'M*A*S*H' star Kellye Nakahara dies at 72

Kellye Nakahara, who played Nurse Kellye Yamato on the TV series "M*A*S*H," has died.

Nakahara died Sunday at her family home in Pasadena, California, following a short bout with cancer, her son William Wallett confirmed to USA TODAY Monday.

"She died in her home peacefully with her family and her closest friends," Wallett said .

Nakahara was 72.  

The Hawaiian-born actress joined "M*A*S*H' halfway through its first season. She remained a regular on the anti-war CBS sitcom, which followed the staff of a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War over 11 seasons. 

Following the 1983 "M*A*S*H" finale, which remains the most-watched finale in television history, Nakahara went on to appear in the films "Clue," "Black Day Blue Night" and "She's Having a Baby."

In addition to acting, Nakahara was an accomplished watercolor artist.

She is survived by her husband David Wallett, daughter Lani and son William.  Nakahara's death comes just weeks after 'M*A*S*H' co-creator Gene Reynolds died on Feb. 3. 

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