Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr., known as McLean Stevenson, was an American actor famous for his roles in MASH, The Golden Girls, and Diff’rent Strokes.
Personal and Family Life
McLean Stevenson was born on November 14, 1927, in Normal, Illinois. He was married three times, first to Polly Ann Gordon, then to Louise Herbert, and finally to Ginny Fosdick, with whom he had one child. Stevenson had a total of three children from his marriages. He was known for his comedic talent and often portrayed lovable, absent-minded characters.
Career Highlights
Stevenson began his entertainment career at age 31, performing in nightclubs and theaters before moving to Hollywood. He gained fame as Lt. Colonel Henry Blake on the TV series MASH, which premiered in 1972. Throughout his career, he made numerous guest appearances on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and became a recognizable face in television comedy.
Death and Legacy
McLean Stevenson passed away on February 15, 1996, due to a heart attack in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to television comedy left a lasting impact, and he is remembered fondly by fans. Stevenson’s portrayal of Henry Blake remains iconic, solidifying his place in TV history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Win, Place or Steal | 1975-02-01 | Mr. Hammond |
| Shirts/Skins | 1973-10-09 | Dr. Benny Summers |
| The Cat from Outer Space | 1978-06-09 | Link |
| MASH: 30th Anniversary Reunion | 2002-05-17 | Archive footage |
| Class Cruise | 1989-10-22 | Miles Gimrich |
| Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones | 1971-11-16 | Minister |
| Memories of MASH | 1991-11-25 | Self / Henry Blake |
| The Christian Licorice Store | 1971-11-01 | Smallwood |
| Davy Crockett | 1986-12-18 | Andrew Jackson |
| The Golden Girls | 1985-09-14 | Ted |
| That Girl | 1966-09-08 | |
| Diff’rent Strokes | 1978-11-03 | |
| Hello, Larry | 1979-01-26 | Larry Adler |
| The Doris Day Show | 1968-09-24 | Michael Nicholson |
| Condo | 1983-02-10 | James Kirkridge |
| Hotel | 1982-08-21 | |
| Donny & Marie | 1976-01-23 | Self |
| Dirty Dancing | 1988-10-29 | |
| The McLean Stevenson Show | 1976-12-01 | |
| Cher | 1975-02-16 | Self |
| In the Beginning | 1978-09-20 | Father Cleary |
| MASH | 1972-09-17 | Henry Blake |
| The Love Boat | 1977-09-24 | Bob Crawford |
| Tales of the City | 1993-09-28 | Booter Manigault |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Love, American Style | 1969-09-29 | Lt. Miller |
| Mathnet | 1987-01-26 | Mike Pliers |
| Tall Tales & Legends | 1985-09-25 | Andrew Jackson |
| The Bold Ones: The New Doctors | 1969-09-14 | George Caldwell |
