R.I.P.: Kellye Nakahara Wallett of “M-A-S-H”

Kellye Nakahara Wallet and Alan Alda in a scene

Kellye Nakahara Wallett, a film and television actress best known for playing Lt. Nurse Kellye Yamato on “M-A-S-H,” has died at age 72, The Associated Press reports.

Son William Wallett told The Associated Press that Wallett died Sunday after a brief battle with cancer. She was at her home in Pasadena, CA, surrounded by family and friends.

A native of O’ahu, Hawaii who was listed as Kellye Nakahara while in “M-A-S-H,” Wallett also appeared in the film “Clue” and in John Hughes’ “She’s Having a Baby.” More recently, she worked as a watercolor artist and was involved in the local arts community.

“M-A-S-H,” the acclaimed sitcom set during the Korean War, ran from 1972-83. Nurse Kellye carries a secret crush on the show’s major character, the womanizing surgeon Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda. In a memorable scene, Kellye reveals her feelings, scolding Hawkeye for having his “eyes ... on every nurse” except her.

Kelley Nakahara was a beautiful person and natural actor. She began in the background and eventually played the lead in an episode I wrote for her.She was adorable. Funnier and warmer and kinder than most of the rest of us are. Kelley was a treasure.https://t.co/0KhewRj56z

— Alan Alda (@alanalda) February 19, 2020