I think McLean Stevenson's post-M*A*S*H career was cursed...

[Dr. Thong]

Ultimately, it's a shame he never found a proper vehicle, because he was a funny and talented actor.

I do know from later interviews that he regretted leaving M*A*S*H, citing that people liked Henry Blake, not McLean Stevenson. He thought he could parlay his supporting role into a lead one and that never happened.

[DEH55]

the problem to me was that outside of Mash he just was not funny. I have watched him on The Tonight Show, Match Game, and other shows and didnt find him funny at all. He blew it when he left Mash and to his credit he admitted that.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by DEH55

the problem to me was that outside of Mash he just was not funny. I have watched him on The Tonight Show, Match Game, and other shows and didnt find him funny at all. He blew it when he left Mash and to his credit he admitted that.

I disagree. I think he was funny, but he just wasn't able to find the right vehicle to showcase his comedic talents. He never seemed to find writers and producers who were able to write for him properly.

Now, yes, to his credit, he did admit that leaving M*A*S*H was a mistake, and he had a great quote that went something like, he thought people were tuning in to see him, but they were really tuning in to see Henry Blake.

[rusty spike]

He must have been well connected with the networks because he continued to receive TV offers after each show failing to find an audience. Usually after one bomb, you're all washed up.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by rusty spike

He must have been well connected with the networks because he continued to receive TV offers after each show failing to find an audience. Usually after one bomb, you're all washed up.

He was a likeable, relatable guy, but while the networks picked up his shows, he didn't have much luck hooking up with good writers and producers. He had it made on M*A*S*H, but he realized it too late.