💔🎬 MAS*H Legend and Broadway Star Patrick Adiarte Dies at 82 After Courageous Battle with Pneumonia — From Dancer to Iconic Actor, Remembering His Legacy in Hollywood and Beyond 🌟🙏

Patrick Adiarte, a beloved figure in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 82 following a battle with pneumonia. Best known for his role as Ho-Jon, the camp houseboy, on the iconic TV series MASH*, Adiarte’s death marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned both the silver screen and Broadway. He was a true star whose career journey was as remarkable as the roles he played, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.

Adiarte’s path to fame was nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Manila in 1943, his early life was marked by hardship. His family was imprisoned on an island during World War II, and he and his sister were severely burned when Japanese soldiers threw grenades at them during an escape attempt. The resilience shown by the young Adiarte set the tone for the rest of his life. After the war, Adiarte and his family made their way to the United States, where his mother, a talented dancer, introduced him to the world of performance. By the age of nine, Adiarte was already working on Broadway in The King and I, a show that would continue to influence his career.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Adiarte continued to build a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His breakout role came in the 1956 film The King and I, where he portrayed the crown prince, a role that helped cement his status as a rising star. He also played key roles in Broadway’s Flower Drum Song and films like High Time (1960), alongside Bing Crosby and Tuesday Weld. In fact, the legendary dancer Gene Kelly once praised Adiarte as “exceptional,” going so far as to say, “If there is to be another Fred Astaire, it could very well be Pat.” Adiarte’s unparalleled dancing ability made him a respected figure in the world of musical theater, showcasing his versatility on and off the stage.

However, it was his role as Ho-Jon on MASH* that most people will remember him for. In the first season of the show, Adiarte’s character served as the houseboy at the 4077th MAS*H unit during the Korean War. Although his role was short-lived, disappearing after the first season, it left a lasting impact on viewers. Ho-Jon’s story, in which he was accepted into a U.S. institution, resonated deeply, and his absence from the show was felt. Adiarte’s portrayal of Ho-Jon remains one of the few instances of a Filipino-American actor on a major American TV series during that era.

In his later years, Adiarte continued to share his passion for dance by teaching and mentoring the next generation of performers at institutions such as Santa Monica College. He also contributed to the entertainment world by appearing in a variety of TV shows and films, always maintaining his connection to the art of performance.

The news of Adiarte’s passing has left a hole in the hearts of many who admired his talent, resilience, and kindness. From his days on Broadway to his iconic role in MASH*, Patrick Adiarte’s influence as an actor, dancer, and trailblazer in Hollywood will never be forgotten. As fans and colleagues remember him, one thing is clear: his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness his remarkable journey.

Rest in peace, Patrick Adiarte. Your contributions to the world of entertainment will never be forgotten. 🌟