Star of the iconic TV show M*A*S*H, playing the lovable but bumbling Lt. Colonel Henry Blake, and later creating and starring in the sitcom The Doris Day Show.
McLean Stevenson is best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the hit television series M*A*S*H, a character that earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1974. This beloved actor and comedian has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with a career spanning over three decades.
Stevenson was born on November 14, 1927, in Normal, Illinois, a town coincidentally located in McLean County. He was the great-grandson of William Stevenson, brother of US Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson, making him a second cousin once removed of two-time presidential nominee Adlai E. Stevenson II.
After attending Bloomington High School and Lake Forest Academy, Stevenson joined the United States Navy, serving from January 1946 to November 1947 as a hospital corpsman. He then attended Northwestern University, where he was a Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brother, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in theater arts.
Stevenson's early career was marked by a variety of jobs, including working as a radio station disc jockey, playing a clown on a live TV show in Dallas, and selling medical supplies and insurance. However, it was his role as a press secretary for his cousin in the presidential elections of 1952 and 1956 that led him to pursue a career in show business.
He auditioned and won a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, making his professional debut in The Music Man in 1962. Stevenson's talent and charisma soon landed him regular roles in Warsaw, Indiana, summer stock productions.
Stevenson's portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in M*A*S*H (1972-1975) earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama in 1974.
He appeared on several popular television shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Doris Day Show, and Match Game.
Stevenson's film credits include The Christian Licorice Store (1971), The Naked Ape (1973), and Shout (1991).
In addition to his Golden Globe Award, Stevenson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.
McLean Stevenson's legacy extends beyond his impressive body of work. He has inspired generations of actors and comedians, and his iconic role in M*A*S*H continues to delight audiences to this day.
Stevenson's impact on popular culture is evident in the numerous parodies and references to his character in films, TV shows, and advertisements. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of comedy and entertainment to bring people together and transcend time.
Stevenson was the brother of actress Ann Whitney and was married twice, first to Pompeia Porto and then to Ginny Stevens.
Did you know that Stevenson's shared middle name, McLean, came from his paternal grandmother, Lottie McLean?
Despite his passing on February 15, 1996, McLean Stevenson's memory and contributions to the world of entertainment continue to be celebrated and cherished.
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