Why did McLean Stevenson leave MASH? Reason Revealed
by Abinaya | Updated May 30, 2023
Who is Mclean Stevenson?
Edgar "Mac" McLean Stevenson Jr. (November 14, 1927 – February 15, 1996) was an American actor and comedian renowned for his notable roles. One of his most memorable portrayals was as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the popular television series MASH, for which he received a Golden Globe Award in 1974.
In addition to his acclaimed role in MASH, Stevenson made appearances on various television series including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Doris Day Show. Born in Normal, Illinois, Stevenson had a notable lineage. He was the great-grandson of William Stevenson, who happened to be the brother of Adlai E. Stevenson, a two-time presidential nominee.
This familial connection made him a second cousin once removed from Adlai E. Stevenson II. Stevenson also had a sibling in the entertainment industry, his sister Ann Whitney being an actress. His father, Edgar, pursued a career as a cardiologist. Interestingly, their shared middle name, "McLean," was derived from Stevenson's paternal grandmother, Lottie McLean.
Why did Mclean Stevenson leave Mash?
McLean Stevenson's departure from "MAS*H" was a result of various factors commonly seen in the entertainment industry. The highly acclaimed CBS comedy-drama series, which depicted life in a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, aired from 1972 to 1983 and garnered both critical acclaim and a large viewership. However, the show experienced significant turnover among its lead actors throughout its duration.
Creator Larry Gelbart had a specific vision for "MASH," aiming to convey the futility of war and emphasize the failure inherent in resorting to violence as a means of making a point. With the likes of Alan Alda as Captain Hawkeye Pierce and Loretta Swit as Major Margaret Houlihan among the show's stars, "MASH" tackled sensitive subject matter during a time when the Vietnam War was drawing to a close.
Although McLean Stevenson's portrayal of Lt. Colonel Henry Blake, the commanding officer of the "MAS*H" 4077, was highly regarded and considered irreplaceable by many, he eventually made the decision to leave the show. The exact reasons behind such departures in the entertainment industry are often undisclosed.
Notably, the show also saw the departure of other cast members, including Gary Burghoff as Corporal Radar O'Reilly, Larry Linville as Major Frank Burns, and Wayne Rogers as Captain Trapper John McIntyre. While the exceptional talent of the ensemble cast, along with notable guest stars, carried the show through numerous seasons filled with dramatic moments, it is not uncommon for actors to depart from successful series in Hollywood. McLean Stevenson's exit from "MAS*H" serves as an example of this phenomenon.
McLean Stevenson Net Worth
McLean Stevenson had a net worth of $6 million. He was an American actor born in Normal, Illinois, in November 1927, and he passed away in February 1996. Stevenson was widely recognized for his role as Colonel Henry Blake in the television series MAS*H, which he starred in from 1972 to 1975. He also portrayed Michael Nicholson in the TV series The Doris Day Show from 1969 to 1971.
Stevenson's acting career included other notable roles as well. From 1976 to 1977, he played the character Mac Ferguson on The McLean Stevenson Show. In 1978, he took on the role of Father Daniel M. Cleary in the series In the Beginning, and from 1979 to 1980, he portrayed Larry Adler in the television series Hello, Larry. In 1983, Stevenson played James Kirkridge in the TV series Condo, and from 1988 to 1989, he starred as Max Kellerman in the series Dirty Dancing.
McLean Stevenson Show
The McLean Stevenson Show was a sitcom broadcasted on NBC, airing on Wednesday nights from December 1, 1976, to March 23, 1977. The series revolved around the character Mac Ferguson, who owned a hardware store located in Evanston, Illinois, which was also the birth state of McLean Stevenson, the actor portraying the role.
Mac resided with his wife Peggy and their two adult children, Janet, who was divorced, and his son Chris. The household also included Janet's two children, David and Jason, as well as Mac's mother-in-law.
McLean Stevenson Death
McLean Stevenson, an American actor renowned for his portrayal of Henry Blake on the television show MASH, passed away on February 15, 1996. He was born on November 14, 1929, in Normal, Illinois. Stevenson's departure from MASH occurred in 1975 when his character was written off the show through a storyline that resulted in his character's death.
It is worth noting that Stevenson had notable familial connections. His grandfather, Adlai E. Stevenson, served as the Vice President of the United States under Grover Cleveland, and his second cousin, once removed, Adlai Stevenson II, held the position of Governor of Illinois and ran for President twice in the 1950s, albeit unsuccessfully, losing to Dwight D. Eisenhower on both occasions.
Tragically, Stevenson passed away at the age of 68 in Los Angeles. He suffered a heart attack while in recovery from bladder cancer, adding to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death. Ironically, Roger Bowen, the actor who portrayed Henry Blake in the 1970 movie adaptation of MAS*H, also passed away the day after Stevenson's demise.
Why did Mclean Stevenson leave Mash - FAQs
McLean Stevenson, born Edgar "Mac" McLean Stevenson Jr., was an American actor and comedian known for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the popular TV series MAS*H, earning him a Golden Globe Award in 1974.
McLean Stevenson's departure from MAS*H was influenced by various factors commonly seen in the entertainment industry, and the show experienced significant turnover among its lead actors.
McLean Stevenson had a net worth of $6 million and was recognized for his roles in MAS*H as Colonel Henry Blake and The Doris Day Show as Michael Nicholson.
The McLean Stevenson Show was a sitcom that aired on NBC and revolved around the character Mac Ferguson, who owned a hardware store in Evanston, Illinois, along with his wife, children, and mother-in-law.
McLean Stevenson passed away at the age of 68 in Los Angeles due to a heart attack while recovering from bladder cancer, coincidentally, the day after the actor who played Henry Blake in the MAS*H movie adaptation, Roger Bowen, also passed away.