Iconic ‘M*A*S*H’ Actor, 86, Has Fans Swooning Over Resurfaced Images: ‘My Crush Since ’75’ originally appeared on Parade.
It is not every day that a simple social media post can transport you back in time, but that’s exactly what fans experienced when one of television’s most beloved stars shared a look back at his incredible life and career.
All it took was one Instagram post from Mike Farrell, 86, known and loved by millions for his role as the kind-hearted and fiercely loyal Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the legendary ’70s sitcom M*A*S*H, to send fans into a nostalgic frenzy. Farrell joined the iconic show in its fourth season and quickly became a fan favorite for the remainder of the series’ historic run.
Taking to his official Instagram account, the actor shared a touching triptych of photos that beautifully chronicles his life’s journey. The first image shows a fresh-faced Farrell in his U.S. Marines uniform, the second is a classic shot of him in his army greens as B.J. Hunnicutt, and the third is a warm, smiling photo of him today.
His simple but poignant caption said it all: “Yeah, time flies…” The post was tagged with nostalgic hashtags including #throwback, #mash4077, and #marinescorps.
It didn’t take long for the comments section to light up with messages of love and admiration from fans who grew up watching him on their screens.
One fan perfectly summed up the collective feeling, writing, “Handsome then. Handsome now. My crush since ’75. Thank you for making my life better for being in it. (Thank Alan for me too!)” Referencing the close bond Farrell still shares with his former M*A*S*H co-star Alan Alda, 89, who played the beloved Hawkeye Pierce, Hunnicut’s best friend, illicit drinking buddy, and tentmate in the not-quite-5-star “Swamp.”
Another commenter added, “still got that lovely smile Mike,” while a third chimed in with, “Like fine wine.”
The appreciation wasn’t just for his looks, but for Farrell as a person, too. In addition to his beloved television role, Farrell has also been a vocal and active refugee aid and human rights activist for decades. “Still oh so handsome and character/integrity to match!” another user wrote in the comments.
The post also highlighted the deep and lasting impact M*A*S*H has had on generations of viewers. One fan reflected on the show’s presence throughout their life, commenting about time flying, “It sure does. I’m the same age as you were when M*A*S*H ended. Fortunately I’ve never known a day of my life without it.”
The trip down memory lane also sparked hope for a future get-together between Farrell and Alda in particular. “Really hoping you and Alan do a reunion next month to celebrate Hawkeye and BJ’s 50th anniversary. (September ’75),” one user pleaded. “You said ‘BJ would walk across the country to spend time in Hawkeye’s company.’ It’s the reunion the fans NEED”.
For now, though, fans are just happy to celebrate the man who brought so much heart to the 4077th. The outpouring of love for Mike Farrell’s latest post proves that some television friendships—and the actors who created them—are truly timeless.
Iconic ‘M*A*S*H’ Actor, 86, Has Fans Swooning Over Resurfaced Images: ‘My Crush Since ’75’ first appeared on Parade on Aug 16, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.