7 Shocking Facts About Colonel Henry Blake's Death That Still Haunt M*A*S*H Fans Decades Later

Few television moments from the 1970s remain as universally "shattering" as the sudden, tragic end of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake. As of late 2025, retrospective articles and cast interviews continue to surface, proving the enduring impact of the *M*A*S*H* episode "Abyssinia, Henry," which aired over 50 years ago. The episode defied all sitcom conventions, delivering a gut-punch of reality that forever changed how audiences viewed television comedy-dramas.

The story of Colonel Henry Blake—the bumbling, fish-hat-wearing, yet deeply beloved commanding officer of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital—is intrinsically linked to the career of the man who played him, McLean Stevenson. His departure from the show was a pivotal moment, forcing the writers to make a controversial and unforgettable creative decision that is still discussed by television historians and fans today.

The Man Behind the Fishing Hat: McLean Stevenson's Biography

The character of Lt. Col. Henry Blake was brought to life by actor McLean Stevenson. His portrayal cemented Blake as one of television's most memorable commanding officers, known for his laid-back demeanor and desire to escape the chaos of the Korean War.

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• Full Name: Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr.
• Born: November 14, 1927, in Bloomington, Illinois, U.S.
• Died: February 15, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. (Cause: Heart Attack)
• Education: Attended Northwestern University, where he studied theater.
• Military Service: Served in the United States Navy.
• Family Connection: He was the second cousin of former Vice President Adlai Stevenson II.
• Early Career: Began his career in show business as a writer, even writing speeches for his cousin Adlai. He later moved into acting and comedy.
• Breakthrough Role: Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake on *M*A*S*H* (1972–1975).
• Post-*M*A*S*H* Career: Stevenson left *M*A*S*H* believing he could achieve greater stardom. He subsequently starred in several short-lived sitcoms, including *The McLean Stevenson Show*, *In the Beginning*, and *Hello, Larry*, none of which achieved the success of *M*A*S*H*.
• Other Notable Roles: Appeared as a panelist on *Match Game* and had a recurring role on *The Golden Girls*.

The Beloved Commander of the 4077th M*A*S*H

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake was the antithesis of a typical military officer. He was a non-military man who preferred fishing to paperwork, often wearing a signature fishing hat with his fatigues. Despite his perceived incompetence, he was a deeply human and empathetic leader.

Blake served as the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the fictional 4077th MASH unit during the Korean War. His primary concern was often his family back home in Bloomington, Illinois, and finding ways to maintain some semblance of normalcy amidst the constant influx of wounded soldiers.

The character acted as a father figure and a buffer for the unit's two main surgeons, Captain "Hawkeye" Pierce and Captain "Trapper" John McIntyre. His leadership style was permissive, which often led to humorous conflicts with the by-the-book Major Frank Burns and Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan.

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Blake’s character was essential to the early tone of *M*A*S*H*. He provided a lighthearted, almost absurd contrast to the grim realities of the war, making the eventual tragedy of his death even more impactful. The show was able to balance comedy and drama, a feat Henry Blake's presence helped maintain.

The Real Story Behind the Controversial Death of Colonel Blake

The episode "Abyssinia, Henry," the Season 3 finale, is perhaps the most famous and controversial episode in the show’s history. It was advertised as McLean Stevenson’s final episode, and the first half was largely upbeat and celebratory, focusing on Henry finally getting his discharge and heading home.

1. McLean Stevenson Wanted Out to Seek Stardom

The primary reason for Colonel Blake’s departure was McLean Stevenson's decision to leave the hit show. He believed he was being underutilized and that he could find greater success as a leading man in his own series. The producers, including creator Larry Gelbart, chose to kill off the character to prevent him from potentially returning, and to give the departure a sense of finality and dramatic weight.

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2. The Death Was Kept a Secret from the Cast

To capture genuine shock and raw emotion, the show's producers kept the final twist a secret from most of the cast. The final scene, where Radar O’Reilly walks in and reads the message, was filmed with the actors believing Henry had made it home safely.

Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger, recalled the moment as "shattering" and "very real," noting the implications of the fictional death deeply affected the actors. This intentional secrecy ensured the emotional response was authentic and not rehearsed.

3. The Shocking Final Scene

The final, iconic moment occurs when Radar O'Reilly enters the operating room after Henry's departure. He delivers the devastating message: "I have a message. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake's plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan. It spun in. There were no survivors."

This stark, sudden announcement, delivered by the young Corporal, broke the fourth wall of the sitcom format. It immediately shifted the tone from celebratory comedy to devastating tragedy, a move unprecedented for a popular network comedy at the time.

4. The Death Sparked Massive Fan Controversy

The reaction from the viewing public was immediate and intense. Fans were outraged and heartbroken, sending thousands of letters to CBS. The death was deemed too dark and too sudden for a comedy series, proving just how deeply audiences had connected with the character and his lighthearted presence.

5. Larry Gelbart's Justification: War is Not Funny

Show creator Larry Gelbart and producer Gene Reynolds defended the decision, stating that the Korean War was a serious, deadly conflict, and that in war, tragedy can strike without warning. Gelbart argued that the suddenness of Blake's death was a necessary reminder of the show's core message: war is hell, and there are no happy endings or safe passages home for everyone.

6. The Legacy of the Episode

“Abyssinia, Henry” is now considered a landmark television episode. It demonstrated the power of the dramedy format and proved that a comedy could tackle heavy, realistic themes. The episode's impact is often studied in television history courses for its groundbreaking use of tragedy in a sitcom structure.

7. McLean Stevenson's Regret

Stevenson later admitted that leaving *M*A*S*H* was the biggest mistake of his career. While he went on to star in other projects, none matched the cultural significance or longevity of the 4077th. His career never fully recovered the momentum he had during his time as Colonel Henry Blake.

The character of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake remains a touchstone for the emotional depth of *M*A*S*H*. His controversial demise ensured that the show, and the actor, would be remembered for delivering one of the most powerful and unforgettable moments in television history. The constant re-examination of the episode, even decades later, confirms its status as a masterpiece of dramatic television.