MASH star Kellye Nakahara dies at 72

Kellye Nakahara, who played Lieutenant Nurse Kellye on MASH, has died at age 72 after a battle with cancer.

Nakahara's family confirmed the news of her death on the Facebook page for her art studio, Kellye Wallett Studio.

"Yesterday we lost one of the most beautiful souls on earth. We will miss you so much Kellye!" they captioned the post on February 18.

Nakahara died peacefully at her home in Pasadena, California on Sunday, the family told TMZ.

The actress is survived by her husband David Wallet and two children: Nalani Wallet and WIlliam Wallet.

Nakahara, who was born in Hawaii, moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in art.

Soon after marrying Wallet in 1968, she moved to Los Angeles to try her hand at acting.

She had small parts on many of television shows, but got her break when she was cast in MASH in 1973.

Nakahara was part of the hit television show for its 10-year run.

The series finale still holds the record for being the most-watched episode in television history with 105 million viewers tuning in.

Once MASH wrapped up, she was cast in films like Clue (1985), Black Day Blue Night (1996), and Eddie Murphy's version of Doctor Doolittle (1998).

Later in her life, Nakahara returned to her artistic roots and worked as a watercolour artist under her married name, Kellye Wallet.

Nakahara's death comes on the heels of news that MASH co-creator Gene Reynolds died at age 96.

The six-time Emmy winner, known for his writing, directing and producing MASH and Lou Grant, died on February 3 in California.