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Allan Arbus Obituary
Arbus' daughter Arin told the Los Angeles Times Tuesday that her father died of congestive heart failure at his Los Angeles home Friday.
Arbus didn't begin acting until his 40s. He was a television regular who appeared on several series but was best known as Freedman, who counseled shell-shocked army surgeons on a dozen episodes of "M.A.S.H." between 1973 and 1983.
Before turning to Hollywood, the New York-born Arbus had a successful career as a fashion photographer.
After World War II, he started a studio with then-wife Diane Arbus. She would go on to become one of the most renowned art photographers of the 20th century.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
174 Entries
Vince Harper
February 25, 2025
I enjoyed Allan as Dr. Sidney Freedman on MASH.
Sally Blakemore
June 28, 2023
My favorite actor. Greaser's Palace was a masterpiece using his wit, dance and singing skills. What an eccentric and wonderful actor. Being married to Diane Arbus was an incredible dedication. She too was fantastic at her art.
Elizabeth Outlaw
June 27, 2023
Allan Arbus was an outstanding actor. He brought real authenticity to the episodes he guest-starred in on MASH. As an RN, I have always found him to be very believable as a psychiatrist. That he was regularly requested for consultation showed refreshing enlightenment on the part of the writers, considering it was set in the early 50´s. I always enjoy seeing him on MASH; the shows that feature him are my favorites. Very glad he lived a good, long life.
Sally Blakemore
July 19, 2021
Mr. Arbus's acting in Greaser's Palace was brilliantly comic. I really enjoyed seeing his light hearted quirkiness. He will live on in his legacy of film. Love to the family.
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Harry Simpson
April 19, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Allan, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Lisa Weiner
February 3, 2014
To Allan Arbus,
You were a very talented actor. I enjoyed watching you in the sitcom Mash. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
J W
December 21, 2013
A top flight actor who could perfectly navigate between comedy and deeply emotional drama, Mr. Arbus was a standout even in M*A*S*H, a series already filled with scene stealers.
Murray Kaufman
December 8, 2013
To the Arbus Family, I just finished watching an episode of MASH, and wanted you to know that even though I never met Allan, I always felt like I knew him. He made a real difference in my life.
bonnie alexander
September 11, 2013
god be with you mr.arbus- you were a great man!
Artrell Coleman
September 10, 2013
My condolences to the Arbus family. Just remember that death will soon have passed.
Rose Chen
May 19, 2013
May the family be comforted by the God who gives peace. Philipians 4:7
faye rees
May 2, 2013
Peace Allan to you and your family. Thanks for all the joy you brought to us...
Joel Yanes
May 1, 2013
RIP Allan -Sidney still enjoy your work on MASH
David Peters
May 1, 2013
A great actor, never would have guessed he was 95, he never really showed his
age. My heart goes out to your family and I will keep you in my prayers
danny
May 1, 2013
How great thou art....
April 30, 2013
Revealation 21:4- And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more...
April 29, 2013
You were one of the BEST. RIP. You will be missed.
April 29, 2013
I SO ENJOYED WATCHING HIM ON MASH
E J
April 29, 2013
Thanks for the memories of the episodes of MASH that you did. RIP
April 28, 2013
My condolences to the Family,
The many fond memories of him and his work continues to live on as many enjoy the episodes of M*A*S*H. May you receive comfort and strength from God. Rom:15:4
Sharon McHugh
April 28, 2013
Rest peacefully
April 28, 2013
Miss u Sydney
Cheryl
April 27, 2013
Mr. Allan will be missed by many. May the family find comfort in his cherished memories.
Brenda nisbet
April 27, 2013
You will be missed.
Lynn
April 27, 2013
Mr.Arbus will be missed by his many fans.God promises we can look forward to a time when sickness and death will be no more.
Julie Berke
April 26, 2013
i would love to hear Dr. Freedman interview Col. Flagg.
RIP. You did good stuff, Mr. Arbus.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
April 26, 2013
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS&CONDOLENCES TO THE ARBUS FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. ARBUS.
CHARLEY SHIELD
April 26, 2013
Rest in Peace. Gone but not forgotten. From a Uk fan. x
Lynn
April 26, 2013
"Sidney" was my favorite character on MASH. There was never enough of him. He will be in my prayers. Thank you Sidney for many happy memories.
Meg Martin
April 26, 2013
Bless your family and thank you for the years of laughs and something most actors do not have anymore - class and charisma.
April 26, 2013
Rest in peace, Dr. Freedman (Allan Arbus). Through all these years you've been my ideal for a perfect therapist and a dear friend, with just the right mixture of compassion and wise irony. If only you knew the conversations I've with you in my mind when I've been trying to work things out - your advice was always just right. I'll miss having you in this world. - lff
Ms. Berry
April 25, 2013
I offer my sinceere condolences to the family of Allan Arbus at this difficult time. May the God of all comfort strenghten you in your time of sorrow.
Kathy Furman
April 25, 2013
Thank you for the memories, Mr. Arbus. Sidney Freedman was my all time favorite character on MASH. My most favorite quote was at the end....
"life is short friends, take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice"
Rest in Peace.
Julie Teed
April 25, 2013
Thank you for the laughter and the thought-provoking dialogue. You will be missed and remembered.
Carole R
April 25, 2013
Thanks for giving us Sidney...he was a touching, wonderful character. Rest in peace.
LLOYD BROWN
April 25, 2013
YOU DOC FOR MANY MOMENTS ON MASH
joyce klossner
April 25, 2013
thank you for the memories
Ferguson Christina
April 25, 2013
What a wonderful actor. Thanks for the memories.
Linda Roman
April 25, 2013
I named my dog Sydney in his character's honor. He was a standout on "Mash." If I watch reruns, it's hoping he's in the episode.
Take down you pants, and slide on the ice. miss you, Mr. Arbus
linda New Jersey
Jeff Beale
April 25, 2013
I enjoyed his role on Mash.
Henryk Zaleski
April 25, 2013
Rest in peace Allan.
Mark Smith
April 25, 2013
Thank You! Mr. Arbus
Mary Palermo
April 25, 2013
He will be missed & he was one of my favorite actors on M*A*S*H 4077.
marcia miller
April 25, 2013
One of my all time favortes, Rest in peace.
April 25, 2013
RIP...Loved you in MASH!!!
Walter Smalanskas
April 25, 2013
Ladies and gentlemen,take my advice,drop your pants and slide on the ice!! you made those episodes on MASH greta. RIP Allan.
Renee Wood
April 25, 2013
Hes our beloved shrink, we luv & miss him
J & L Glover
April 25, 2013
Great actor, loved the show and he added his own special touch to M*A*S*H.
Ned Washington
April 25, 2013
Not mentioned in most obituaries is the fact that Mr. Arbus played the lead in Robert Downey, Senior's 1972 motion picture farce, "Greaser's Palace." WIthout casting Mr. Arbus in the pivotal role of Jesse, that film would not have worked. Though he lived to age 95, Mr. Arbus was an ageless spirit and will be missed by fans the world over.
DeLaina Guntle
April 25, 2013
You were the best shrink on M.A.S.H so cool and calm Im sorry to see you leave us but god has a better job for you up there rest in peace my friend.
April 25, 2013
Totally loved his character. Will miss him. Romans 15:33.
April 25, 2013
As and old vet, I can tell you war isn't funny, but you still gave us lots of laughs. Corkey Addcox, Mt. Shasta, ca.
Becky Shaw
April 25, 2013
My favorite character on MASH. He wasa great actor and will be missed by his friends and fans alike. RIP Dr. Freedman.
L Barrett
April 25, 2013
I discovered M*A*S*H later in life, by the time of captionings when I could understand and appreciate it. Thank you for your part in it...it is touching to the daughter of a Korean combat veteran.
Ben Goldstein, MD
April 25, 2013
Sidney,
When you see Freud, tell him I say hello and the first one is on him.
Linda
April 25, 2013
Give Col. Potter, Col. Blake, and Frank burns, a HIGH FIVE.
April 25, 2013
God needed a angel so he took you, May god be with the family, My prayers are with you all
Anthony Hines,I
April 25, 2013
To the Arbus FAMILY:
God grant you His peace. The world was blessed with your father's skill.
Rose
April 25, 2013
Thank you for all the times you made me laugh. May God be with your family and always keep them safe. Rest in peace.
*Bradley *Stevens
April 25, 2013
Played a great character on the funniest show ever. Rest in peace Mr. Arbus.
Veronica Kinney
April 25, 2013
May the God of heaven grant you peace.
Jean Pulinka
April 25, 2013
Nothing but fond memories of you acting in M*A*S*H. Thank you. Words of comfort to your family knowing how you touched the hearts of millions. Till we meet again.
Brenda
April 25, 2013
May you dance with the angels and laugh with the saints!! You made many of us laugh here on Earth. M*A*S*H was always a guaranteed laugh but you brought the belly laugh to the series!! You will be missed by many.
The Carey Family
April 25, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. Mash, will always be remembered, with fond memories of your character. Deepest sympathy to your family. God bless you, Doctor Freidman.
April 25, 2013
Rest in pease Alan you were an asset to mash I loved it when you were on ! Say hi to all mash stars who have passed for me God. speed Alan Marsha , New York
J C
April 25, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the
family of Allan Arbus. He was the perfect
addition to an already wonderful cast.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly
remembered.
Dave and Donna Justis
April 25, 2013
My husband and I watch reruns of MASH. The episodes featuring "Sidney" always stand out! So wise and caring and funny! He will live on in our hearts!
Marilyn
April 25, 2013
Everytime I've thought of "Dr. Freedman," I think of the "slide on the ice" comment and smile. I always liked it when his character showed up on MASH; I knew we were in for a good--and interesting---time. RIP, Mr. Arbus.
April 25, 2013
RIP......
Sandra Sours
April 25, 2013
Rest in Peace.
LW
April 25, 2013
R.I.P. you were such a natural on films...may your family have comfort in knowing that you hqve gone to your final rsting place with thy father.
April 25, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
Susan Fauser
April 25, 2013
"Take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice"" That is one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Sidney Freedman!! RIP IN PEACE Allan "Sydney" Arbus!!! Condolences to his family!! He will truly be missed!!
A Fan
April 25, 2013
I still quote this line to this day:
Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice, pull down your pants, and slide on the ice!.. RIP Mr. Arbus.
Edward L. Fisher
April 25, 2013
You were a part of my life that I so well enjoyed , thank you , life will miss you and the special times that you left behind .
Donald
April 25, 2013
I salute Allan Arbus. He was a great actor. He will be missed. He now joins Col. Blake, Col. Potter, and Major Burns in heaven above. Can you think of all the stories.
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 25, 2013
rip
Sabrina Nason
April 24, 2013
Allan we will miss you
Collette
April 24, 2013
Best line ever: "Ladies and gentlemen take my advice: Pull down your pants and slide on the ice!" R.I.P. Mr. Arbus
Jim Day
April 24, 2013
you made me laugh at the logical answers.
mike lentz
April 24, 2013
you help make the show mash .you were the best . i like when you&hawkeye played basketball with out a real ball
Margaret
April 24, 2013
Many today will always remember Mr. Allan Arbus, especially those who remembers M.A.S.H. May your family be comfort by the God of comfort, for He is the hearer of prayer. Psalm 65:2.
Robert Lang
April 24, 2013
Time to meet Col. Potter, Sydney... But in a much more pleasent place. Godspeed Allan, You will be missed by all here.
thomas bush
April 24, 2013
ALAN WHEN YOU YELLED AIR RAID AND BURNS WENT FOR A DIP IN THE WATER WAS CLASSIC THANK-YOU FOR ALL THE LAUGHS BYE SIDNEY
April 24, 2013
allan (aka) sidney freeman from mash you will be missed, loved you in the role on mash, and made a contribute to the rest of the cast.
R-I-P
Michelle Silies
April 24, 2013
God bless the Arbus family during this time. I so enjoyed his protrayal of Dr. Freedman on M*A*S*H. I can't tell the amount of joy he brought to my life.
April 24, 2013
The MASH crew in Heaven must be having a great time with his addition! I give you my sympathy, but remember we will all meet again.
Jim
Allan Arbus as Dr. Sidney Friedman
Mark Drennen
April 24, 2013
People I told you this a long time ago,and it still goes,"Ladies and Gentleman take my advice, pull down your pants,and slide on the Ice".So long Sidney!!
vicki and harry
April 24, 2013
we enjoyed watching you very much an m*a*s*h mr.arbus.one time you said something about pulling down your pants and sliding on the ice,I hope there is ice in heaven.
Roxanne Ende
April 24, 2013
I loved you, Dr. Sidney Freedman, on MASH. You are the best Psychiatrist, bar none! Loved you in everything else you were in Allan, too. God Bless You, RIP, prayers for you and your families, in real life and on MASH, too! I will miss you a lot!
John Hogan
April 24, 2013
I enjoyed Allan on Mash. I thought the scene when his character yells air raid and Frank Burns jumps into the fox hole full of water is my favorite!! May he rest in peace.
kate
April 24, 2013
My sincere condolences go out to the Arbus family. May you find comfort in the hope of a time without death, tears, and pain that we experience now.
April 24, 2013
May you be comforted by fond memories and the promises of our Grand Creator.
Truly,
BLUNT C.
April 24, 2013
sadly missed,u are Mr.Arbus,go on slide on the ice.
Ed Burns
April 24, 2013
Arbus Family:
What a joy to see Mr. Arbus as Doctor Feeeman. His character always made me laugh. Dr. Freeman's advice was inspirational. God bless all!
Marvin Green
April 24, 2013
Thanks for the "MARVELOUS" acting job on Mash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Hancock
April 24, 2013
Sidney you fit in nicely with all those screwballs. Thank you for the warm tender touches you added as you portrayed a doctor trying to cure areas not easily correctable. Say hello to Sherman, Henry, Frank, & Colonel Flagg. God bless you all & may you rest in eternal peace
Melissa Nettleton
April 24, 2013
I loved Allan on Mash. He was a great actor and gave us a lot of laughs. I miss Mash very much! To a great Actor live on in Heaven. Melissa
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