Pasadenan Kellye Nakahara, Who Played Nurse Kelly on TV’s ‘M*A*S*H,’ Dies at 72 After Cancer Battle

On February 16, Kellye Nakahara Wallett succumbed to her fight with cancer in Pasadena surrounded by her family and close friends. And fight she did, with humor, spunk and laughter. Born and raised in Oahu, Kellye Nakahara moved to San Francisco to establish herself as a professional artist, selling her watercolors of the San Francisco waterfront through the Polk Gallery. In 1967 Kellye married David Wallett, a high school teacher and moved to Los Angeles where she began her career as an actress. Halfway through the first season of “M*A*S*H”, she was offered the part of “Nurse Kellye” from Producer Gene Reynolds, appearing in every episode of this 11-year series, with her roles getting bigger every season.

Production on this series came to an end in January of 1983 with a final episode that was viewed by over 25 million people.

Kellye spent the next several years after “M*A*S*H” traveling the country appearing in TV commercials as a spokesperson for IBM. She’s appeared on a variety of popular television shows and series and in film with Eddie Murphy on Doctor Dolittle and Clue to name a few.

Kellye considered the M*A*S*H actors her second family and remained close to them over the years. In 1998, Kellye hosted a delightful potluck in the backyard of her Pasadena home for the actors, producers/directors, writers and production company catching up on 15 years since the show ended. Here are some comments from fellow M*A*S*H actors upon hearing of her passing:

She was a treasure. She was sunshine on the set. Sparkle. Laughter. Everyone loved her.
Everyone – Loretta Switt

A light has gone out of the world. A light that spread love and joy and beauty in every place, every time and every dimension in which Kellye moved. May her memory continue to brighten our days – Mike Farrell

What a good, feeling person she always was. Sensitive, kind and talented. I think often how, without even trying, she gave life to that spunky, adorable character in “Hey Look Me Over.” And how, as a person, she possessed so much more – Alan Alda

A warm, nurturing, caring soul. Kellye is forever my friend, a mentor, and cute as hell.
–Jeff Maxwell (Private Igor)

Kellye continued to paint throughout the years. In 1998, Kellye Wallett Studio was launched, with her friend of 30 years, Wendy Anderson at the Pacific Asian Museum with over 800 attending featuring her collection “The Gardens of Pasadena”, features historical landmarks, gardens and neighborhoods in Pasadena, CA. Her master paintings are on indefinite loan to the City of Pasadena and still on exhibit at Pasadena City Hall.

In 2008, Kellye was invited by Congressman Adam Schiff to paint a Christmas Ornament for the Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room and attended a dinner reception at the White House hosted by Laura Bush and a special recognition at Schiff’s Holiday Gathering.

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Congressman Adam Schiff: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Kellye Nakahara Wallet. While Kellye was known nationwide for her role as “Nurse Kellye” on M*A*S*H, Pasadena knew her as a compassionate neighbor and talented artist who always gave back to her community. For many years, Kellye served as a judge for our district’s Congressional Art Competition. In 2008, I chose her to paint an ornament for the Official White House Christmas Tree, and in 2015, I honored her as one of our district’s ‘Women of the Year.’ I am thinking of her friends and family during this difficult time. Our community is more colorful and wonderful for having Kellye in it. We will miss her dearly.”

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Her painting “Koi” was selected by Senator Jack Scott in 2001 to represent his district where it was on exhibit at the State Capitol. Kellye was commissioned to paint the Maguire Gardens at the Central Library, which were made into invitations and lithographs for the New Jersey reception during the Democratic National Convention. Kellye was honored as the “Exceptional Woman” of California’s 28th District by Congressman Adam B. Schiff in 2015.

Kellye served eight years as the mayor’s appointee on the Pasadena Arts and Culture Commission. She sang with the California Philharmonic Chorale in Los Angeles, and served as the Artist-in-Residence, Artistic Advisor and Performance Coach for the Town Singers, a well-respected group, the Towne Singers perform to sell-out crowds for their annual Spring Concert. Kellye served as a judge on Rep. Adam Schiff’s Blue Ribbon Committee for the 28th Congressional District Art Competition. She was also a strong supporter of the “Sunshine Kids” founded by fellow M*A*S*H actor G.W. Bailey. She also served as the “Ambassador” for the Cherry Blossom Festival SoCal in Pasadena & Los Angeles for 10 years, which attracted over 60,000 attendees.

Recently Kellye was commissioned to paint the Pasadena Civic Auditorium by the Pasadena Center Operating Company on the occasion of the 85th Anniversary of the Civic Auditorium where it now hangs on exhibit.

Kellye and her husband David were long time residents of Pasadena. She is survived by husband David, daughter and son-in-law Nalani and Lee Coleman, son and daughter-in-law Will and Tatia Wallett and grandchildren Maxton, Grayson, David, and William.