Patrick Adiarte, the Filipino-American actor and dancer known for roles on MASH* and The Brady Bunch, died Tuesday in a Los Angeles-area hospital at age 82. His niece, Stephanie Hogan, confirmed pneumonia as the cause of death.
Born in Manila on August 2, 1942, Adiarte endured early hardship: imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II, he suffered burns from a grenade while his family fled. They moved to New York in 1946, and he became a U.S. citizen in 1956 after his father, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers captain, was killed.
Adiarte gained fame in the 1970s as Ho-Jon, the Korean orphan on CBS’s MASH*, appearing in seven episodes and helping Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and Trapper John (Wayne Rogers). He also appeared in the 1972 three-part premiere of The Brady Bunch, playing a memorable role during the family’s Hawaiian vacation.
A talented dancer and singer, he starred in the Broadway and film productions of The King and I (with Yul Brynner) and Flower Drum Song, and briefly pursued a singing career with the pop hit “Five Different Girls.” His TV credits included Bonanza, Hawaii Five-O, and Kojak. He also taught dance at Santa Monica College.
Adiarte was married to cabaret singer Loni Ackerman from 1975 to 1992. He is survived by his niece and nephew.
Remembered for his grace, talent, and resilience, Patrick Adiarte left a lasting mark on stage, screen, and the generations of dancers he inspired.
