McLean Stevenson (11/14/27 - 02/15/96) played COL Henry Blake in the CBS television comedy M*A*S*H from 1974-75. He left the show at the Season 3 finale. He wanted more of a starring, instead of a supporting, role in the series, and he thought he could do better because "everyone loved Henry". Unfortunately he was right -- everyone loved Henry, but not necessarily McLean Stevenson.
He maintained that he was denied simple comforts for himself and caste whilst on location. He wanted to be the star of the show but felt oppressed by other actors, particularly Alan Alda.
Out of the main/consistent characters only one dies. Colonel Henry Blake (Mclean Stevenson) is discharged from the army and his transport plane home was "shot down somewhere over the sea of Japan" it is arguably and consistently said to be the saddest moment in television history, and is even referenced as a joke in another FOX show "Family Guy" Non-directly Radar's uncle dies which is the cause of his hardship discharge and leaving of the show.
The first one in charge was Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Blake (played by Maclean Stevenson). He was replaced by Colonel Sherman T Potter, played by Harry Morgan.
The actor was upset over the attention that Alan Alda was given and wanted off the show.
McLean Stevenson
The McLean Stevenson Show - 1976 Say It Isn't So 1-12 was released on: USA: 1977
The McLean Stevenson Show - 1976 Money Troubles 1-10 was released on: USA: 2 March 1977
The McLean Stevenson Show - 1976 Grandma's Secret 1-9 was released on: USA: 23 February 1977
The McLean Stevenson Show - 1976 Oldie But Goodie 1-2 was released on: USA: 8 December 1976
The McLean Stevenson Show - 1976 Mac's Fatal Charm 1-4 was released on: USA: 29 December 1976
The McLean Stevenson Show - 1976 Mac and Big Mac 1-7 was released on: USA: 9 February 1977
McLean Stevenson (11/14/27 - 02/15/96) played COL Henry Blake in the CBS television comedy M*A*S*H from 1974-75. He left the show at the Season 3 finale. He wanted more of a starring, instead of a supporting, role in the series, and he thought he could do better because "everyone loved Henry". Unfortunately he was right -- everyone loved Henry, but not necessarily McLean Stevenson.
The character Henry Blake left the show because his discharge papers came through, but sadly on his flight home, his plane was show down over the Sea of Japan. He did not survive the crash. McLean Stevenson, who played the Colonel decided to leave the show because he was tired of his supporting role to Alan Alda and Wayne Rogers. He was also unsure of the success of the show. He admitted years later that he regretted his decision to leave.
He maintained that he was denied simple comforts for himself and caste whilst on location. He wanted to be the star of the show but felt oppressed by other actors, particularly Alan Alda.
The character Henry Blake left the show because he had earned his points and was sent home. Unfortunately, his character died when on his flight home, his plane was shot down by the enemy. The actor who played Henry, McLean Stevenson, left the show because he wanted to pursue other acting opportunities.
Henry Blake?