McLean Stevenson

Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr. (born November 14, 1927 in Normal , Illinois , † February 15, 1996 in Los Angeles , California ) was an American television actor and comedian . His most famous role was that of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the US television series M * A * S * H .

Life

After graduating from high school, McLean Stevenson served in the US Navy . He then studied acting at Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree . He earned his living initially playing the radio, as a clown on a television show in Dallas, and as a seller of medical equipment and insurance. When his cousin Adlai Ewing Stevenson II ran as a Democratic candidate for president in 1952 and 1956 , McLean Stevenson supported him as press secretary . Adlai Stevenson later suggested that he pursue his career in show business. He studied acting again at the renowned American Musical and Dramatic Academy with Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg .

1962 started his television career with the show The Music Man . He also did theater, appeared in commercials and played on Broadway . He was under contract for two years on the Doris Day TV show . He also wrote skits for Tommy Smothers . Then he took the plunge to Hollywood . In 1972, he auditioned for the role of Captain Hawkeye Pierce in the new television series M * A * S * H before. After the better-known Alan Alda was cast for the role, he was offered the supporting role of Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake . Stevenson agreed. The role of Henry Blake brought McLean Stevenson a high profile, many sympathies and awards. In 1973 he won the Golden Globe Award for his performance , in 1974 he was nominated for an Emmy . But the stigma of not playing the main role took him seriously. After three seasons, he left the series in hopes of leading roles. The producers were so upset by this decision that they let his character die: Henry Blake is discharged from the Army; shot down his plane on the way home. This should make a remorseful return to the series impossible.

After M * A * S * H , Stevenson starred in a few sitcoms . But all of these television series - one even bore his name - came to an end quickly; none got past the first season.

Stevenson married his wife Ginny in 1980 and had a daughter, his sister is the actress Anne Whitney . He died of heart failure during surgery and was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood Hills. Roger Bowen , who played the role of Henry Blake in the MASH movie , died a day later - also of heart failure.

Web links

• McLean Stevenson in theInternet Movie Database(English)