M*A*S*H: Where is Jason Autojay?

Where are they now?

I caught the end of a M*A*S*H episode a few nights ago and was curious about the cute little boy ( Jason Autajay) who was sitting on Colonel Sherman T. Potter's (Harry Morgan) lap. Where are they now? This question is often asked by those watching decades-old television shows and movies.

A memorable character will appear on screen, and questions about their life arise. Are they still alive? Have they continued in the entertainment business, and what are they doing presently?

Did they marry, have children, or do anything significant with their lives? These questions often arise in Facebook groups dedicated to classic television and movies from the past. So, where in this world is Autajay?

Where is the young Korean boy?

This was my question recently when watching the cute young boy, and I wondered what became of him after the series. Autajay was born in 1971 and portrayed a young Korean refugee in several episodes of the CBS television series M*A*S*H.

I was watching #191, "Old Soldiers" from 1980, where Colonel Potter mysteriously travels to Tokyo, leaving Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) in charge of the 4077th. It is later revealed that Potter is mourning the loss of four friends who have passed away, and he is now the only one of the group still alive. Near the end of the episode, the Colonel toasts his deceased army buddies. He then makes a toast to his current comrades, who join him in drinking. It's a bittersweet moment where the past and present collide.

The kids take over the unit

In this Season 8, Episode 18 storyline, while Potter was away, Red Cross worker Betty Halpern arrived at the camp with a group of Korean refugees. They were primarily children, but it is unclear how many may have been orphans. The refugees need basic medical care after hiding from an enemy patrol in some thorn bushes.

They have cuts and scratches, and it's determined they need tetanus shots. Betty asks if this is necessary, and she is told that it is. The children have a good time despite their situation and run amok in the camp.

They essentially take over the 4077th, running around and causing general, but not altogether unwelcome, chaos. The presence of the kids brings a different and more pleasant energy to the doctors and nurses.

The tetanus horse vaccine

The children whose village was burned to the ground stayed an extra night because they all had reactions to the tetanus serum that they were given. No one knows why, but when Colonel Potter returns, he has the answer. He reveals that the tetanus vaccine has horse serum, and the Koreans eat horse meat.

He also goes on a tirade about how no one should have to eat horses. Later, as the Colonel is listening to his radio, one of the children, Autajay, sneaks into his tent. When the boy tries to leave, he is invited to stay. The Colonel sits the child on his lap and shows him photos of his early army days. They eat chocolate together and say "mmm" at the same time. This is a very touching scene.

Jason Autajay after M*A*S*H

What happened to this young actor after appearing in several episodes of the long-running television series? On his IMDb page, Jason Autajay has three additional acting credits from the 1990s. The films include The Prophecy (1995), Three of Hearts, and American Yakuza (1993).

His name, however, is not listed with the cast members of any of these films. There is no further information on the young actor who made such a memorable impression on M*A*S*H. There are no images online of the handsome lad as a teenager or adult.

He is not on any social media platform, unless he is using a different name. Fans of the TV show will continue to have fond memories of the little boy on the Colonel's lap. I enjoy when his episodes air.