why did radar leave mash

Radar, played by Gary Burghoff, left M A S*H primarily due to burnout and personal issues. Burghoff felt overwhelmed by the pressures and expectations of playing Radar, a beloved character who was central to the series. Additionally, he wanted to spend more time with his family and deal with personal challenges, including a strained marriage. Radar's character was written out of the show with a poignant storyline where he was sent home due to a family tragedy—his uncle's death, leaving his mother alone. This departure was designed to be emotionally subdued rather than dramatic, fitting Radar's personality and the serious tone of the series during that period. Burghoff's farewell episode, "Goodbye Radar," is regarded as a touching and meaningful send-off for the character and the show.