Early Life and Education

Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr. was born on November 14, 1927, in Normal, Illinois. He was the son of a cardiologist, and after completing high school, he served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Stevenson attended Northwestern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theater arts.

Career Beginnings in Entertainment

Stevenson embarked on a diverse path before finding success in acting. Early in his career, he took on a variety of roles, including hosting a radio show and playing a clown on live television in Dallas. During this period, he also sold insurance and medical equipment to support himself while pursuing acting opportunities.

He gained experience performing in nightclubs and comedy cabarets throughout the 1960s. His move to Hollywood marked a turning point, where he began working as a comedy writer for Tom Smothers. This opportunity led to regular appearances in comedy sketches, allowing him to refine his comedic timing and acting abilities.

Breakthrough on M*A*S*H

Stevenson's major breakthrough came in 1972 when he was cast as the affable and often bewildered commanding officer Lt. Colonel Henry Blake on the CBS series M*A*S*H. His portrayal earned critical acclaim and popular appeal, culminating in a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Television in 1974.

Death and Legacy

On February 15, 1996, McLean Stevenson passed away from a heart attack in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 68. Though he left M*A*S*H after the show's third season, his role as Henry Blake remains one of the most memorable in the series and continues to be celebrated as a defining contribution to 1970s television comedy.