Wayne Rogers ( born April 7 , 1933 ) is an American television and movie actor . He played the role of `` Trapper '' John McIntrye on the TV series M \* A \* S \* H. ( The role was played by Elliott Gould in the 1970 movie version and Pernell Roberts on the 1979-1986 TV show , Trapper John MD ) . William Wayne McMillan Rogers III ( born April 7 , 1933 ) is an American film and television actor , best known for playing the role of ` Trapper John ' McIntyre in the U.S. television series , M \* A \* S \* H. He succeeded Elliott Gould , who had played the character in the Robert Altman movie MASH , and was himself succeeded by Pernell Roberts on the M \* A \* S \* H spin-off Trapper John , M.D. .