SHERMAN OAKS, CA — The world of sports and entertainment mourns the loss of Gwen Farrell Adair, a trailblazing icon who broke barriers as one of professional boxing’s first female referees and a familiar face on the legendary television series MASH. Adair passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 30, 2026, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 93.

A Pioneering Force in the Ring ...Long before female officials were a common sight in combat sports, Gwen Adair was a revolutionary presence in the late 1970s and 1980s. Alongside fellow pioneer Baby Bear James (Tansy O'Brien), she stepped into the male-dominated arena of professional boxing as one of the first licensed female referees in the United States. Her career was defined by a steady hand and an iron-willed dedication to the sport she loved.

Adair’s historic achievements include:Hall of Fame Induction: Recognized for her contributions, she was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, the California Boxing Hall of Fame, and the California Boxers Association Hall of Fame. 

On June 5, 1998, she made history as the first woman to referee a world title fight, officiating the bout between Luis "Yory Boy" Campas and Pedro Ortega in Tijuana, Mexico.

A Legacy of Firsts....Beyond refereeing hundreds of bouts, she also managed fighters and later served as a respected judge, ultimately earning the "Ladies First Hall of Fame Award".  Sue TL Fox was also inducted with Adair, among other  female boxers Lucia Rijker, Mia St. John and eight-time world champion Layla McCarter.

Known to millions as Gwen Farrell, she appeared in 26 episodes of the hit series MASH, often portraying various nurses, including the series finale "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen". The daughter of Lovie Yancey, founder of the Fatburger restaurant chain, Adair carried a legacy of resilience and independence throughout her life.

WBAN would like to give our sincere Tribute and Condolences to her family and friends.  The family has set up a GoFundMe Page - Top photo:  *Courtesy/historic photo/1980's/Glove Magazine

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