photo #8723083

When MASH* ended in 1983, one cast member didn’t understand why everyone was gone — Colonel Potter’s horse, Sophie. For years, she’d been more than a prop. Harry Morgan, who played Colonel Potter, adored her — feeding her apples, brushing her coat, and whispering to her between takes. But after filming ended, Sophie was left behind. She stopped eating, standing silent in her stall, grieving the loss of the people she loved. When Harry heard, he drove straight to her. The moment she heard his voice, Sophie lifted her head, her eyes brightening. She stepped forward and pressed her head against his chest. Harry stroked her mane and whispered, “It’s alright, girl. I’m here.” He stayed all day — feeding her, comforting her — then made a decision. He bought Sophie and brought her home to live out her life in peace. For the rest of her days, she roamed freely on his ranch, loved and cared for until the end. Harry didn’t just play a kind man on screen — he was one. And in the end, he and Sophie truly rode off into the sunset together.