Mr. Bowen was a comedic actor and novelist, best known for his portrayal of Colonel Henry Blake in the film version of MASH (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.