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 U.S. television series M * A * S * H.

Life

After finishing school, McLean Stevenson served in the U.S. Navy. He then studied acting at Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree. He earned his first with the radio, as a clown in a TV show in Dallas and as a seller of medical equipment and insurance. As Adlai Ewing Stevenson II, his cousin took in 1952 and 1956 as the Democratic candidate for the office of President, supported him McLean Stevenson as his press secretary. Later Adlai Stevenson suggested him to advance his career in show business. He studied drama at the prestigious again American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg.

1962 started his television career with the show The Music Man. He also played theater, appeared in commercials and played on Broadway. In the TV show by Doris Day, he stood for two years under contract. Besides, he wrote sketches for Tommy Smothers. Then he made ​​the jump to Hollywood. In 1972, he spoke before * A * S * H for the role of Captain Hawkeye Pierce in the new television series M. After the better-known Alan Alda was cast for the role was offered to him to play the supporting role of the commander Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake. Stevenson agreed. The role of Henry Blake McLean Stevenson brought a high level of awareness, a lot of sympathy and accolades. In 1973 he won for his portrayal of the Golden Globe, 1974, he was nominated for an Emmy. But the flaw, not to play the lead role, took him a hard time with. After three seasons, he left the series. The producers were so angry about this decision that they made his film character die: Henry Blake is released from the Army; his plane shot down on the way home. This should make a repentant return to the series impossible.

After M * A * S * H Stevenson played the lead role in several sitcoms. But all these TV shows - a even wore his name - was granted a quick end: No it past the first season.

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

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