'M*A*S*H' actress Judy Farrell passes away at 84 following a stroke

Judy Farrell, best known for her role as Nurse Able in the popular television series "M*A*S*H", has passed away at the age of 84. Speaking to TMZ, her son, Michael, revealed that she died in the hospital nine days after suffering a stroke. Although she was unable to speak, she reportedly remained conscious and was able to squeeze her loved ones' hands during her hospitalization.

Farrell's former co-star Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the show, paid tribute to her, referring to her as "family." Swit described the late star as a beautiful woman inside and out and said that they grew up together. She expressed her sadness at the loss and the beauty of the memory Farrell left behind, ending with "Rest in peace, Nurse Able," reported PEOPLE.

Farrell appeared in eight episodes of M*A*S*H as Nurse Able, a popular character among fans of the show. During the Korean War, the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea, was the focus of a series that chronicled the efforts of doctors and medical support staff. Alan Alda played the character of Captain Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce in the show, and Farrell's first husband, Mike Farrell, joined the cast later as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2018, Farrell recounted a remarkable experience she had on the "M*A*S*H" set with Alan Alda. During an episode where Hawkeye tries to repair a gas stove in the nurse's tent and it explodes, causing him temporary blindness, Alan decided to portray his character's vision loss realistically. Farrell was cast as the nurse who guided him around, but she struggled with her role and kept accidentally bumping into him due to her lack of experience in leading a visually impaired person. At one point, Alan posed a thought-provoking question to her, "Do your children trust you?"

Farrell also had roles in other television shows, including "Get Smart," "Fame," "The Partridge Family" and "Quincy, M.E." She appeared in films such as "J.W. Coop," "Chapter Two" and "Long-Term Relationship." She was also credited as a writer on the soap opera "Port Charles" from 1998 to 2003.

Farrell is survived by her second husband, Joe Bratcher, whom she married in 1985, and her two children with Mike, Michael and Erin. Fans of "M*A*S*H" will remember her fondly for her contributions to the show, and her legacy will continue to live on through her work in the entertainment industry.

Farrell's passing has left a profound impact on the entertainment industry, and her legacy as Nurse Able will be cherished by fans of "M*A*S*H" for years to come. Her talent and versatility as an actress were evident in her roles in various TV shows and movies, but it was her portrayal of Nurse Able that left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her dedication to her craft and the joy she brought to those around her will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

As we bid farewell to Farrell, we offer our condolences to her loved ones. May they find comfort in the memories they shared with Farrell, and may she rest in peace knowing she made a significant impact on the lives of so many.