‘M*A*S*H' Actress Dead of Natural Causes at 93

Gwen Farrell was an actress and boxing referee who had a recurring role on the hit TV series, M*A*S*H. According to Forbes, the actress recently died of natural causes in Sherman Oaks on April 30. She was 93.

‘M*A*S*H' actress Gwen Farrell dead at 93 https://t.co/MxqI8AewjYpic.twitter.com/Qe9NHLfGFX

— New York Post (@nypost) May 2, 2026

Her family announced the news on a GoFundMe page this week, hoping to raise money to cover the cost of her funeral and burial expenses. They stated, "Gwendolyn ‘Gwen' Yancey Farrell was born in Austin, Texas, and lived a life full of strength, character, and quiet resilience. She was the daughter of Lovie Yancey, founder of Fatburger, and carried forward that same determination and independence throughout her life."

Farrell appeared in 26 episodes of M*A*S*H from 1972 until 1983. She played multiple nurse roles, including Nurse Butler, Nurse Wilson, Nurse Able, and Nurse Gwen as well as a few additional uncredited nurse roles. Throughout her career, she also appeared in projects like Starsky and Hutch, Billy Jack Goes to Washington, Black Gunn, Soylent Green, Earthquake, and The Towering Inferno.

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In addition to her acting career, Farrell went on to become a referee in the boxing world. She was the first female to referee a world title fight during a match between Pedro Ortega and Luis "Yory Boy" Campas. In 2005, she was entered into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

As her family stated, "In 1980, Gwen stepped into the boxing world as a referee in California, a space where women were rarely seen at the time. With confidence, fairness, and unwavering composure, she earned the respect of fighters, trainers, and fans alike. She didn't just do the job; she broke barriers and proved that strength comes in many forms."

They continued, "But beyond her accomplishments, Gwen was so much more to her family. She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom. She had a way of making those around her feel supported, understood, and cared for without needing recognition."

At this time, the GoFundMe in memory of Gwen Farrell Adair's legacy has reached over $1,000 of its $13,000 goal.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM.