Home / Arts and Entertainment / M*A*S*H Star Recalls Iconic TV Death 50 Years Later
M*A*S*H Star Recalls Iconic TV Death 50 Years Later
3 Nov
Summary
- Colonel Henry Blake's death was one of TV's most shocking moments
- Actor Jamie Farr shares behind-the-scenes details about the unexpected scene
- M*A*S*H transitioned from comedy to "dramedy" after the character's demise
In a recent interview, M*A*S*H star Jamie Farr reflects on the iconic and heartbreaking season 3 finale that saw the death of Colonel Henry Blake, played by McLean Stevenson. Farr, who portrayed Corpsman Maxwell Klinger on the series, reveals that the cast was completely unaware of the character's fate until the final scene was filmed.
The episode, titled "Abyssinia, Henry," took the comedy in a more serious direction as the crew grappled with the loss of one of their own. Farr remembers the cast being "very upset" about the unexpected turn of events, with Radar actor Gary Burghoff particularly affected by having to deliver the devastating news.
The fictional death had a profound impact on the show, marking a shift from pure comedy to a "dramedy" that balanced lighthearted moments with the harsh realities of war. Farr notes that M*A*S*H became known for its ability to seamlessly transition between high comedy and somber, life-and-death storylines.
Fifty years later, the death of Colonel Blake remains one of the most shocking TV moments of all time. Farr's reflections offer a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the pivotal episode that transformed the iconic series.
