The entertainment world has lost a beloved actor, as Patrick Adiarte, best known for his role in the hit sitcom MASH*, has passed away at the age of 82.
His niece, Stephanie Hogan, confirmed that the actor died of pneumonia in a hospital in the Los Angeles area.
A Career Full of Musical Magic and Iconic TV Roles
Born in Manila in 1943, Adiarte’s career spanned both stage and screen, showcasing his exceptional talents in musicals and television.
He made a lasting impact in the Broadway musical The King and I, performing alongside his dancer mother, Purita.
His Broadway debut came at just seven years old, replacing one of the royal children in the show, a role he later reprised in the 1956 film adaptation.
His love for the stage was clear, but it was his television career that brought him widespread recognition.
Adiarte’s television credits include iconic series like Bonanza, The Brady Bunch, Hawaii Five-O, and Kojak.
But his role as the camp houseboy Ho-Jon in the first season of MASH* is what truly cemented his place in pop culture.
The character of Ho-Jon, an orphaned houseboy who is accepted into a college in the U.S., was part of the show’s first season, aired in 1972-1973.
His storyline was beloved by fans, though his character was written out of the series after the first season.
A Dazzling Dancer with Gene Kelly’s Praise
Adiarte’s talents weren’t limited to acting. He was also a skilled dancer, often drawing comparisons to Fred Astaire.
His dance career reached new heights when he appeared alongside the legendary Gene Kelly in a special TV appearance, where Kelly praised him as a potential successor to Astaire himself.
Throughout his life, Adiarte continued to teach dance at institutions like Santa Monica College, where he passed on his love for the art to the next generation.
His contributions to dance and musical theatre were not only immense but deeply influential.
From Tragedy to Triumph: Patrick’s Early Life
Adiarte’s early life was marked by hardship. During World War II, he and his family endured tremendous suffering, with Adiarte losing his father in the war and surviving a grenade attack that left both him and his sister with burns.
His family escaped the Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1947, where they sought refuge at Ellis Island.
By the early 1950s, Adiarte’s mother and he found themselves on Broadway, where he began his career in The King and I.
Their resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to their strength and determination.
A Legacy in Entertainment and Dance
Over the decades, Adiarte’s career in both theatre and film continued to shine.
He was involved in the original Broadway production of Flower Drum Song, where he portrayed Wang San, a character striving to balance his cultural heritage with American life.
His involvement in musicals and films remained strong, with notable roles in Flower Drum Song (1961) and John Goldfarb, Please Come Home! (1965), starring alongside Shirley MacLaine.
His dance career was a constant, even as he grew older.
He continued to dance, teach, and inspire others, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and grace that will not be forgotten.
Patrick Adiarte’s passing marks the end of an era for a man whose career touched so many, from the stage to television.
His contributions to entertainment and dance remain influential, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his fans.