He is best known for his role as Corp. \/ later Sgt. Maxwell Q. Klinger on the 1970s TV show , M \* A \* S \* H. His real name is Jameel Joseph Farha and he was born in Toledo , Ohio . He is best known for playing the role of cross-dressing Corporal ( later Sergeant ) Maxwell Q. Klinger in the television sitcom M \* A \* S \* H.