Patrick Adiarte, ‘M*A*S*H’, ‘The King and I’ star, dies at 82

Patrick Adiarte when he was young. Image: Facebook/Rodgers and Hammerstein

Patrick Adiarte, best known for starring in the hit 1970s American sitcom “M*A*S*H” and Broadway musical “The King and I,” has died of pneumonia, as confirmed by his family. He was 82.

Adiarte, a Philippine-born dancer-actor who made a name for himself with his portrayals in the US entertainment industry, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, as confirmed by his niece Stephanie Hogan to The Hollywood Reporter.

Adiarte succumbed to the disease while at a hospital in Los Angeles, she added.

Adiarte was born in the Philippines in 1942. When he was just two years old, he was imprisoned along with his family by the Japanese during World War II. After they were able to escape, his family flew to New York and was later granted American citizenship.

The actor-dancer began his career on Broadway in 1952 through Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” where he portrayed the role of one of the royal children. The musical was adapted into film in 1956 and Adiarte was cast again for a different role, Prince Chulalongkorn.

Two years later, he starred in another stage play, “Flower Drum Song,” delivering a notable performance of “You Be the Rock, I’ll Be the Roll” along with co-star Pat Suzuki. The musical had a film adaptation as well released in 1961, and Adiarte was among the cast.

Adiarte also became known for being a dancer at the musical variety series “Hullabaloo,” which ran from 1965 to 1966.

Adiarte later starred in “M*A*S*H,” portraying a Korean houseboy and working closely with main cast members Alan Alda and Wayne Rogers.