Celebrity Info
McLean Stevenson, the affable comedic actor whose warm presence lit up television screens in the 1970s, is best remembered for his iconic role as Col. Henry Blake on the groundbreaking wartime dramedy *M*A*SH (CBS, 1972–1983). It was a defining moment in McLean Stevenson’s career—one that brought him widespread acclaim and cemented his place in TV history. Before landing that legendary role, McLean Stevenson cut his teeth in New York theater and worked behind the scenes as a writer, notably contributing to The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (CBS, 1967–69), which helped build his early reputation in the entertainment world.
His first major break in front of the camera came with a regular spot on The Doris Day Show (CBS, 1968–1973), where McLean Stevenson quickly proved his talent and charm. After two successful seasons, and sensing new opportunities on the horizon, McLean Stevenson made the bold decision to leave the show—just as his star was rising. That leap of faith led him straight into the ensemble cast of *M*A*SH, where his endearing, slightly bumbling portrayal of Col. Henry Blake resonated deeply with audiences. The character became a fan favorite, and McLean Stevenson earned both critical praise and a loyal following.
Yet, despite the success, McLean Stevenson reportedly grew restless under the growing dominance of co-star Alan Alda, whose character began to overshadow the ensemble nature of the show. Wanting more creative control and top billing, McLean Stevenson made the fateful choice to exit *M*A*SH in 1973. His departure shocked fans, but he was determined to launch his own series. That dream materialized with The McLean Stevenson Show (NBC, 1976–77), though unfortunately, it—and several other follow-up projects—failed to gain traction.
Over the years, McLean Stevenson continued working steadily, mostly making guest appearances on popular sitcoms and becoming a familiar face on various game shows. Though he later reflected that leaving *M*A*SH might have been a misstep, McLean Stevenson always took pride in the legacy he left behind. After all, few actors achieve what he did: creating a character so memorable, so perfectly realized, that Col. Henry Blake remains one of the most beloved figures in television history. And through that role, McLean Stevenson secured his lasting place in the golden era of American TV.
So, when it comes to McLean Stevenson’s film career, there are definitely some highs and lows worth noting. Now, interestingly enough, one name that keeps popping up is McLean Stevenson — and if you look at the data, his highest rated movie actually turns out to be The Cat From Outer Space from 1978. Yeah, that’s right — McLean Stevenson was part of that quirky sci-fi comedy flick that gained a bit of a cult following over the years. But here’s the twist: despite its charm, it also happens to be considered his lowest rated film. Go figure, right? It just goes to show how tricky ratings can be. Still, McLean Stevenson brought his signature style to the role, and fans of McLean Stevenson might find it worth a watch regardless. So whether you’re exploring McLean Stevenson’s best or most forgettable work, The Cat From Outer Space (1978) is definitely a key point in his filmography.
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