Actress Kellye Nakahara, a film and television actress best known for playing Lt. Nurse Kellye Yamato on “M*A*S*H,” died of cancer Sunday. She was 72.
Nakahara died at her Pasadena, California, home, her sister, Nalani Coleman, told CNN on Monday.
Nakahara’s character on “M*A*S*H,” had a secret crush on the show’s major character, Korean War Army surgeon Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, played by Alan Alda.
Kellye Nakahara, who played Lieutenant Nurse Kellye on "M*A*S*H," has died ... aged 72
— spacewoman reporter (@SpacewomanR) February 17, 2020
Kellye died Sunday after a short battle with cancer. Her family was with her when she died at the family home in Pasadena ... this according to a family member. pic.twitter.com/HSPXghcmIu
In a memorable scene, Kellye reveals her feelings, scolding Hawkeye for having his “eyes ... on every nurse” except her, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“For your information,” she tells him, “I happen to have a fantastic sense of humor, a bubbly personality and I am warm and sensitive like you wouldn’t believe. I also sing and play the guitar and I’m learning to tap dance. And on top of all that, I happen to be cute as hell.”
"And on top of all that, I happen to be cute as hell."
— John Birchman 🌊🌊🌊 (@johnbirchman) February 17, 2020
M*A*S*H S11E01 - "Hey, Look Me Over" (1982)
Rest in peace, Kellye Nakahara. pic.twitter.com/e3y1rS4upd
Nakahara also had roles in the 1985 film “Clue,” in which she played a cook; and the 1998 film, "Dr. Dolittle,” CNN reported.
Nakahara was born in Oahu, Hawaii, in 1950, according to IMDb.com. She married her husband, David Wallett, in 1968. The couple had two children, the website said.
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