A Timeless Story of Love and Faith
Jamie Farr, known for his success as an actor, reveals that his true happiness came from his faith in God and the love he found long before he experienced fame and fortune.
Embracing Values from a Modest Upbringing
Before he became a household name, Jamie Farr grew up in a low-income family that instilled in him the values that would guide him throughout his life. His parents, happily married, ran a grocery store and always supported their son in any way they could.
Farr fondly recalls how his parents taught him compassion and kindness by helping the homeless in their neighborhood. His father would save the ends of cold cuts and make sandwiches for those in need, without expecting anything in return.
Nurturing a Dream and Overcoming Challenges
Born in Toledo, Farr faced bullying from his peers due to his distinctive nose. However, his unwavering faith in God inspired him to pursue a career in acting. He believed that his purpose was to entertain and help people through his performances.
He worked tirelessly to hone his craft, attending acting classes and securing minor roles in films. Yet, after serving in Japan and Korea, Farr returned to find his once-promising acting career had stalled. Despite feeling disheartened, he found solace in his love for Joy Richards, his steadfast supporter and future wife.
A Turning Point through Prayer
Feeling desperate and seeking guidance, Farr turned to prayer and visited the church frequently. His prayers were answered when news of a major studio opening reached him. The studio was producing a movie about the life of Jesus, titled “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” directed by George Stevens.
With hope in his heart, Farr contacted his agent, hoping for a role in the film. After praying fervently, he sent over his reel, anxiously awaiting a response. Initially disappointed by the studio’s rejection, he couldn’t help but feel lost.
A Surprising Twist of Fate
However, fate intervened, and the studio had a change of heart. They offered Farr a role as Nathaniel Bartholomew in the movie. It was a moment of humbling realization for Farr, as he had been directing his prayers towards St. Jude, the Apostle of the Hopeless.
Overjoyed, Farr immediately apologized to St. Jude and shared the incredible news with his fiancee. The unexpected turn of events not only set him on a path to success but also allowed him to begin planning a life with the woman he loved.
Love, Success, and Family
In 1963, Farr and Joy Richards tied the knot in a beautiful church ceremony. As they exchanged vows, Farr looked up at Jesus’s apostles and found solace in knowing that St. Jude was watching over him. He fondly refers to St. Jude as his best man.
Throughout their marriage, Farr’s role as Maxwell Klinger in the beloved series “MAS*H” brought him immense success, providing financial stability for his family. He was finally able to buy his wife a proper ring and be the provider he had always aspired to be.
A Life Filled with Joy
Now, at the age of 88, Jamie Farr reflects on his journey with gratitude and contentment. He has enjoyed a fulfilling career in television, stage, and film, spanning decades. Through it all, his love for his wife and the unwavering faith that guided him have been constants in his life.
In a 2011 interview, Farr expressed his zest for life, saying, “I do so enjoy life that I’d hate to leave it.” His story is a testament to the power of faith, love, and determination in the pursuit of happiness and success.
