Burt Metcalfe, a Canadian-born former actor, was employed as a casting director for Universal Television when he was recruited by Gene Reynolds to assemble the cast for the pilot episode of M*A*S*H in 1972. Metcalfe accepted the challenge and went on to play a crucial role in putting together the talented ensemble of actors, as well as determining the overall tone of the series.
Metcalfe and his colleagues, including Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds, conducted extensive background research on both medical and military aspects of the show. They conducted phone interviews with hundreds of doctors, including some who had served in Korea, to gain valuable insights. The goal was to create a social statement within the framework of a black comedy, blending comedy and drama to convey a meaningful message.
After Gene Reynolds left the show to work on Lou Grant in 1977, Metcalfe rose to the position of executive producer and remained with M*A*S*H for the remainder of its run. He also directed thirty-one episodes of the hit series, earning thirteen shared Prime Time Emmy Award nominations.
In addition to his work on M*A*S*H, Metcalfe worked as executive producer and director on the sequel AfterMASH in 1983. He later joined MTM Enterprises in 1986, holding the same position.
Metcalfe began his career in the entertainment industry in 1949, moving to Los Angeles from Montreal. He received a degree in theatre studies from UCLA and made his screen acting debut in Mark Robson's The Bridges at Toko-Ri in 1954. He appeared in several small roles on television, including the classic episode "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" in 1960.
Metcalfe's television credits also include recurring roles as a newlywed in Father of the Bride in 1961 and as an Air Force Colonel in 12 O'Clock High in 1964. He joined Screen Gems as a casting director and then executive assistant in 1965.
In his personal life, Metcalfe was married to actress Jan Jorden, who played Nurse Baker in nine episodes of M*A*S*H, from 1979 until his death in July 2022.
