When McLean Stevenson made the decision to leave the hit show MASH in its third season, few could have predicted the lasting impact it would have on both his career and television history. The actor, who portrayed the beloved Colonel Henry Blake, walked away from the role in search of greener pastures, only to find himself regretting it in the years that followed.
At the time, MASH was already a popular show, blending humor with the harsh realities of war. Stevenson, along with co-stars like Wayne Rogers, was a key part of its early success. However, Stevenson’s ambition to lead his own shows took him down a different path. Though MASH was still riding high, Stevenson felt his character's potential was being underutilized.
The actor was frustrated with the lack of respect he felt from producers and the network’s refusal to increase his salary.
As Stevenson struggled with these issues, NBC made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: a lucrative contract and the possibility of taking over the iconic after Johnny Carson. At the time, it seemed like the perfect career move.
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