After production on MASH (1970) wrapped, he continued his off-screen friendship with co-star Gary Burghoff.
Has two sons, Michael Bowen, a theatre producer, and Daniel Bowen, an executive television producer. One daughter, Katie Bowen-Kosh, is an avid editor. His wife, Ann Bowen, is a stage director.
Played the part of "Col. Henry Blake" in the movie MASH (1970). He died one day after McLean Stevenson who played the same character in the "M*A*S*H" (1972) television series.
Was raised in Providence, Rhode Island.