At 89, Jamie Farr Is A Successful Property Owner Who Once Faced Hard Times & Couldn’t Afford An Engagement Ring

Jul 11, 2023 by apost team

In the world of classic movies and TV, actor Jamie Farr has earned his prestigious place, enough to be mentioned when the Hollywood greats come up in conversations. Farr came into prominence in the 1970s as a staple on the comedy series, "M*A*S*H," but before that, he ascended the ladder of success through army service, minor roles, challenging times, and unemployment. 

Born Jameel Joseph Farah to a Lebanese-American family in Toledo, Ohio, Farr gained his first acting experience at 11. He started his career in 1955 as a professional actor appearing in the movies "Blackboard Jungle" and "Kismet," where he played a fruit vendor. The next phase of Farr's life came when he was drafted into the 6th infinity division of the United States Army. Farr served in Korea for two years working on the radio and television. 

After leaving the army, the star returned to his acting career, having aced a spot on fellow star Red Skelton's show, "The Red Skelton Show." In a 2011 interview with Television Academy Foundation, Farr revealed that Skelton saved his career. Working with the comedian would go on to birth the breakthrough he needed in his career, but it did come with some challenges. He worked on other shows like "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Danny Kaye Show," and "The Chicago Teddy Bears."

Farr gained more film roles, although they were minor parts. Some of his roles included being cast as a post office clerk, an Army store clerk, an employee at Chinchilla Ranch, and a delivery person among otters. More significant movie roles came toward the 1960s when Warner Brothers cast him as a co-pilot on TB-25. 

Farr also continued getting minor roles, and one of those was in 1972 when he was hired for one day on “M*A*S*H.” Farr revealed to "The Fire and Water Podcast" in 2022 that he was paid 250 for the one-time gig. This had been on the episode titled "Chief Surgeon Who?" This, however, became the turning point in his acting career. Farr's character was the cross-dressing Corporal Maxwell Klinger. The plot showed that Klinger dressed as the opposite gender to persuade the army to relieve him of his duties. 

Farr's portrayal of the role left a lasting impression that he ended up securing a permanent place on the TV series. He appeared on the show in several episodes and became a regular character by the fourth season. Working on the set of “M*A*S*H” was fulfilling, as he once told MeTV about his experience. 

The actor stated that what struck him "was the quality of the show." He noted that everyone made a concerted effort, and they were clearly concerned about the series. He described working on the show as fun because "You'd go home at night, and your sides would be hurting from laughing."    

Through the years that he struggled to make ends meet, Farr met the love of his life. Farr was a striving 27-year-old when he met Joy Richards. According to Weekly World News, he proposed to Richards against all odds. The actor recalled having told her:

"I may not have everything, and you may be taking a chance on me, but why not take a chance on us?"

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She did take the chance, and Farr was determined more than ever to give them both a better life. Per People, he and Richards tied the knot on Feb. 16, 1963, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Los Angeles. At the time he married Richards, Farr could not afford an engagement ring. However, working on "M*A*S*H" proved to be a lifesaver. 

Being a staple in the 1970s show meant Farr's financial situation improved. By then, he had enough money to buy a befitting wedding ring for his wife. The jewelry piece was an intricate 1.5-carat emerald with lonely details. The TV star presented the precious stone to his wife most romantically. He and his family were dining at a restaurant when he made the manager present it on a silver platter.

His career continued to soar, and in 1979, Farr and his family moved to their luxurious home in the exclusive community of Bell Canyon. The property boasted vast lands, including a large driveway, a big pool, and a relaxation hut. In 2018, Farr revealed that his property narrowly escaped a Woosley fire disaster in the canyons outside Los Angeles.   

Being a Hollywood veteran these days, Farr lives a quiet life with his wife. The duo have collaborated and published a children's book titled "Hababy's Christmas Eve." The longtime couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2023 with their two children, Yvonne Elizabeth-Rose and Jonas Samuel, and a grandchild. 

Some of his lifetime achievements in the movie industry include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a park named after him in Toledo. Farr's last known TV role before retirement was in 2018's "The Cool Kids."

Isn't it inspiring that Jamie Farr's hard work paid off in the decade-long acting career? Do you recall your favorite episode of watching Corporal Max Klinger on "M*A*S*H"? Let us know, and be sure to pass this piece on to other fans of the series.