- Attended New Trier Township High School as did Adam Baldwin, Bruce Dern, Charlton Heston, Virginia Madsen, Ralph Bellamy, Rock Hudson, and Ann-Margret.
- 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.
- Taught himself Latin and Greek.
- Although best known for playing the Catholic priest, Father Francis Mulcahy, on M*A*S*H (1972), he is actually a Methodist. He didn't appear in the pilot episode.
- 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.
- 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.
- Father of two sons: John and Ned.
- Died exactly one year to the day of M*A*S*H (1972) costar, Wayne Rogers.
- His son Ned is autistic.
- Longtime student of Homeric (classical) Greek.
- 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.
- Graduated from Wesleyan University in 1954.
- His grandson, Gage Christopher, is an actor.
- His favorite movie was Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).
- 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.".
- Member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity
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