Edward Winter

Edward Dean Winter (June 3, 1937 – March 8, 2001) was an accomplished American actor, renowned primarily for his memorable portrayal of Colonel Samuel Flagg in the iconic television series M*A*S*H, where he graced the screen from 1973 to 1979.

Born in Ventura, California, Winter embarked on his acting journey with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. There, he showcased his talent in several productions, including his acclaimed role as Claudius in Hamlet during the 1961 season, followed by performances in The Boyfriend and Rashomon. His success on stage soon led him to Broadway, where he garnered two Tony Award nominations for Best Supporting or Featured Actor in a Musical—first in 1967 for his role as Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret and again in 1969 for J.D. Sheldrake in Promises, Promises.

Transitioning to television, Winter appeared in daytime dramas such as The Secret Storm and Somerset before becoming a fan favorite as Colonel Flagg, a bumbling officer at the 4077th M*A*S*H unit, featured in 17 episodes of the series. His television repertoire also includes roles in Project U.F.O., Hollywood Beat, 9 to 5, and Herman's Head.

In addition to his on-screen work, Winter excelled in voice acting, lending his voice to characters in animated series like The Angry Beavers, Paddington Bear, and The Tick. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 63 due to complications from Parkinson's disease, leaving behind a legacy of diverse performances. Winter was married three times and had two children.