Patrick Adiarte, who is best known for his role as Ho-Jon in the hit war comedy M*A*S*H, has died at the age of 82 after being hospitalised with pneumonia
TV Katie Francis and Georgia Burns 21:47, 17 Apr 2025
Renowned actor Patrick Adiarte has passed away following a prolonged illness. The M*A*S*H star succumbed to pneumonia in hospital at the ripe age of 82.
The sad news was confirmed by Patrick's niece, Stephanie Hogan, who informed The Hollywood Reporter that he breathed his last in Los Angeles on April 15.
Born on August 2, 1943, in Manila, Philippines, Patrick gained immense popularity in the United States for his memorable character portrayals.
Besides his role as Ho-Jon in the much-loved war comedy M*A*S*H, he is also recognised for playing Prince Chulalongkorn in the hit musical The King and I, and T.J. Padmanagham in High Time.
Patrick enjoyed a successful career across television, stage and film. He had a special guest appearance in The Brady Bunch, guiding the family through their chaotic trip to Honolulu, reports the Mirror.
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He made another appearance on the island in Hawaii Five-O, and continued the crime theme in Kojak.
On X, previously known as Twitter, numerous fans have posted heartfelt tributes to the late actor, reflecting on the significant impact he made during 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 individual penned.
"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," expressed another.
Rodgers and Hammerstein, the creative minds behind The King and I, acknowledged Patrick's contribution to their show, stating: "We're so saddened to hear the news of Patrick Adiarte's passing. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time."
During Patrick's stint in The King and I, he and his family were not yet American citizens. His father had been killed while serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, while Patrick was held captive by the Japanese along with his mother and sister.
The family relocated to New York when Patrick was just a young boy, living under the constant threat of deportation for several years. It wasn't until 1956, when Senator John F. Kennedy intervened due to Patrick's involvement in The King and I, that he and his surviving family members were granted US citizenship.
In addition to acting, Patrick was a renowned dancer, often featuring on the dance programme Hullabaloo.
His dancing skills made quite an impression, leading Gene Kelly to single him out from the crowd to personally mentor the budding star. The gifted actor and dancer married singer and actress Loni Ackerman in 1975, and then stayed together until their divorce in 1992.
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Patrick is survived by his niece Stephanie and nephew Michael.
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