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Stories

Actors Who Portrayed Col. Henry Blake On ‘M*A*S*H’ Died Within Hours Of Each Other

by Lauren Novak

Published June 17, 2021

Two MASH stars died within hours of each other

M*A*S*H was both a television series and a movie, so several actors played the same character. For instance, McLean Stevenson played Col. Henry Blake on TV but Roger Bowen played the role in the movie. The odd thing is, both actors died within hours of each other in real life. They both died of a heart attack as well.

Sadly, McLean died of a heart attack on February 15, 1996. Just hours later, Roger died of a heart attack as well on February 16th. While they were on opposite sides of the country, they were both saying goodbye to their loved ones in the hospital around the same time.

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Actors who played Henry Blake, McLean Stevenson and Roger Bowen, both died in February 1996 of heart attacks

MASH, (aka M*A*S*H*), from left: McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers, Alan Alda
MASH, (aka M*A*S*H*), from left: McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers, Alan Alda, (19721983). TM & Copyright © 20th Century Fox Television. All Rights reserved. /Courtesy Everett Collection

To avoid confusion, the Bowen family decided to wait a week to announce the death of Roger. They knew the public may be confused since they were both best known for playing the same character.

RELATED: Ten Of The Saddest Moments From ‘M*A*S*H’

MASH, (aka M*A*S*H*), from left: Roger Bowen, Gary Burghoff, 1970
MASH, (aka M*A*S*H*), from left: Roger Bowen, Gary Burghoff, 1970, TM & Copyright ©20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved./courtesy Everett Collection

Even when they were alive, there were other odd coincidences. In 1983, they both starred in separate new sitcoms. Both aired on ABC during the 8:30 p.m. time slot. Both were canceled the same year and the finale episodes aired one day apart.

It seems their lives were always meant to intertwine. RIP McLean and Roger. You are both very missed.

Next up: Katherine Schwarzenegger Posts Sweet Throwback Photo With Parents: “So Much Love”
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