Edward Dean Winter, a distinguished American actor, was born on June 3, 1937, in the picturesque coastal city of Ventura, California. He embarked on his illustrious acting career in Ashland, Oregon, as a valued member of the esteemed Oregon Shakespeare Festival's cast, where he had the opportunity to portray notable roles in the iconic productions of Hamlet, The Boyfriend, and Rashomon. Winter's impressive early achievements on the Great White Way led to two Tony Award nominations for Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) in 1967 and 1969, respectively, for his captivating performances in the groundbreaking musicals Cabaret and Promises, Promises.
Prior to making a seamless transition to the captivating world of television, Winter initially gained experience by appearing in a pair of daytime serials, namely The Secret Storm and Somerset, which served as a vital stepping stone for his future success.
It was in 1973 that Winter's big break arrived, as he landed a recurring role that would forever change the course of his career - that of Colonel Samuel Flagg, a character notable for being both pompous and incompetent, in the iconic television series M*A*S*H.
Flagg's character, a fan favorite, would go on to appear in a total of 17 episodes of the show, cementing Winter's status as a talented and versatile actor.
Noteworthy television appearances by Alan Winter, aside from his iconic role in the acclaimed sitcom M*A*S*H, include his contributions to the science fiction series Project U.F.O., the crime drama Hollywood Beat, the workplace comedy 9 to 5, and the cerebral sitcom Herman's Head.
Bertram Winter's personal life was marked by three distinct marital unions, each yielding a total of two offspring. Tragically, his life was cut short on March 8, 2001, when he succumbed to the debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease at the age of 63.
