When people talk about the greatest sitcoms of all time, they usually start with MASH*. They talk about Hawkeye’s wit, Radar’s intuition, or Margaret Houlihan’s evolution. But if you really know the show—like, really know it—there is one name that always brings a smile to your face: Kellye Nakahara.
She wasn't just another nurse in the background of a crowded O.R. scene. Honestly, she was the glue. Over 167 episodes, she transformed from an uncredited extra into one of the most beloved recurring characters in television history. But while most fans only know her as the optimistic Lt. Nurse Kellye Yamato, her career spanned decades, including iconic roles in cult classics like Clue and guest spots that probably made you say, "Wait, I know her!"
The MAS*H Years: More Than Just a Background Nurse
Kellye Nakahara didn't actually plan on being an actress. She moved from Oahu to San Francisco to be a watercolor artist. It’s a funny twist of fate, really. She only ended up in Los Angeles because of her husband’s career, and she basically stumbled into the role of a lifetime.
When she started on MASH* in 1973, she was just "Nurse Kellye." No lines. No backstory. Just a face in the crowd. But Nakahara had this incredible energy. She once mentioned in an interview that she’d just put herself in every scene she could because she loved being on set so much. The writers noticed. Alan Alda noticed.
The breakthrough came in the Season 11 episode "Hey, Look Me Over." You probably remember the scene—it’s legendary. Hawkeye is doing his usual thing, chasing every nurse in sight, and Kellye finally snaps. She delivers this powerhouse monologue about how she has a fantastic sense of humor, plays the guitar, and is "cute as hell." It wasn't just a great moment for the character; it was a huge win for representation. She was playing a real person, not a stereotype.
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Beyond the Scrub Suit: Kellye Nakahara Movies and TV Shows
Once the 4077th packed up its tents in 1983, Nakahara didn’t just disappear into the Hollywood hills. She stayed busy. If you’re a fan of 80s cult cinema, you’ve definitely seen her, even if you didn't realize it at the time.
Take the 1985 movie Clue. She played Mrs. Ho, the Cook. Even though her screen time was tragically short (look out for the dagger!), she was part of one of the most quotable ensemble casts in history. Fun fact: her family later shared that she was actually on set for the entire shoot because she had to play the "corpse" in various scenes. She’d come home and show her kids how she’d practiced throwing herself over furniture to look like a convincing body. That’s dedication.
Her filmography is actually pretty varied:
- She's Having a Baby (1988): She played a labor and delivery nurse. A bit of a typecast? Maybe. But she owned it.
- 3 Ninjas Kick Back (1994): She played Nurse Hino.
- Dr. Dolittle (1998): You can spot her as the "Beagle Woman" in the Eddie Murphy version.
- Shattered (1991): A more serious turn as a character named Lydia.
On the TV side, she was everywhere. She showed up in Little House on the Prairie as a Japanese woman in the episode "Alden's Dilemma." She did Growing Pains, NYPD Blue, and even voiced a Yak in The Wild Thornberrys. One of her last fun roles was playing the goddess Pele in an episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch back in 1999.
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The Artist and the Legacy
It’s easy to forget that while she was busy with Kellye Nakahara movies and TV shows, she never stopped being an artist. In Pasadena, where she lived for years, she was known more as Kellye Wallett, the master watercolorist. She even served as an Arts Commissioner for the city.
She once painted an ornament for the White House Christmas tree. Think about that for a second. Going from a background extra on a TV set to being invited to the White House because of your talent with a paintbrush? That’s a life well-lived.
When she passed away in 2020 at the age of 72, the tributes from her MASH* family were heartbreaking. Alan Alda talked about her "spunky, adorable" spirit. Loretta Swit called her a light that spread joy. They weren't just saying that for the press; they really loved her.
Why We Still Care About Her Work
In an era where every actor is trying to be a "brand," Kellye Nakahara felt authentic. She represented the "everyman"—or in this case, the "everynurse." She proved that you don't need to be the lead actor to leave a permanent mark on a franchise.
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If you want to truly appreciate her range, here is a quick "watch list" of her most essential work:
- MAS*H (Season 11, Episode 1 - "Hey, Look Me Over"): This is her definitive performance.
- Clue (1985): Watch it for the ensemble chemistry and her memorable (and messy) exit.
- MAS*H: Goodbye, Farewell and Amen: The series finale is the most-watched scripted episode in TV history, and she is right there in the thick of it.
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch (Season 3, Episode 25): Just to see her having a blast as a Hawaiian goddess.
If you’re revisiting her work today, pay attention to her eyes. She was always "in" the scene, even when she didn't have a single line of dialogue. That is the mark of a true pro.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check out the "Who Done It" documentary about the making of Clue to see behind-the-scenes footage of the cast. Also, if you can find them online, look up the "Kellye Wallett" watercolor prints. They give you a much deeper look into the woman behind the character and show just how much she loved her community in Pasadena.