Patrick Adiarte — a performer who moved effortlessly from Broadway to television and became a familiar face to millions — has died at the age of 82. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that stretched across decades, mediums, and eras in American entertainment.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Adiarte died at a hospital in the Los Angeles area. His niece, Stephanie Hogan, shared that pneumonia was the cause of death. He spent his final days in the city where he built much of his artistic life, leaving behind a legacy built on talent, resilience, and quiet professionalism.
The Role That Defined Him for a Generation: Ho-Jon on MASH*
For fans of 1970s television, Adiarte’s face was unforgettable. His portrayal of Ho-Jon during the first season of MASH* — the kind, soft-spoken Korean teenager working alongside Hawkeye and Trapper — left a deep emotional imprint. Although he appeared in only seven episodes, his character embodied gentleness and humanity amidst the chaos of war.
His scenes with Alan Alda and Wayne Rogers added heart to the series, making Ho-Jon one of the show’s most memorable early characters. Many viewers still remember him as the hopeful young man the doctors tried to help attend school in the United States — a story arc that stayed with fans long after the episodes aired.
The Brady Bunch and Other TV Appearances
Before MASH* made him recognizable nationwide, Adiarte had already appeared in one of the most famous storylines of The Brady Bunch: the Hawaiian vacation trilogy. His charismatic performance in those lighthearted, tropical episodes made them some of the most replayed and beloved in the series’ long history.
But his television résumé was far larger than most viewers realize. He took on roles in:
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Hawaii Five-O
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Bonanza
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Kojak
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High Time
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John Goldfarb, Please Come Home
At a time when Asian actors were rarely offered substantive roles, Adiarte carved out a steady career through talent, persistence, and versatility.
From Wartime Childhood to Broadway Success
Patrick Adiarte’s life story is one of extraordinary resilience. Born in Manila on August 2, 1942, he survived the trauma of World War II as a young child. He and his family were imprisoned during the Japanese occupation, and while attempting to flee, he was injured by a grenade when he was only two years old.
After the war, the family relocated to New York in 1946. They became U.S. citizens a decade later, following the death of his father — a captain with the Army Corps of Engineers.
In New York, Adiarte’s artistic path began. His talent emerged early, earning him roles in two groundbreaking Broadway musicals:
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The King and I
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Flower Drum Song
These productions were rare opportunities for Asian performers at the time, and Adiarte stood out with his expressive dancing, stage presence, and natural magnetism.
Musicals, Films, and the Transition to Television
Adiarte later appeared in the film adaptations of the same musicals, sharing the screen with major stars such as Yul Brynner. For a young Filipino immigrant who had survived wartime trauma, stepping onto Hollywood sets and Broadway stages was nothing short of extraordinary.
His career continued to evolve. In the 1960s, he joined the popular NBC variety show Hullabaloo as a dancer, where he showcased his movement skills to a national audience. He even briefly ventured into pop music, recording the single “Five Different Girls,” which earned him features in teen magazines during his youth.
His decades in entertainment reflect a versatility few performers achieve: dancer, singer, stage actor, television personality, drama actor, and later, educator.
A Final Act: Teaching Future Generations
After years in front of audiences and cameras, Adiarte shifted toward teaching. Dance remained his greatest love, and he shared that joy with students at Santa Monica College and other institutions. He taught not only choreography and technique but the discipline, focus, and resilience required in the arts.
His students remember him as encouraging, knowledgeable, and passionately committed to dance.
His Personal Life
Adiarte married Loni Ackerman, a talented cabaret singer and Broadway performer, in 1975. Their marriage lasted until 1992. He experienced family losses too, including the passing of his sister in 2016. He is survived by his niece and nephew, who remained close to him.
A Legacy Built Quietly, Steadily, and With Heart
Patrick Adiarte never became a household name, but he didn’t need to be one to make an impact. His career represents a powerful example of an artist who continually broke barriers for Asian performers without seeking the spotlight. Through quiet determination, he played roles that shaped representation long before it became a mainstream conversation.
His characters — especially Ho-Jon — touched audiences with sincerity and warmth. His performances left a lasting mark on generations who watched him on Broadway, in musical films, and on television.
He survived war. He reinvented himself in a new country. He danced on national TV. He acted in some of the most iconic series in American entertainment. And he gave back by teaching others.
After 82 remarkable years, Patrick Adiarte leaves behind a legacy defined not by fame but by resilience, versatility, and the kind of artistry that endures in memory long after the spotlight fades.