH is being repeated on British TV. I was only a baby when MASH finished its original run. But now I watch that brunette nurse running out in front in the opening credits every night, and I am in love with her. I fancy the pants off her.

  18. Have to admit that I too admire her every time an episode begins. I have the complete series so it is always a treat to see her.

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