TV doctor who then did real surgery on guerrilla fighter wears Make America Normal Again hat… who is he?

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A famous actor from a popular 1970s sitcom was seen wearing a hat with the slogan ‘Make America Normal Again‘.

He became famous playing a doctor on television, and surprisingly, he later found himself assisting with a real surgery on a wounded soldier in El Salvador.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always admired people who dedicate their lives to what they believe in, and this 86-year-old is a perfect example. He’s been a passionate activist for many years, and one cause especially close to his heart is ending the death penalty – he’s a really strong advocate for that.

He’s been a consistently outspoken critic of former US President Donald Trump. In 2016, he even made an advertisement urging Republican members of the Electoral College to disregard their states’ election results and vote against Trump.

He’s recently appeared wearing a playful hat that parodies the president’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, and this is happening at a time when political tensions are already running high.

The 86-year-old actor was recently seen with a small medical patch behind his right ear, shortly after returning to television after a seven-year break.

Can you guess who he is?

He’s Mike Farrell, best known for playing Captain BJ Hunnicutt on the TV show MAS*H, which aired from 1975 to 1983.

This week, Colin Farrell was seen wearing a “Make America Normal Again” hat – blue and white, and a good match for his navy shirt and acid-wash jeans.

He completed his look with a wallet chain attached to his black leather belt, and comfortable sneakers for the occasion.

Though originally from Minnesota, Farrell grew up in Hollywood. He attended school with Natalie Wood and spent time in the Marine Corps in the late 1950s before starting his career in the entertainment industry.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, he was a familiar face on television, with a recurring part on Days of Our Lives and appearances on popular shows like I Dream of Jeannie, The Six Million Dollar Man, Bonanza, and Marcus Welby, M.D.

His big break came in 1975 when he landed the role of military surgeon BJ Hunnicutt on the TV show MAS*H, taking over from Wayne Rogers who had played the character Trapper.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always been fascinated by dynamics on set, and the story behind Wayne Rogers leaving MASH* is a classic example of creative friction. From what I understand, he became really frustrated because his character, Trapper John, was increasingly taking a backseat to Alan Alda’s Hawkeye. He felt like he wasn’t getting the same opportunities to shine, and ultimately, that led to his decision to move on. It’s a reminder that even on a hugely successful show, everyone wants to feel valued and have their talents recognized.

Starring Alan Alda, the series followed the stories of doctors and nurses serving during the Korean War. The final episode, which included William Farrell, remains the most-watched television episode in history.

In 1983, two years after the TV show MAS*H concluded, actor William Farrell was tricked into helping with a surgery in El Salvador, which was experiencing a violent civil war.

Nidia Diaz was a commander in the guerilla army who was injured in combat and captured while fighting against the Salvadoran government, which was supported by the United States.

I recently learned about a truly inspiring story from El Salvador. I was following the work of Amnesty International, and they sent a team down there where they encountered a woman named Diaz. She’d been severely injured and, sadly, lost the use of her right hand. American human rights activists on the ground immediately began advocating for her to receive the surgery she desperately needed. It was amazing to see them rally around her and fight for her access to medical care.

A surgeon named Alejandro Sanchez, who was visiting from another country, performed the operation. Farrell was there only to watch and learn.

Local surgical assistants refused to take part in the operation. Farrell explained this was because of Diaz’s controversial reputation – they considered the case too risky to handle.

Sanchez reached out to Farrell for assistance, leading the television doctor to perform a real-life surgery. He later explained to the Los Angeles Times that while it might appear like a publicity stunt, it wasn’t intended as one.

I remember Sanchez drilling us on precision. He’d say, ‘When I say cut, I expect you to cut, and when I say retract, you retract. You all know how to do this, right?’ It wasn’t just talk either – he actually handed me a textbook on tendon surgery in the car on the way to the surgery, preparing me thoroughly. He really emphasized clear communication and expected us to be fully prepared.

Despite a power outage during the surgery – a strange coincidence mirroring a scene from the TV show MAS*H featuring actor Farrell – the operation was successful.

For many years, Farrell has actively worked for political change, notably leading Death Penalty Focus in its fight against capital punishment. He’s also used his platform to support animal rights through a PETA campaign and championed a variety of other important causes.

After that, he went on to star in the medical drama Providence, which aired from 1999 to 2002.

Farrell appeared in shows like Murder, She Wrote and Desperate Housewives, and he also helped produce the 1998 film Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams.

I was so excited to see him back on TV after nine years! He made a guest appearance last week on Ryan Murphy’s show, 9-1-1, and it was great to see him in action again. It really reminded me how much good television is out there, and it’s always wonderful when talented people return to the screen.

Colin Farrell plays an elderly man who falls for someone he meets online and excitedly plans to meet her at the airport. However, his son worries his father is becoming frail and is being taken advantage of, so he tries to intervene.

When his son grabs the car keys, Farrell decides to take action himself and drives a lawnmower to the airport to meet his lover.

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2026-02-03 21:57