Actor Richard Lee Sung, who made a number of guest appearances on M*A*S*H, died this past August at the age of 81. Sung died on August 16th but it wasn’t until last month that the news was revealed on the Facebook page for the MASH Matters Podcast. Included is a statement from Richard’s son Russell, which announced his death on November 26th on Facebook with a statement from Richard’s son Russell.
Sung is credited in eight episodes, starting with the Season 3 episode “Officer of the Day” in 1974 and ending with the Season 10 episode “That Darn Kid” in 1982. Here’s the full list:
- “Officer of the Day” – 2nd Korean
- “Dear Mildred” – Cho
- “Bug Out” – Cho Man Chin
- “The Smell of Music” – Sang Nu
- “A Night at Rosie’s” – Ham Kim
- “Good-Bye Radar (Part 1)” – Driver
- “Snap Judgement (Part 1)” – Peddler #2
- “That Darn Kid” – The Farmer
His Internet Movie Database page lists three additional uncredited appearances: “Some 38th Parallels,” “Change Day,” and “The M*A*S*H Olympics.”
In addition to M*A*S*H, Sung made guest appearances on TV shows like Kung Fu, Haoppy Days, The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Manimal, and Airwolf. He is a member of the small club of actors who appeared in M*A*S*H, AfterMASH, and Trapper John, M.D..
His last credited acting role is a 2005 movie called Forbidden Warrior.
Obituaries can be found at MeTV and Outsider.
(Thanks to Dan and Seoul City Sue.)
RIP Mr Sung. He brought a great deal to his appearances on M*A*S*H. One of the better recurring minor players in my opinion.
I agree. Many of his episodes are always fun to watch. I still use his quote “this is me” to my family.
Love it! We joke around using that line all the time: “Can you identify yourself?” “This is me.” One of the show’s most memorable lines. An example of how M*A*S*H is a part of our lives :^)
The story states he was 81, when he was actually 91. He was one of my favorite characters, who made occasional visits to the 4077th. My favorite was when he was tasked with carving the bust of Col. Potter for Burns and Houlihan.
When stating his accomplishments and figuring out the bill, he held up a piece of wood, proclaiming it “used to be round”. Burns replies “It looks like a two-by-four”…..Luck, smiling profusely, says “Thank You!
I love this guy. He always makes me laugh. Sorry to ready he has passed away.
“Colonel go for laugh – no get.”