Veteran actor Johnny Haymer, who played Sgt. Zale on the long-running television series “MASH” and Pinkerton on “Madame’s Place,” has died of cancer in Los Angeles, a family spokesman said.

A native of St. Louis and a graduate of the University of Missouri, Haymer, 69, died Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

He performed for more than 44 years, beginning in nightclubs before moving on to stage, films and television. His film credits include “Annie Hall,” “And Justice for All,” “Logan’s Run” and “Real Life.”

He won a Clio award for his work in a cereal commercial, one of more than 100 in which he appeared.


Haymer is survived by his wife, Helyn; a daughter, Susan; two sons, James and Robert; a brother and two grandchildren. Services will be at noon Tuesday in Mt. Sinai Memorial Park.