Henry Blake MASH death: Why did Henry Blake leave MASH? Does Henry Blake died in MASH?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on January 05, 2026
Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr. was an American actor and comedian.
He is well known for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the television series MASH, which earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1974.
Henry Blake MASH death
Henry Blake was recovering from bladder cancer surgery at the Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center on February 15, 1996, when he suffered a sudden fatal heart attack and died. He was 68.
He was interred in Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Why did Henry Blake leave MASH?
In 1975, Henry Blake decided to leave the show. According to his colleague Loretta Swit, Blake left because he was tired of being in an ensemble and wanted to be “number one.” This was also confirmed by MASH writer Ken Levine.
The departure took place in the last episode of the third season. The episode was called “Abyssinia, Henry” which was aired on March 18, 1975.
Does Henry Blake died in MASH?
Henry Blake died in the final episode of the 1974–1975 season entitled “Abyssinia, Henry”.
