'MASH' Star William Christopher Dies At 84

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —   William Christopher, the actor best known for playing Fr. Francis Mulcahy on the smash sitcom "MASH," has reportedly died.

The Illinois-born Christopher was 84.

His other acting credits included "Hogan's Heroes," "Gomer Pyle," "That Girl" and "Columbo."

But it was "MASH" that made Christopher famous. He appeared in more than 200 episodes of the acclaimed series.

A Methodist off-camera, he played the kindly and gentle Catholic priest on the CBS sitcom from 1972-1983. He also appeared in the spinoff "After MASH" (1983-85.) He also played Fr. Tobias on "Days of Our Lives" in 2012.

Christopher also had roles in numerous off-Broadway plays before deciding to seek his fortune in Hollywood. He also had roles in s number of movies, including, "The Fortune Cookie," and "The Shakiest Gun ithe West."

The actor was also well-known for his work with the autism community, one of his two sons had autism.

Christopher married his wife Barbara in 1957. He and Barbara wrote "Mixed Blessings" in 1985, a book about the joys and challenges of having a child with autism.

The actor reportedly died at his home in Pasadena after a battle with lung cancer.