Trivia

Taught himself Latin and Greek.

When auditioning for his M*A*S*H (1972) role, Christopher essentially ignored the monologue prepared for him and instead ad-libbed a rambling speech in a priestly tone. While the producers were disappointed that he didn't deliver his prepared lines, they liked his performance and manner well enough to offer him the role--on the condition that from then on, he would stay with the script.

Attended New Trier Township High School as did Adam Baldwin, Bruce Dern, Charlton Heston, Virginia Madsen, Ralph Bellamy, Rock Hudson, and Ann-Margret.

Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. During this time, he became involved with playing soccer, fencing, singing and amateur dramatics.

Admitted that although his character on M*A*S*H (1972) was an amateur boxer, he himself had no knowledge of boxing nor had he ever boxed before he got the job on the series.

Died exactly one year to the day of M*A*S*H (1972) costar, Wayne Rogers.

Began working life as a door-to-door salesman,"peddling Christmas wreaths, soft water gadgets, salves and ointments, doughnuts, souvenirs and cowbells".

During his time on M*A*S*H, he was unable to appear in episodes as often as he wanted because he had to aid his wife in caring for their autistic son. During filming of the season 5 episode "Hepatitis", Christopher actually contracted hepatitis and the producers were preparing to cancel his contract. However, Alan Alda stepped in and advocated that Christopher continue on the show because his family needed the income.

Longtime student of Homeric (classical) Greek.

Father of two sons: John and Ned.

Appeared with Jamie Farr in the Doris Day/Brian Keith 1968 movie, With Six You Get Eggroll (1968).

His son Ned is autistic.

Graduated from Wesleyan University in 1954.

In the 90s William starred, with M*A*S*H co-star Jamie Farr, in a touring production of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple.".

His grandson, Gage Christopher, is an actor.

His favorite movie was Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity

Christopher's body was cremated, with his ashes given to his wife, Barbara.

In 1988, Christopher and his wife, Barbara, wrote a memoir, Mixed Blessings, about their son Ned's struggles with autism.