Janet Gayle is best remembered as the first wife of Emmy-winning actor Gary Burghoff, who played Corporal Radar O’Reilly on MASH*. Yet Janet’s own life story—spanning healthcare work, game-show appearances, and decades of quiet resilience—deserves its own spotlight.
She married Gary on December 25, 1971, in a relationship that coincided with his rise to television fame. The couple welcomed a daughter, Gena Gale Burghoff, in 1975 before divorcing in 1979. While Gary was in the public eye, Janet made occasional TV appearances on shows like Tattletales, but her primary focus remained on family.
Now in her seventies, Janet lives a quiet life away from Hollywood, enjoying time with her daughter and grandson in Red Lodge, Montana. Her story is one of privacy, self-reliance, and authenticity, offering a contrast to the spotlight-driven world she once brushed against.
Who is Janet Gayle?
Janet Gayle is an American former surgical technician and occasional television personality. While she briefly appeared on 1970s game shows alongside her then-husband Gary Burghoff, she never pursued a public career. Instead, she built a life centered on family values, professional dedication, and personal privacy.She is famously known as Gary Burghoff’s ex-wife, yet her identity extends far beyond that—marked by her own work ethic, understated style, and commitment to staying true to herself.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Janet Gayle |
| Nationality / Ethnicity | American; White |
| Profession | Surgical technician; former TV game-show participant |
| Marriage | Married Gary Burghoff on December 25, 1971 |
| Divorce | Finalized in 1979 |
| Children | One daughter: Gena Gale Burghoff |
| Notable TV appearances | Tattletales (1974–1977), It’s Your Bet (1973) |
| Current Residence | Red Lodge, Montana |
| Net Worth (estimated) | ~$500,000 |
| Public Persona | Private, low profile |
Who is Gary Burghoff?
Gary Rich Burghoff, born May 24, 1943, in Bristol, Connecticut, is an American actor best known for his role as Corporal Walter “Radar” O’Reilly in both the film MASH* (1970) and its long-running TV series adaptation (1972–1979). His portrayal of Radar earned him six Emmy nominations and a 1977 Emmy Award, making him one of the most recognizable faces of 1970s television.
Beyond acting, Gary is a jazz drummer, wildlife painter, and inventor—credited with creations like “Chum Magic” for fishing enthusiasts. In 1979, at the height of his career, he left MASH* to prioritize family life, later returning briefly to acting in 2010’s Daniel’s Lot. His career reflects both remarkable talent and a willingness to step back from fame when personal priorities demanded it.
Family Background and Legacy
Little is publicly known about Janet’s own parents or upbringing, though she is known to have a brother, Jim Gale. Her legacy is most clearly seen through her daughter, Gena Gale Burghoff, born July 20, 1975. Gena worked as an actress in the 1990s, appearing in Behind the Waterfall and the TV series Providence, before pursuing other professional ventures, including restaurant management and design work.
Janet’s influence carries on into the next generation through her role as grandmother to Mickey, born in 2016. The close-knit family now shares life in Montana, far removed from Hollywood’s constant glare.
How Old is Janet Gayle?
Janet’s exact birth year is not confirmed, though some sources list September 24 as her birthday and place her birth in the late 1940s or early 1950s. This would make her between 74 and 78 years old in 2025. Regardless of the precise number, she is in her seventies, enjoying a slower pace of life and family time.
Physical Attributes
Public records describe Janet as standing around 5 feet 10 inches, with dark brown eyes and, in her later years, white hair. While photos from her game-show appearances show a poised and charismatic presence, Janet has largely chosen to let her life’s story—not her looks—define her public image.
Early Career
Before and during her marriage, Janet worked as a surgical technician, a role requiring technical precision, calm under pressure, and a dedication to patient care. While she stepped into the public eye for appearances on Tattletales (26 episodes between 1974–1977) and It’s Your Bet, her television participation was more a reflection of her marriage to Gary than a pursuit of stardom.
Her professional background gave her a stable foundation, and even when her personal life intersected with Hollywood, she never abandoned her grounded, work-focused identity.
Famously known as ‘Gary Burghoff’s ex-wife’
The public connection between Janet and Gary remains her most recognized link to fame. They met in the early 1970s, dated for about 11 months, and married on Christmas Day, 1971. The wedding took place at the height of Gary’s early career momentum.
However, the pressures of celebrity life and the strains of a high-profile marriage took their toll. By 1979, the couple divorced, with Janet maintaining a dignified silence about their separation. Unlike many celebrity divorces, theirs unfolded without public scandal, further underscoring Janet’s preference for privacy.
Achievement and Success
While Janet never sought awards or public accolades, her achievements are measured in other ways—through a respected healthcare career, a steady presence in her daughter’s life, and her ability to navigate the unique challenges of being married to a TV star.
Her time in the spotlight was brief but notable—she handled game-show appearances with poise, often revealing a warm sense of humor. After her divorce, she achieved a quieter form of success: financial independence, a stable home life, and strong family bonds.
Style and Strengths
Janet’s personal style leans toward understated elegance—favoring authenticity over image. Her strengths include:
- Calm professionalism in high-pressure environments
- Resilience in navigating public life discreetly
- Devotion to her daughter and grandson
- Self-respect and independence
These qualities have allowed her to maintain her dignity while connected to a household name.
Her Net Worth and Sponsorships
Janet’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. There is no record of her engaging in brand sponsorships or endorsements, which aligns with her preference for a private, modest lifestyle. Any financial stability she enjoys today comes from her professional work, prudent living, and possibly her divorce settlement.
By comparison, Gary Burghoff’s net worth is estimated at around $6 million in 2025—a reminder that Janet’s post-Hollywood life was not built on fame or fortune.
Her Lifestyle and Interests
Today, Janet lives a quiet, family-focused life in Red Lodge, Montana. She enjoys being close to her daughter Gena and her grandson Mickey, embracing a slower pace of life that allows for family gatherings, local community involvement, and the natural beauty of the Montana landscape.
Her interests appear centered on personal well-being, nurturing family relationships, and enjoying the privacy she values.
Her Social Media Presence
Janet’s social media presence is minimal to non-existent. She does not appear to maintain public Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts. Instead, rare glimpses into her life come from posts made by family members, especially during birthdays or holidays.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for her?
As of 2025, Janet appears content with her current life. There are no signs of a return to television or public appearances. Her future likely holds more of what she values most—time with family, community engagement, and personal peace.
Her quiet presence is a reminder that meaningful lives aren’t always lived in the public eye.
Conclusion
Janet Gayle’s story is not one of celebrity ambition, but of self-defined success. From her career in healthcare to her short brush with television, from her high-profile marriage to her decades of privacy, Janet has shown that a life can be both connected to fame and independent from it.
In 2025, she stands as an example of grace, discretion, and resilience—a woman who walked alongside one of television’s most beloved actors yet built a path that was entirely her own.
(FAQs)
Who is Janet Gayle?
An American former surgical technician and occasional TV personality, best known as the first wife of MASH* star Gary Burghoff.
When did she marry Gary Burghoff?
On December 25, 1971.
Do they have children?
Yes—Gena Gale Burghoff, born July 20, 1975.
Why did they divorce?
They divorced in 1979, reportedly due to personal and career pressures.
What did Janet do professionally?
She worked as a surgical technician and made brief TV game-show appearances.
Where does she live now?
In Red Lodge, Montana.
How old is she?
Estimated mid-70s to late-70s in 2025.
What’s her net worth?
About $500,000.
Is she active on social media?
No—she keeps a low digital profile.
What’s next for her?
A continued focus on family, privacy, and a peaceful lifestyle.
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Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is compiled from publicly available sources and is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details about Janet Gayle’s life remain private or unverified. Dates, ages, and personal facts are based on best-available reports and may not be definitive. This article does not claim to represent the views or statements of Janet Gayle or her associates, and no infringement of privacy is intended.
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