NEW YORK (AP) — 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.
Fans who learned of her death left tributes on social media:
I just found out that Kellye Nakahara died. She was one of my favorite characters on MASH and anytime I’d see her in something else, it was like running into your cousin you were raised with but haven’t seen in years. You will be missed ,Kellye.
— Mildred Knickerbocke (@mildredknocker) February 18, 2020
RIP Kellye Nakahara.
Quite rightly remembered as Lt. Nurse across M*A*S*H series.But if you love CLUE like me, then yep she was the Cook!
Thanks to her we all found the secret passage from the kitchen to the study.
(Killed by 2 different characters depending on which ending) pic.twitter.com/ygc63RA8we— Rhett Bartlett (@dialmformovies) February 17, 2020
Sorry to hear. Kellye was on the show from the 1st year to the last, originally as an extra. Alan Alda even wrote an episode (“Hey, Look Me Over”, 1982) in which she took centre stage. RIP.
‘M*A*S*H’ Star Kellye Nakahara Dead at 72 https://t.co/gtr7jTNQ3C— Latte Larry’s (@Dene71) February 17, 2020