Kellye Nakahara Wallett of 'M-A-S-H' Dies at Age 72
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2020 7:20 pm
FILE - Cast members of "M-A-S-H," left to right, Loretta Swit, Kellye Nakahara Wallett, Wayne Rogers, Alan Alda and series writer Larry Gelbart accept the Impact award at the taping of the 7th annual TV Land Awards in Los Angeles, April 19, 2009.
NEW YORK - Kellye Nakahara Wallett, a film and television actress best known for playing Lt. Nurse Kellye Yamato on "M-A-S-H," has died at age 72.
Son William Wallett told The Associated Press that Wallett died Sunday after a brief battle with cancer. She was at her home in Pasadena, California, surrounded by family and friends.
A native of O'ahu, Hawaii, who was listed as Kellye Nakahara while in "M-A-S-H," Wallett also appeared in the film "Clue" and in John Hughes' "She's Having a Baby." More recently, she worked as a watercolor artist and was involved in the local arts community. She is survived by her husband, David Wallett; two children and four grandchildren.
"M-A-S-H," the acclaimed sitcom set during the Korean War, ran from 1972-83. Nurse Kellye carries a secret crush on the show's major character, the womanizing surgeon Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda. In a memorable scene, Kellye reveals her feelings, scolding Hawkeye for having his "eyes ... on every nurse" except her.
"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."