Patrick Adiarte dead: MASH star dies after devastating health struggle

Acting legend Patrick Adiarte has died after a long struggle with illness. The legend died in hospital from at the age of 82.

Patrick's niece, Stephanie Hogan, confirmed the news to , stating that he died in on April 15.

The actor was born on August 2, 1943, in Manila, , but became huge in the United States for his great character roles. Alongside playing Ho-Jon in the beloved war comedy M*A*S*H, he is also known for his roles as Prince Chulalongkorn in hit musical The King & I, and T.J. Padmanagham in High Time.

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Patrick had a glowing career on television alongside stage and the silver screen, and had a special guest role in The Brady Bunch, leading the family through their tumultuous trip to Honolulu. He again appeared on the island in Hawaii Five-O, and carried on the crime theme in Kojak.

On X, formerly known as , many fans have penned moving tributes to the actor and reminisced about the huge impact he had in the 60s and 70s.

"Sad to read this news. Patrick Adiarte gave Ho-Jon wonderful depth, I always enjoy seeing the episodes that feature him. #RestInPower," one person wrote.

"Very sad to hear that Patrick Adiarte has passed away. An amazing dancer and a protege of Gene Kelly, who cast him in the original Broadway production of Flower Drum Song, he also almost steals the film version from the actors with bigger roles," said a second.

Rodgers & Hammerstein - the brains behind The King & I - even noted Patrick's time working on their show, writing: We're so saddened to hear the news of Patrick Adiarte's passing. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time."

At the time Patrick was in The King & I, he and his family didn't even have American citizenship. His father had been killed while working as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, while Patrick was imprisoned by the Japanese alongside his mum and sister.

The trio moved to New York when Patrick was just a small child, and faced threats of deportation for years. It was only when Senator John F. Kennedy got involved in 1956 - thanks to Patrick's work in The King & I - that he and his remaining living family were recognized as US citizens.

Patrick was a well-known dancer alongside his acting work, frequently appearing on the dance show Hullabaloo. He made a big splash with his moves, with personally picking him out of the crowd to personally mentor the younger star.

The talented dancer and actor married singer and actress Loni Ackerman in 1975, remaining with her until their divorce in 1992. Alongside niece Stephanie, Patrick is survived by a nephew, Michael.

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