- Born
- Died
- Height6′ 4″ (1.93 m)
- Mr. Bowen was a comedic actor and novelist, best known for his portrayal of Colonel Henry Blake in the film version of M*A*S*H (1970). He often portrayed roles as a stuffy defender of the upper class and had regular roles on a number of television series. His acting career aside, Mr. Bowen always considered himself a writer who only moonlighted as an actor; he wrote eleven novels as well as sketches for Broadway and television. He was also one of the co-founders of Chicago's famed Second City comedy and acting troupe.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Ted Hull <theodore.hull@arch2.nara.gov>
- Roger Bowen considered writing his true vocation. He said he was writing theater reviews for the University of Chicago student newspaper when he was asked to pen material for an improvisational troupe that included Alan Arkin and Mike Nichols. The troupe, Compass Players, evolved into Chicago's famous Second City, and Bowen was one of its co-founders. Bowen's film and TV roles were usually as soft-spoken executive types, such as his portrayal of "Col. Henry Blake" in the film M*A*S*H (1970).- IMDb Mini Biography By: Ray Hamel
- SpouseAnn Bowen(? - February 16, 1996) (his death, 3 children)
- Children
- Usually played a stuffy defender of the upper-class
- Menacing stare and distinctive, deep nasally voice
- Played the part of "Col. Henry Blake" in the movie M*A*S*H (1970). He died one day after McLean Stevenson who played the same character in the M*A*S*H (1972) television series.
- After production on M*A*S*H (1970) wrapped, he continued his off-screen friendship with co-star Gary Burghoff.
- Was on vacation with his family in Florida when he suffered a fatal heart attack.
- Was raised in Providence, Rhode Island.
- Has two sons, Michael Bowen, a theatre producer, and Daniel Bowen, an executive television producer. One daughter, Katie Bowen, is a digital film editor. His wife, Ann Bowen, is a stage director.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content