Introduction
McLean Stevenson was an American actor, writer, and producer best known for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the TV series MASH. He was a talented performer who had a successful career in both television and film, and he even had his own show for a brief period. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of McLean Stevenson, including his personal life and legacy.
Early Life and Career
McLean Stevenson was born in Normal, Illinois, on November 14, 1927. He attended Northwestern University, where he studied theater and became involved in student productions. After graduation, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He appeared in several Broadway productions before making his way to Hollywood.
Stevenson’s first big break came in 1969 when he was cast as a regular on The Doris Day Show. He played Michael Nicholson, the boss of Day’s character. The show was a hit and helped to launch Stevenson’s career. He went on to appear in several other TV shows and movies before landing his most famous role in MASH.
MASH
Stevenson joined the cast of MASH in its first season, playing Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake. He quickly became a fan favorite, and his character was a key part of the show’s success. However, after three seasons, Stevenson decided to leave the show. He felt that his character wasn’t being given enough to do and that he was being overshadowed by the other actors.
Stevenson’s departure was a shock to fans of the show, and it was a major loss for the series. However, it opened up new opportunities for Stevenson, who went on to star in his own show, The McLean Stevenson Show.
The McLean Stevenson Show
The McLean Stevenson Show premiered in 1976 and was a sitcom about a talk show host. The show was short-lived, lasting only one season. It was not as successful as MASH, and many critics felt that it was a poor fit for Stevenson’s talents. Despite its failure, Stevenson continued to work in television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Personal Life and Legacy
Stevenson was married three times and had three children. He was known for his sense of humor and his love of practical jokes. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 68 due to a heart attack.
Despite his relatively short career, McLean Stevenson left a lasting legacy in the world of television and film. He was a talented performer who brought humor and heart to his roles, and he will always be remembered as a beloved member of the MASH cast.
