Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer about 18 months ago, died in his bed at his home in Pasadena, California, according to his long-time New York-based agent, Robert Malcolm. The actor's wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara Christopher, was with him at the time, Malcolm said.
Christopher landed his signature role of Father Francis Mulcahy on "M*A*S*H" after another actor played the part on the show's pilot episode.