Entertainment (82) and sports (84) lose icons in the same week—tributes pour in for stars

The loss of influential figures can leave a lasting impact, especially when their work has touched lives across generations.

Two such individuals—one from the world of entertainment, the other from the heart of Australian sport—have passed away, leaving behind powerful legacies.

Their stories span continents and careers, each shaped by resilience, talent and enduring public affection.


Patrick Adiarte, the Hollywood actor best remembered for his role in the iconic TV series M*A*S*H, has died aged 82.

His niece Stephanie Hogan shared that Adiarte passed away on Tuesday in a Los Angeles hospital due to pneumonia.

Adiarte was born in Manila in 1942 and endured a harrowing childhood during World War II.


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Patrick Adiarte remembered for iconic TV role. Image source: IMDb


He, along with his mother Purita and sister Irene, was imprisoned by Japanese forces and wounded when a grenade was thrown at them.

His father, who worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers, was killed during the war.

The surviving family migrated to New York in 1946, arriving through Ellis Island.

Patrick later attended the Professional Children’s School, and the family gained US citizenship in 1956.


He was best known on television for his portrayal of Ho-Jon, the orphaned Korean houseboy, in M*A*S*H.

During the first season of M*A*S*H, between 1972 and 1973, he appeared in seven episodes, assisting characters Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers).

The CBS series ran from 1972 to 1983, and its finale episode titled ‘Goodbye, Farewell and Amen’ held the record for the most-watched broadcast in US history from 1983 to 2010.

Adiarte also featured prominently in The King and I, both on Broadway and in the 1956 film adaptation.

In the Broadway production, he played one of the royal children alongside stars Yul Brynner and Gertrude Lawrence.

In the film version, he took on the role of Prince Chulalongkorn, appearing with Terry Saunders, Deborah Kerr and Rex Thompson.

He also had roles in the musical Flower Drum Song and films like John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!, and appeared on TV shows such as Bonanza and Hawaii Five-O.


While the entertainment world mourned the loss of Patrick Adiarte, Australian sport was also grieving the passing of a cricketing great.

Keith Stackpole, a celebrated figure in Australian cricket both on the field and in the commentary box, died suddenly at the age of 84 from a suspected heart attack.

His death on 22 April was reported by radio station 3AW.


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Cricket great Keith Stackpole dies at 84. Image source: Instagram/7newssyd


He is survived by his wife Pat and their children Peter, Tony and Angela.

Stackpole was born in Melbourne and carried on the sporting legacy of his father Keith Sr, who played football for both Collingwood and Fitzroy.

He debuted for the Australian Test team in Adelaide in 1966 and racked up seven centuries in his 43-match career, averaging 37.42 with a top score of 207.

A natural leader, ‘Stacky’ served as vice-captain and played alongside cricket greats like Ian Chappell and Dennis Lillee.

In 1973, he was recognised as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year.


Stackpole retired from international cricket in 1974 following a serious back injury that ended his playing days.

‘I injured my back in the second Sheffield Shield game of the season, and never played for Australia again,’ he recalled.

‘I had a disc displacement injury. I had an operation. Two discs were fused together.’

That same year, he was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport.

His transition into the media was seamless, becoming a prominent commentator during Kerry Packer’s rebel World Series Cricket era.

He went on to lend his voice to broadcasts on Seven, Nine and the ABC, becoming a fixture of cricket coverage in Australia for more than two decades.

Stackpole ended his long tenure with the ABC in 2005.


Commentator Dan Lonergan said he ‘commentated the way he played the game; on the front foot and aggressively.’

‘There will be a lot of people out there who will miss him, but...Keith has obviously decided it's time for someone else to have a go.’

He also contributed as a columnist for Melbourne’s Herald Sun and mentored players such as Dean Jones and Brad Hodge.

Stackpole’s influence on Victorian cricket ran deep, with journalist Jon Anderson recalling that Rodney Hogg referred to him as the ‘godfather of Victorian cricket.’

Anderson, who served as Stackpole’s ghostwriter, also shared that he played his first grade cricket match in 1956–57 alongside his father at Collingwood.

‘Stack was always so proud of his dad,’ Anderson said.


Former teammate Paul Sheahan believed Stackpole’s influence helped shape Ian Chappell’s leadership as national captain.

Whether at the crease or behind the microphone, Stackpole remained a bold and enduring presence in the game he loved.

To honour Keith Stackpole’s enduring legacy, here’s a look back at one of his standout moments during a historic match between Australia and England.

Watch the clip to see him in action.


Source: Youtube/DM MORDECAI​


Key Takeaways

  • Patrick Adiarte, best known for his role in M*A*S*H, died at 82 from pneumonia after a life marked by war-time trauma and success in film and television.
  • He survived World War II imprisonment, emigrated to the US, and went on to star in The King and I, Flower Drum Song, and several classic TV shows.
  • Australian cricket great Keith Stackpole passed away at 84 from a suspected heart attack after a distinguished career as both player and commentator.
  • Stackpole, known for his leadership and media presence, influenced generations of cricketers and left a lasting legacy in Victorian cricket.

From the silver screen to the cricket pitch, these two icons left an indelible mark on their fields—captivating audiences and inspiring generations.

May they both rest in peace.
 
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