Edward Winter was a versatile and accomplished American actor best known for his roles on television during the 1970s and 1980s. He became a household name for his work on the science-fiction series Project U.F.O., where he portrayed Captain Ben Ryan, an officer investigating reports of UFO sightings for the U.S. Air Force. Winter was also widely recognized for his recurring role as Colonel Flagg, a delightfully paranoid and comically intense CIA officer, in the long-running television series MASH*. With a career spanning over four decades, Winter demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance drama and comedy, making him a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Born on June 3, 1937, in Ventura, California, Edward Dean Winter showed early promise as a performer, developing a strong interest in acting. Over the years, his commitment to his craft and his distinctive style of portraying authority figures, often with a quirky twist, helped him carve out a niche in both television and film. Winter’s career featured a wide range of roles, from serious dramatic parts to comedic performances, making him a sought-after actor during his era.
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Edward Winter grew up in California, where he developed a love for the performing arts. After graduating from high school, Winter pursued formal training in acting, attending the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carnegie Mellon, known for producing some of the finest actors in American theater and film, helped Winter hone his skills, and he soon found himself drawn to the world of live theater.
Winter’s early career began on stage, where he appeared in various theatrical productions both in California and on the East Coast. His work in theater gave him the foundation he needed to transition into television and film, and by the late 1960s, Winter had begun landing roles on screen. His natural talent, combined with his distinct look and strong presence, made him a versatile actor capable of taking on a wide variety of characters.
Television Breakthrough: Project U.F.O.
In 1978, Edward Winter was cast in Project U.F.O., a television series created by Jack Webb and Harold Jack Bloom. The show, which aired on NBC, followed the investigations of the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book, a real-life initiative that looked into reports of unidentified flying objects. Winter played Captain Ben Ryan, a serious and methodical Air Force officer tasked with investigating UFO sightings across the country. Along with his partner, Major Jake Gatlin (played by William Jordan), Captain Ryan aimed to separate fact from fiction in a series of mysterious cases.
Winter’s portrayal of Captain Ryan was a key element in the success of Project U.F.O.. His character was portrayed as rational, scientific, and determined to uncover the truth, bringing a sense of realism to the show’s speculative premise. Winter’s performance added credibility to the investigative aspect of the series, making it feel more like a procedural drama with a science-fiction twist.
Though Project U.F.O. only ran for two seasons, from 1978 to 1979, it became a cult favorite among science fiction fans. The show tapped into the public’s growing fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life, and Winter’s steady, grounded performance as Captain Ryan helped to anchor the series. His work on Project U.F.O. is still remembered by fans of the genre as one of his most iconic roles.
Colonel Flagg on MASH*
While Project U.F.O. showcased Edward Winter’s ability to handle serious drama, his role as Colonel Samuel Flagg on MASH* cemented his reputation as a comedic actor with impeccable timing. Winter’s portrayal of Colonel Flagg, a CIA officer whose paranoid and over-the-top behavior often bordered on absurdity, became one of the standout recurring characters on the show.
Colonel Flagg was introduced in the early seasons of MASH*, and Winter’s performance was immediately memorable. Flagg, convinced that everyone around him was a potential enemy or spy, would often concoct bizarre conspiracy theories and engage in outlandish behavior to protect national security—despite the fact that his actions were typically more disruptive than helpful. Winter’s ability to deliver Flagg’s lines with a deadpan seriousness, while embracing the character’s outrageous paranoia, made him a fan favorite.
Though Colonel Flagg only appeared in a handful of episodes over the course of the series, Winter’s performance left a lasting impression. The character became synonymous with the kind of dark, absurd humor that MASH* was known for, and Winter’s work in the role is frequently cited as one of the highlights of the show’s long run.
Other Television and Film Roles
Beyond Project U.F.O. and MASH*, Edward Winter appeared in numerous television shows throughout his career, often playing authority figures such as military officers, detectives, and doctors. His ability to portray both serious and comedic characters allowed him to take on a wide variety of roles, from guest spots on dramas to recurring characters in sitcoms.
Winter appeared in shows such as Lou Grant, Hawaii Five-O, The Rockford Files, Columbo, Murder, She Wrote, The Jeffersons, and Night Court, to name just a few. His versatility as an actor made him a go-to performer for many of the top television producers of the time, and he worked steadily throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
In addition to his extensive work in television, Winter also appeared in films, including A Change of Seasons (1980) and Porky’s II: The Next Day (1983). His film roles often capitalized on his ability to bring both seriousness and humor to his characters, and his presence added depth to the supporting roles he portrayed.
Voice Acting and Animation Work
Later in his career, Edward Winter also lent his distinctive voice to animated television shows. One of his most notable voice roles was in the animated series The Pink Panther, where he voiced the character of Professor Strangepork. His deep, commanding voice made him a natural fit for animation, and his ability to infuse his voice work with humor and character nuance expanded his reach into a new medium.
Winter also provided voices for animated series such as The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest and DuckTales, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Legacy and Impact
Edward Winter’s career is a testament to his range as an actor, and his ability to seamlessly transition between drama and comedy made him a valuable asset in both television and film. His work as Captain Ben Ryan in Project U.F.O. and Colonel Flagg in MASH* showcased two very different sides of his talent—one as a serious investigator and the other as a zany, unpredictable operative.
Though Winter passed away in 2001 at the age of 63, his legacy lives on through the roles that defined his career. His work continues to be celebrated by fans of classic television, and his performances in shows like MASH* and Project U.F.O. are still appreciated by audiences today.