Born Name:  Roger Wendell Bowen

Born Date:  May 25, 1932

Born Place:  Providence, Rhode Island

Died Date:  February 16, 1996

Died Place:  Marathon, Florida

Occupations:  Actor, author, improvisational comedian, Co-Founder, The Second City

Brief Biography:  Roger Bowen was an American actor, author, and improvisational comedian best known for originating the role of Lt. Col. Henry Blake in the 1970 film MASH*. A key figure in Chicago’s improv scene, he helped found the Second City theater and authored 11 novels.

Early Life and Education:
Education: Graduated from Brown University.
Military Service: Served in Army Intelligence during the Korean War.

Career Highlights:
Comedy & Theatre: Moved to Chicago after the war, where he helped found the Compass Players and later the famed Second City theater.
Film & Television: Famous for playing the bumbling Lt. Col. Henry Blake in the original 1970 MASH* movie. He was also known as the voice of "Morris the Cat" in 1970s commercials.
Writing: Published 11 novels, including Inga (1979) and The Silent Fifties (1995).