Star of M*A*S*H and The King and I - Patrick Adiarte - has died at the age of 82

Star of M*A*S*H and The King and I, Patrick Adiarte, has died at the age of 82, it has been confirmed. The actor, who had a recurring role as camp houseboy Ho-Jon in the first series of the much-loved war-time comedy, passed away on Tuesday (April 15).

As well as starring in M*A*S*H and film adaptations of Rodgers and Hammerstein shows The King And I and Flower Drum Song, Adiarte had a long career on the stage and screen.

Born in the Philippines, he also appeared on classic television US shows such as Bonanza, The Brady Bunch, Hawaii Five-O and Kojak. A dancer, Adiarte was hailed as a potential successor to legend Fred Astaire by Gene Kelly after the pair appeared together.

"Patrick is a mighty fine dancer," Kelly said. "If there's gonna be another Fred Astaire, I think it might well be Pat."

A far cry from Hollywood, Adiarte was born in Manila in 1943 and lost his father in World War II, and was interned with his mother Purita and sister, Irene. It later emerged the family mounted an escape attempt, only to have grenades hurled at them by the Japanese, leaving two-year-old Patrick and five-year-old Irene with burns.

Fans wer quick to leave their messages of condolence on social media. On Instagram, Jason Levkulich said: "Forever young in our mind's eye. No one is 81 every time you tune in. You see Hawkeye laugh, Margaret smile, Radar look perplexed and Ho-jon need to talk to the guys. Forever young. Forever in our hearts.”

Another IG user calling themselves The Glamour Granny said: “He had quite the resume as both a stage actor and dancer. I had no idea. Now I have to watch The King and I again! Haven't seen it for years!” Another called Notting Hill Nerd added: “RIP Patrick. Wish we had seen more of Ho-Jon.”

After the war, the surviving Adiartes arrived at Ellis Island in the US and by 1951, both Patrick and his dancer mother were on Broadway in The King And I. He studied at the Professional Children’s School in New York alongside the likes of Liza Minnelli.

His career on stage and screen developed from there, through M*A*S*H and the film adaptations that made him a household name.

Later in life, the star went on to teach dance at institutions including the Santa Monica College.

This week his niece, Stephanie Hogan, confirmed he passed away due to pneumonia at a hospital in the Los Angeles area.