Nurses of the 4077th: The Running Nurses in the Opening Credits

Introduction

There is a brief scene in the opening credits to M*A*S*H in which a group of five nurses are shown running towards the chopper pad. The identity of these “running nurses” has been a mystery for decades, one that has intrigued and confounded fans of the series. Although they’re in just about every episode, very little is known about these actresses. A handful of episodes during Season Eleven did not include this scene; the opening credits were trimmed down to make room for more commercials and the “running nurses” got the boot.

During the first minutes of the Season One episode “Sticky Wicket” (originally broadcast March 4th, 1973) the camp is seen responding to Radar’s warning that incoming wounded are on their way. Footage that appears to have been shot at the same time as the opening credits is shown, including a few seconds with the “running nurses” bursting out of the nurses quarters. This footage mirrors the scene in the extended opening. Here’s an animated GIF that combines the scene from “Sticky Wicket” with the better known footage from the opening credits:

Footage from Sticky Wicket and the opening credits

Footage from “Sticky Wicket” and the opening credits

Notice how well the two scenes fit together. Four of the nurses are shown wearing their hats in “Sticky Wicket” as they exit the nurses quarters; in the footage from the opening credits, only the two nurses in the back are wearing hats while those in the middle are holding theirs. It’s likely that a lot of extra footage was filmed when the opening credits were being put together. Perhaps “Sticky Wicket” ran short and some of this footage was included to pad out the episode.

Gwen Farrell

According to several messages at the alt.tv.mash newsgroup from M*A*S*H creator Larry Gelbart (see this message and this message, both from 1998, via Google Groups), one of the “running nurses” is Gwen Adair, who went by Gwen Farrell during her time on M*A*S*H.

Gwen Farrell in the Opening Credits Gwen Farrell in Springtime

Left: Gwen Farrell in the Opening Credits; Right: Gwen Farrell in “Springtime”

She is on the far left in the “running nurses” scene and later appeared in dozens of episodes over the course of the series, although she was only credited in nine (see the Same Face, Different Name section for more). Gelbart also stated that four of the five actresses (including Gwen) were in other episodes.

Marcia Gelman

The actress in the middle, who is obscured by Sheila Lauritson at times, appears to be Marcia Gelman, who was credited in the episodes “The Sniper” and “The Incubator” during Season Two.

Marcia Gelman in the Opening Credits Marcia Gelman in The Sniper

Left: Marcia Gelman in the Opening Credits; Right: Marcia Gelman in “The Sniper”

Kathy Denny Fradella

More than anything else, the identity of the brunette at the front of the “running nurses” scene has baffled fans of M*A*S*H for years. In January 2009 I stumbled upon the following question and answer in the “TV Talkback” section of the May 26th, 1978 edition of The Los Angeles Times [1]. Someone wrote in with the following question:

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

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.

Thankfully, about a month later in the April 16th, 1978 edition of the paper, the brunette in question did write in to identify herself [2]. Here’s what she had to say:

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.

During the closing credits to the installment of E! TV Tales focusing on M*A*S*H (originally aired April 21st, 2002) Gene Reynolds explained that while working on the opening credits, each time the sequence with the “running nurses” was filmed, the brunette would invariably wind up in front. Now we know why: they were running for the right to be in the opening credits and Kathy Denny Fradella was a fast runner.

Kathy Denny Fradella in the Opening Credits Kathy Denny Fradella in the Opening Credits

Kathy Denny Fradella in the Opening Credits

In February 2008 Mary sent me an e-mail that suggested actress Michele Lee — famous for her role on the prime time soap Knot’s Landing — might be the brunette in the opening credits to M*A*S*H. Mary heard Ms. Lee say in a television interview years ago that she was the nurse at the front during the opening credits and that she is paid a small amount of royalties for her the use of her image. This contradicts the information from The Los Angeles Times.

Furthermore, on September 8th, 2009 I received an e-mail from none other than Kathy Fradella herself confirming that she was indeed the brunette at the front of the “running nurses.” Here’s what she had to say:

Hello my name is Kathy Fradella (Baker) I am the brunette nurse that runs in the front during the opening credits of mash. I stumbled across your website and thought I would comment, just in case you still thought it was Michele Lee. I worked on the show as an extra the first season. I went on to do stunt work and small bit parts as an actress. I am still living in Southern California. Since Mash I have married and had two children (grown up now).

I am no longer working in the film industry.

I hope this solves the puzzle.

Thank You!
Kathy (Mystery Nurse)

Kathy was also kind enough to send me two pictures of herself with permission to post them:

Kathy Denny Fradella Headshot Kathy Denny Fradella Headshot

Kathy Denny Fradella Headshots

I asked if she had any memories of her time spent on M*A*S*H and she recounted the following:

One memory I do have is how awfully hot it was shooting at the Malibu ranch. It must have been 105 degrees out there in the summer time. With all the army gear on,hats,boots and all we would be miserable. So we would have water fights when we were waiting for the crew to line up the next shot.

Water fights with the likes of Alan Alda and Loretta Swit? Sounds like a fun time.

Sheila Lauritsen

In November 2009, Josh posted in the comments that the blonde nurse running up front is none other than Sheila Lauritsen (you can read more about her in the Same Face, Different Name section). I had wondered if Lauritsen was the blonde in the opening credits but wasn’t certain. Thanks to Josh, now we know for sure. And he should know. Sheila Lauritsen is his mother.

Sheila Lauritsen in the Opening Credits Sheila Lauritsen in Dear Dad...Three

Left: Sheila Lauritsen in the Opening Credits; Right: Sheila Lauritsen in “Dear Dad… Three”

Lori Noel

The nurse on the right in the background with dark hair and a hat was a background extra named Lori Noel Brokamp (known during her time working on M*A*S*H as Lori Noel). She had this to say about her experience in August 2013:

The piece of film in the credits was shot before the first program aired. The director picked several of us to run up the hill towards the fictional helicopter. I ran as hard as I could and was still nearly last. We had to shot [sic] this scene five or six times. None of us received residuals, who knew it would still be aired after all these years.

The MASH show brought in a surgeon as technical adviser that trained us to handle surgical instruments. For some reason, I was really skilled at doing that and I passed instruments to all the television doctors; Marcus Welby, Bold Ones, Emergency, and Medical Center. Thank you MASH!

Years later, I ran into Gary Burgoff in Seattle, Washington at an art show and talked with him about the MASH Show and about his artwork (since I am an artist myself); and never knew he painted. He paints birds.

Sadly, Lori passed away on December 15th, 2014 a few days shy of her 74th birthday.

(Note: This nurse was originally identified as Sandra Hull.)

Lori Noel Brokamp in the Opening Credits Lori Noel in the Opening Credits

Lori Noel in the Opening Credits

Running Nurses in “M*A*S*H — The Pilot”

During the uncut and extended opening credits to the first episode of M*A*S*H (“M*A*S*H – The Pilot,” originally broadcast September 17th, 1972) Lt. Dish, played by Karen Philip, is seen leading a large group of nurses — including Leslie Scorch, played by Linda Meiklejohn — out of the nurses quarters. There appear to be at least eight nurses running out of the nurses quarters, if not more. This scene, and the extended opening sequence as a whole, has been cut from most syndicated airings.

Lt. Dish & Nurses, from M*A*S*H — The Pilot Episode Lt. Dish & Nurses, from M*A*S*H — The Pilot Episode

Lt. Dish & Nurses, from “M*A*S*H — The Pilot Episode”

References:

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

Last updated January 18th, 2015


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113 Replies to “Nurses of the 4077th: The Running Nurses in the Opening Credits”

  1. been smitten with you kathy for evah,,enjoyed findin who ya,ll are ,i STLL want,,my daddy went to scholo with loretta swit,he,s also from passaic NJ,,anyway,,love ya still kathy as i do ALL the ladies from then mmmm (((wolfekisssssss)))

  2. I met Kathy in 1964 when we moved to the “91723”. She was already the Finest Kind(est) all those years ago.She and her sister set me straight as to why the Rolling Stones were better than the Beatles. Never forgot that, or the Fradellas. Nice family.Nice memory!

    1. I was always fond of Sheila Lauritsen. I always look for her in the background of early episodes. Did she do any other acting? Can gneral info of her be found anywhere. Tell her she has a fan. 🙂

    2. Hey Josh,
      Good to see you here. I knew Sheila in college and she has always been a beautiful blonde and is so today. Tell her hello when you see her and that I am marrying my high school sweetheart. She will get a kick out of that I am sure.
      Happy Holidays,
      Greg Erkins

  3. I have admired the leading running nurse on the Mash program for years. Always wondered who she is and is she still alive. Thanks, Lowell Stuessy

  4. The nurse in the background on the right – dark hair with hat, was my mother, Sandra Hull. She was an unnamed extra. She also did some lighting work for Raquel Welch and Margo Thomas. She is no longer in the business.

  5. Josh, thanks for the info on your Mother. For years I have wondered who the blonde was. I never realized she was Sheila Lauritsen who was also in “The Incubator” episode. Is your Mother still acting as I have never seen her in anything else. My wife and I are big M.A.S.H. fans.

  6. I was hoping that Kathy Fradella would leave her email address (or other) so that I could ask her for an autograph. I am an avid MASH memorabilia collector, and would be HONORED to have her autograph!

    Thank you, Kathy!

    Mike

      1. Kathy, THANK YOU! I sent you an email this afternoon. I was surprised to see your response, as I had checked a few times since I posted. Many thanks!

        Mike

      2. i kathy i loved watching mash i didnt know u were an actor on my name is jerry from colorado hopefully we can chat some day maybe

      3. i would love to here about your experience on mash sometime if u dont mind going back through ur memories

      4. The internet is amazing!!! Ever since I’ve gotten MeTV and been watching M*A*S*H I’ve been wondering if I could find those running ladies from the show. Especially Kathy because she looks so good running – like she’s really moving.

        I finally googled and found this site. Good to know!!!!

  7. I went to college with Karen Phillip at University of Redlands. She was an outstanding performer and friend, was a singer with Brasil ’66 and could, by the way, knit incredible sweaters.

    1. Hi Russ

      I too went to UR with Karen and remember her for filling sweaters more than knitting them.

      http://www.myspace.com/karenphilipp/comments

      http://members.dobie.net/pages/area-2279/page-1/sexy-karen-philipp-new-picture.html

      She went on to marry movie producer Pat Proft, with whom she had a son. They currently reside in Minnesota.

      Philipp was born in Salina, Kansas.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Philipp

      Just thought you might like to have some info about our classmate.

    1. You have a good fanbase here in India too. You are like the Nurse in “V-J Day in Times Square” – Identity much sought after. Nice to put a name to the face.

      God Bless.

    2. How did you work with Loretta Swit was she work you hard and was she ruff on you and every nurses to.and mean to did she work every nurses hard.to she was bossie and rode and pursh you Lady’s around what rank are you in mash and what nurses did you play in mash. Samantha Lucas

  8. I grew up watching MASH on UK TV and always wondered who the stunning, athletic brunette was in the opening titles.
    I’m now watching MASH reruns on satellite and still wondered who the nurse was. I thought I bet it is somewhere on the net and thankfully found this site, so thanks to those who did the research.
    I saw Kathy’s e-mail address here and sent a brief e-mail to thank her for appearing in the opening credits. She sent me an e-mail back the same day (which made my day). I was surprised that I got an e-mail, if I’d known she would reply I would have asked a few questions. However at the grand old age of 44 I’d never sent fan mail before and didn’t want to bother her too much.
    Perhaps taking the time out to reply to people about something that happened nearly 40 years ago (with no financial incentive for her) is the sign of true star quality!
    If anyone wants a graphic on screen definition of determination and striving to be first, Kathy running, is it.
    I hope if there are any MASH 40th anniversary programmes or articles produced someone remembers to include Kathy as I’d love to hear what she has to say and what she looks like now.

  9. I have ALWAYS wondered who the beautiful woman running in front was! When MASH is on I always pause what I’m doing to watch her run.

    Nice to know the name of a real beauty!!

    Hi Kathy, I am a fan, always will be!

  10. Hi, I’m writing from Stockholm, Sweden.

    This morning I read an article in the biggest Swedish newspaper about a Swedish woman in her 40’s that had discovered how nice fitness is after a life without it. Now she has lost 12 kilos in 1½ year and she said (my translation): “You know that woman that runs in the intro of Mash, she that looks so strong and cool. I dreamed about being her when I was young, but I never thought it would be possible. Now I have run the half marathon and soon I’m about to do orientation in the mountains-I’m just like her!”

    So Kathy is still inspiring, worldwide 🙂

    (the aricle, so you believe me, if you know swedish: http://www.dn.se/livsstil/jag-blev-kvinnan-jag-dromde-om-att-vara)

  11. Have a set of 4 MASH tall drinking glasses with the pictures of the characters on them. Would you know where I might find someone who is interested in purchasing them?

  12. the running nurses, particularly the lead set the tone for my mash… with their intensity to help these soldiers set the underlying tone that this was real war with real wounded and dying. without the intensity it would have been a farce and too close too home.

  13. Tonight while sitting and watching reruns of MASH on TV I decided to Google the cast lineup. The first thing that came up was this fantastic photo of the nurses running for the chopper pad in the opening credits.

    I always have to take a cold shower after watching that scene. I’m betting I’m not the only guy out there who fell in love with Kathy Fradella when they first ever saw her. They are all beautiful……..Kathy was just faster. And she makes your eyes happy!!

  14. My wife and I were just watching a rerun of MASH and I told her to watch the beginning of the show because there’s a beautiful girl that’s shown running toward the helicopter that I had fallen in love with when I was a young fan of the show. I had asked around over the years and nobody could tell me who she was. After watching this rerun I decided maybe now that it’s been so long ago that her identity might be found on google.com so I went to the computer and sure enough the first hit I found this site and there she was…Kathy Denny Fradella. Oh well Kathy my love it just wasn’t meant to be I guess. Maybe I’ll catch you in the next life. lol

    Greg

  15. Does anyone know if any of the red robes worn by alan alda in mash is available for sale?
    I have a 20 year old grandson deployed to the “bad place” overseas. he thinks it would be too cool if he could get a robe like
    hawkeyes. thanks much.

    1. I have also been looking for that red robe for my husband who wants one. I thought I’d design a pattern for it and sew it myself. If you sew, you could probably make one. It looks like red brushed corderoy, and partly a basic collar shirt design with a partial pleat in the back, without cuffs, loose fitting, long, with pockets, and with a cord strung around the collar, and of course an emblem. I’ll let you know if it turns out. Let me know too if you find one.

  16. Every time I watched the original “MASH” and even now the reruns of “MASH” the first thing that has rolled out of my mouth for years is “I wonder who the brunette nurse running in the front is??” Today my wife sent me this link and I have to say that now I can say when watching is “God, Kathy is GORGEOUS” – I’m glad to hear that Kathy is married and has children, I know she has a very lucky husband and after reading a bit about Kathy I find that she seems to be everything I thought she’d be, which I always felt she just had to be, how could any man not fall in Love with Kathy — I’ve been happily married to the same woman for 44 years, but my grandson sometime would ask if I didn’t marry his grandmother who would I want to meet and marry, I always would say, the brunette nurse that is running at the beginning of MASH and if she called me today, I’d be gone (ha, just kidding, maybe), no, still in love with my wife — Glad the puzzle has been solved, mystery woman identified –Thanks much for the info —

  17. Kathy I am a retired male Army Nurse and every time I see you ladies run; I still tiink of being in the MASH, CASH, and EVAC hospitals. The facial expressions and the tone of that sprint communicates all. This triage image remains a reality today for any mass cal event. May I have an autograft please. I will email you my request.

    Thank you

  18. I just started watching Mash again after all these years. I had missed so many episodes due to work at the time. The questions of who these nurses were just happened to pop in my head. Surprise to find out after all these years. Even in reruns it’s still better then many a program on TV today.

    1. For as long as the TV show MASH plays, people will be wondering about the beautiful, athletic running nurse leading the pack, Mrs. Kathy Denny Fradella. Like wow!

  19. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! Ever since M*A*S*H started, I always wondered who the “Running Nurses” were. To this
    date, I’m still watching re-runs of MASH on Memorable Entertainment (ME) Television, and still wondering, but,
    NOT NO MORE. Thanks

  20. Who are the Names of the Nurses on mash 4077 series I know hot lips runs the Nurses I just need the reast of them the real Names.

  21. Immediately fell in luv 1st time I saw the opening. Always wondered who Kathy was. Many years later, as I served with the Fire Dept., we would frequently comment as we ran to the trucks, or ran to a “code red” that this was like the running nurses from MASH! I guess in a sense it was a little bit of inspiration, typically at the time of day (night) when the streets were empty and quiet and other than those in trouble, no one knew we were out there. Kathy – hope all is well with you and yours.

  22. I am a writer/producer and have been in this industry for many years.

    Respectfully, but there is no question but that the nurse in the background with dark hair and a hat (on the left)is not Sandra Hull as stated above.

    Her name in fact is Lori Noel, and she was a screen extra for many years. Today she is retired and her last name is Brokamp.

    You will be pleased to know that, with the exception of gray hair, she looks very much like she did back then.

    Lori was a second mother to me for many yearsand we used to laugh often over her “celebrity appearance” at the front of the M.A.S.H. credits. We even once saw a screen capture on a McDonalds Menu Board.

    I’ll be happy to send you past and present photos of Lori upon request and to put you in touch with her.

    Sincerely yours,

    Tyler St. Mark

  23. Sorry “nurse Running” ID’d as Shiela Lauritsen, not so. No offense to son who made the claim but the petite Ms. Lauritsen could not be the tall, broad, full faced nurse running. Only thing in common is blond hair. Would very much like to know who the person may be but it is not Ms. Lauritsen. Suspect she may have be a member of the support team (make up or something) who was asked to fill in a spot.

  24. katty you are beatiful I also hav e adaughter named katty and she is also beautiful We are both of itaian heritage. wouol you please mail me an outograhed picture of you thnaks

  25. I recently watched an episode of Hawaii Five-O. There was a beautiful main character. A fairly tall blonde. I missed her name in the credits, but thought I recognized her from MASH.

    I am in my mid fifties and have never once watched a full episode of MASH.

    I decided to try and find the name of that blonde. I haven’t found her, but did stumble upon this site. Wow, there is something for everyone out in cyberspace! A web site devoted to those sprinting nurses in the opening of each show.

    EVERY time I see MASH coming on, without fail, I stop to watch the beautiful brunette at the head of the pack. I glance at her pretty face (even though it’s very brief and she is stressed from sprinting), but then I admire her perfect hips. (Hey, no other guy here mentioned that.) Even the fabric looks soft on her hips. I love brunettes and I’m a little partial towards Italian girls. I always admired how pretty she is. “Kathy” is one of my favorite names, too. Yep, that girl up front running is a beauty!

    I am an Extra in the Boston area, as well. I hope Kathy reads this. She must have this site in her Favorites and checks-in every now and then.

  26. I am now happy to find out who the brunette nurse is. She should have been in far more episodes and she sure can run!

  27. Any real MASH fan should’ve recognized Gwen! Not as big a name as Dish, Scortch or Kelly, but still in a lot of episodes.

  28. Thanks for your research.
    After all these years, it’s nice to know the name of the woman I was in love with through my years in college.
    Kathy Denny Fratella.
    I have all 11 seasons on DVD and have seen that particular scene thousands of times.
    Thanks again.

  29. Like many of the folks who commented on this page I too now watch M*A*S*H nightly as on True Entertainment channel having watched the series years ago and I am so pleased it isn’t just me who wanted to know who the girls were who run at the beginning of each episode. I still get a kick out of watching these shows and now I can say, “hey I know who those girls are”. Thank you for making an old man happy.

  30. I didn’t have the chance to view Mash due to remote conditions here in Australia when it was prime time, now I can watch it 5 days a week from 6.30 to 7.30 . I love the way you are running toward the helicopter ,tears start running .Hope you are well. Cheers Robin

  31. I watch Mash every nite. Love the running nurses, especilly Kathy.Really heats up an ole mans blood Good to know ure having a good life.God bless you and yours!

  32. It is with deep sadness I inform you that Lori Noel Brokamp (who was the brunette nurse holding her hat on the far right side of the celebrated photo) passed over Monday night, December 15, 2014, 3 days prior to her 74th birthday.
    Lori had been battling brain cancer with extraordinary courage for four years. She was a talented actress, artist, musician, and an awesome mom! She had many wonderful memories of her days as a background player and, in particular, her years performing on M.A.S.H. She was always greatly amused to think that her few seconds running while holding her hat for dear life was perhaps her greatest screen moment.

    1. This is sad news. Amazing how people can touch the lives of others in such small but important ways. My sincerest condolences to you and family.

      G.

    2. I had the privilege of meeting Lori and seeing her in action over the last couple years, playing the piano and sketching. I think it’s time that this website change the Sandra Hull credit to Lori (per your comment July 5th, 2013 – although you say on the left in that comment, and on the right this comment).

    3. As a horny 17 year old boy when MASH first came on, unlike my friends who all talked about the fast running beautiful nurse in the front, I favored the dark-haired well-endowed and braless nurse in back on the right. Too bad we did not get to see more of her and the other running nurses.

  33. I look forward to watching M*A*S*H every night at 7:00 on ME TV
    It takes me back to the memories I have of Korea I was in the Marine Corps during that trying time I am 81 years old and I love the show.

  34. I have always enjoyed MASH from its earliest days as the movie and then as a serial series.. I travelled a lot in my younger days and am always amazed that, although retired now and look forward’ s to two half hour shows per week day night in New South Wales I still am seeing episodes for the first time or replays that I can’t recollect..
    For many many years I had a crush on that beautiful nurse leading the run up the hill to the helipad in the opening credits.Today I suddenly thought to see if info is available about the nurses on the www, even for the few seconds they are on the screen.
    What a pleasant surprise, I had forgotten we all get older. Very disappointed that after many years with new Colonel, goodbye Frank, radar , etc they have again commenced screening the original series.
    Hope the opening nurse dash for the helipad stays.

    Have always wondered how they picked that as a site for the chopper pad.
    The Bell 47 was not much of a helo but the best of the time.
    I never liked the fuel tanks mounted above and just behind my head.
    One looked for a headwind for take-off or landing and a tail wind to go anywhere much out of sight. Lucky enough never to have flown in the “Korean Police Action”. The “Huey” gets my vote.

  35. Thank you very much for identifying the “running nurses” present in the opening credits of MASH episodes. My TV evening every week-day begins with two consecutive MASH episodes. Though aired here in Germany on a nominally commercial station (RTL NITRO), the first episode has no commercials. The second episode begins right after the first without any intervening commercials and only a single block of commercials midway through it. This makes watching MASH a real treat and the “running nurses”, in particular brunette Kathy Denny Fradella, are a joy to watch at the outset of each episode – even if their appearances are brief. I can only concur with many of the previous comments, Kathy is a beautiful woman. During these two or three seconds per episode I am fifty years younger again – at least in my mind.

  36. Hallo i am from New Zealand and im 40 year old male i started whothing mash wen i was 10 or so i had 15 vhs tayps of mash i caryed around for 20 years then i got all 11 epesodes on dvd i have seen all 11 at lest 100 times i shit you not im a mash nut a prowed of it thay should make a new mash but call it mash 8063 sum of the carictors are in mash 4077 like paralal parker i sill wotch it to this day.sorry about the spaling.

  37. “…the extended opening sequence as a whole, has been cut from most syndicated airings.”
    Where I live, we actually get the extended opening sequence for the pilot.
    I think I’m in the minority!

  38. Aaaahh, Kathy Fradella.
    I thought it was just me.
    When I realised I’d prob’ly never get to Cali and find you, I woke up and found the next best thing, and we’ve been married 3 decades now.

  39. talk about a happy guy on saturday nights CBS-TV Kathy Fradella,
    Mary Tyler Moore, Suzanne Pleshette what a trio of beautiful brunettes
    WOW

    1. I was born in 65, that opening shot of Pleshette in the credits of Bob Newhart (turning away from the window, smiling with that lovely cleavage) helped me discover that I liked girls. 🙂

  40. Would love to.meet someone from this show in person. I watch every episode I possibly can. I have even written a.received a couple pics from a couple actors. But this is my all time favorite show. Wish more were made like it. I was born in 1976, but it will never get old to me and my wife and two kids love it to. Also if someone from the show would consider chatting with me my fb is Billy Davidson I am in north mississippi.

    1. Radar has lived in 1 of 2 R.V.’s in a camp ground in Marion Co. Florida for over 20 yrs.now

  41. I was wondering who the brunette nurse was. I have been smitten with her every time I watch MASH. I still am. Thanks for the information.

    1. Mash was/Is a very comfortable show to watch,brings back good memories of when i was younger and watching that show on AFN in Hanau Germany in earlry 80’s.I personaly really think it was the best show ever made!!!

  42. I would truly love to meet Gewn Adair, she is absolutely gorgeous, extremely beautiful, she has a smile to light up a room and eyes to melt my heart.

  43. I love googleing small scenes that made big impacts in our memories from years ago. Its so interesting to me that we can find things out about these tidbits such as these nurses running

  44. I have also wondered for years who the brunette in front of the nurses name ,now I know. Great looking gal. Wish all the best to her and her family.

  45. I grew up watching MASH from the very first show till the last.
    I always keyed in on Kathy Fradella Baker ( the brunette running first in the intro. When the show would start ). She reminded me so much of Stephanie Powers. All these years, I thought it was Stephanie. I am now 65, and I still enjoy watching the reruns. And I just found out today ( 8 – 20 – 17 ) who the brunette actually was…..Kathy Fradella Baker……..

  46. Kathy has been my favorite and I have had a crush on her since the show first started. She ran with such intensity and passion. She was so ver attractive.

    Larry from Long Island.

  47. I love MASH. I never miss it at 7pm here in Georgia. Even if I don’t watch the whole show it is MANDATORY for me watch the running nurses and the helicopters, something about it is comforting to me. I loved Dr Sydney Freedman and Colonel Flagg and everyone. We don’t have shows like this anymore

  48. My dad was dying of cancer in a rented hospital bed in our living room. He insisted we watch M*A*S*H every night. There was the episode called “A Full Rich Day,” in season three where they lost the body of a Luxembourg Lieutenant. They figured he was dead so they held a ceremony where they played the National Anthem of Luxembourg. Well, the Lieutenant woke up in post op and slowly walked his crippled body to the ceremony. When he passed a stunned Hawkeye, he turned to Trapper and said, “I thought he was dead.” Trapper said, “He got better!” My father laughed the hardest I had ever seen him laugh. I have the whole series on DVD and play that episode often. If I find M*A*S*H as I change channels, I always stop to watch.

  49. i watched mash from start to finish and always was at awe of the intensify of that first scene and Kathy and the other nurses running towards the helicopter pad!

  50. Kathy Baker, The opening scene from MASH of the nurses running always caught my eye too. My first thought was you probably ran track or were just athletic. You can sometimes tell by how they run. Are you still in contact with anyone from the show after all this time? I wish you and your family all the best.
    Brian McAfee

  51. Josh, I LOVED watching your mother on MASH. Guess that I’ve always had a Crush on Sheila Lauritsen.
    My father was a Medical Doctor in the 9th CAVALRY. (HORSE CAVALRY)
    1942-1944.

  52. Like all of you, I was smitten with Kathy too. The difference is that I lived in the same apartment complex as her and I got to know her. She is as friendly and funny as she is gorgeous. I have kind of lost track of her, but I know she is still in California.

  53. I received the whole Mash dvd set at Christmas ,,,
    My wife surprised me ,,, Big Time ,,
    Plus the movie!,,
    I get bored with the senseless crap on Dish !,,
    so I plug in a 3disk year series!!!!
    You all ,,, were great!!!
    Still are!!!!
    Watched all of Mash as each. Weeks installment was aired!!!!
    Thank you !!!!!

  54. My late first wife was a nurse and held a striking resemblance to Kathy. Sometimes I just watch the opening and stare at the scene and get lost in reminiscence .

    Al Palmer Short

  55. Gotta love the Internet. Can’t believe folks are still commenting on MASH shows. I stumbled onto a few old reruns lately on my TV recently, and am thinking it was a great show, no wonder it lasted so long.

  56. I had to find out who you were. Every time I watch MASH, I always had the same thought, “who is that beautiful girl in front”? Now I know. Glad to know that you have done well. God bless.

    Bill Doores

  57. I read the book Cinnamon Skin (given to me by Jeanne Friedman) that focused on these nurses at the book’s. beginning & have been intrigued by these women since then Harvey Weiss

  58. After all these years I now know who the lovely girl was in front. My continued enjoyment MASH has been enhanced..

  59. My inquisitiveness has paid off. Who is the ‘nurse’ leading the other ‘nurses’ to the ‘chopper’ in the opening credits on MASH. And now I know. My wife and I have been watching MASH since Adam was a boy and it reminds us of the forces – we both served in the British armed forces. We are having a MASH Week as TV is so poor here and of course MASH always portrayed humour in the midst of adversity. We are both in our 70’s now Kathy so that must make you around 32 years of age at present! ‘By gum’, as we used to say in UK you certainly have a following. Great to know you settled down to family life and had children. Must go and ‘Hoist the Jack’. “Squad, squad
    wait for it.Hay ten shun! Stand still 4 front rank!!!”Old habits die hard. “March away – swing those harms – bags of swank!”

  60. It`s great to learn who the five running nurses are. I have loved the show since I saw the first run of the fist show. I have seen thousands of reruns since the show ended. I do kind of find it sad to think that these five young,, gorgeous, athletic girls are either dead or in their seventies. I`m getting older too. I wish we could all stay as young as we are in reruns.

  61. I will always think that Jo Ann Pflug is the beautiful girl leading the pack of nurses in the opening of some of the Mash episodes. No way will I believe it was the girl who said it was she.

    1. She doesn’t have the same face shape at all compared to the girl in the credits and Kathy’s 2 pictures seal the deal.

  62. I remember back in the 70’s, me & my cousins would be watching TV, and as soon as MASH would come on the tv, we would wait until after the running nurses part was over, then we’d walk out of the living room to go play barbies in my cousin’s bedroom. But not until after we seen the running nurses and started yelling and pointing at the TV, “I’m her! No, I’m her!”
    (I ALWAYS meant the pretty brunette leading the the pack!)
    We weren’t fans of the show MASH, just the running nurses scene at the beginning. I guess because it was about the army.
    Hm hm hm…

    You can totally tell the brunette nurse leading the run is definitely Kathy Fradella (Baker)!
    Her head shots are GORGEOUS!

    Thank you.

  63. It’s hard to believe many of the actors have passed away from old age. I was 7 when the MASH first aired, and now I’m in my 50’s. I watch MASH reruns to this day, and seeing the cast still so young it feels like time has stopped. Nothing will ever beat the show.

  64. I was born in ‘62, and my family started watching from the beginning. The fact that Radar was from Iowa always made us proud ( thank you writers )… Currently, my wife and I are just finishing the reruns. It is very disheartening to see programs like this no are longer produced. Once we finish, we’ll just start over and watch it again!
    Funny thing- in the beginning credits, the aerial shots show a stream next to the compound. Not once was there any scenes were any of the actors went fishing. I’ve always wondered why….

    Faithful fan in Iowa,
    Gary S.

  65. You are definitely the most exhilarating nurse to lead the charge of all the Mash nurses! I can’t believe you weren’t in any of the episodes. You were the cutest and best built of any girl on the show (Lt Dish takes a back seat to you every time. ) I really loved your 2 photos at the end of the running sequence. Absolutely beautiful. I think we are only a few years apart;as I started watching the show in season 2. I’m so glad you were identified-as the loveliest nurse to ever grace the show!

  66. Both my husband and I agree we would have loved to see Kathy in a speaking part in M*A*S*H, we believe she would have made the ratings be even better. She is a very beautiful woman.

  67. Regarding Marcia Gelman, she was not credited in ‘The Incubator’ as stated on this site. Along with being credited in ‘The Sniper’, she was again credited in ‘Carry On, Hawkeye’, both from Season Two. She had several appearances for which she was not credited as well.

  68. My sister Rosalie Karbum Jett was in the scene of nurses running up the hill to the helicopter. They told the group of gals that only the first to the top of the hill would be in the scene. She got a slow start so ran a bit to the side of the others and her hat began to fall off so she held it with her hand. In more recent remakes they had a different actress holding her hat.

  69. Enjoyed reading this like many have commented. I grew up watching this. The running scene is iconic. @Kathy Baker, I hope you were respectfully treated in this industry, sad to hear Lori Noel Brokamp passing. I think it would have been fun for these nurses to do a photo shoot to receive some financial windfall for their part. The determination on their faces convinces you of the sincerity that all the nurses would have had for our wounded soldiers. Yes, these were beautiful women but they represented more than just that.

  70. what if nurse jo ann and nurse shari was put in opening credits! they deserved! great nurses after all!

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