Edward Winter

Edward Dean Winter (June 3, 1937 – March 8, 2001) was an American actor best known for his recurring role as Colonel Samuel Flagg on the television series *MAS*H* from 1973 to 1979. Winter was born in Ventura, California. He began his acting career in Ashland, Oregon, as a member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival cast. During the 1961 season, he played Claudius in *Hamlet* and remained for an extended repertory season, appearing in *The Boyfriend* and *Rashomon*. He later achieved early success on Broadway, earning two Tony Award nominations for Best Supporting or Featured Actor in a Musical. The first came in 1967 for his role as Ernst Ludwig in *Cabaret*, and the second in 1969 for J.D. Sheldrake in *Promises, Promises*. He transitioned to television, appearing in the daytime serials *The Secret Storm* and *Somerset*.

Winter's portrayal of Colonel Flagg on *MAS*H* began in 1973. Flagg was depicted as a pompous and incompetent officer who frequently clashed with the medical staff at the 4077th. The character was well-received by audiences, and Winter appeared in 17 episodes of the series. His other notable television roles included U.S. Air Force investigator Capt. Ben Ryan in season 2 of *Project U.F.O.* (1978–1979), as well as appearances in *Hollywood Beat* (1985), *9 to 5* (1986–1988), and *Herman's Head* (1991–1994).

Winter also had a successful career in voice acting, providing voices for characters in the animated series *The Angry Beavers*, *Paddington Bear*, and *The Tick*. He died in 2001 at the age of 63 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. He was married three times and had two children.