The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›David Ogden Stiers
Entertainment • Actor

David Ogden Stiers

David Ogden Stiers was an American actor, voice actor, conductor, and musician.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David Ogden Stiers was an American actor, voice actor, conductor, and musician. He was best known for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on *M*A*S*H* and for numerous Disney voice roles, including Cogsworth in *Beauty and the Beast* and Governor Ratcliffe in *Pocahontas*.

Early life and education

David Ogden Stiers was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 31, 1942. He later trained for the stage at the Juilliard School of Drama. Sources also note that he was raised in Eugene, Oregon.

Acting career

Stiers became widely known for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on *M*A*S*H* from 1977 to 1983. He received two Emmy Award nominations for his work on the show. He also appeared in other television productions, including *The Dead Zone* and *Perry Mason*.

Voice acting

He provided voice performances in many animated productions, especially for Disney. His credits include Cogsworth in *Beauty and the Beast*, Governor Ratcliffe in *Pocahontas*, and Jumba Jookiba in the *Lilo & Stitch* franchise.

Music and conducting

Outside acting, Stiers worked professionally as a musician and conductor. He also served as a guest conductor with orchestras.

Death

Stiers died on March 3, 2018, in Newport, Oregon, from bladder cancer-related complications. He was 75 years old.

Key facts

  • David Ogden Stiers was an American actor, voice actor, conductor, and musician.
  • He was best known for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on *M*A*S*H*.
  • He voiced Cogsworth in *Beauty and the Beast* and Governor Ratcliffe in *Pocahontas*.
  • He received two Emmy Award nominations for his work on *M*A*S*H*.
  • He died of bladder cancer in Newport, Oregon, on March 3, 2018.

Frequently asked questions

Who was David Ogden Stiers?
He was an American actor, voice actor, conductor, and musician best known for *M*A*S*H* and Disney voice roles.
What role made David Ogden Stiers famous?
He was best known for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on *M*A*S*H*.
What Disney characters did he voice?
He voiced Cogsworth in *Beauty and the Beast* and Governor Ratcliffe in *Pocahontas*, among other roles.
When was David Ogden Stiers born?
He was born on October 31, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois.
When did David Ogden Stiers die?
He died on March 3, 2018, in Newport, Oregon, at age 75.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ogden_Stiers
    Supports: Role on *M*A*S*H*, Emmy nominations, and general career overview.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001773/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death details, and biographical facts.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ogden_Stiers
    Supports: Birth/death dates, major acting and voice roles, and cause of death.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/stiers-david-ogden-1942-david-ogden-steers-david-stiers-david-ogden-stires
    Supports: Training at Juilliard, orchestral conducting, and Emmy nominations.
  5. Disney Wiki - Fandom — https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/David_Ogden_Stiers
    Supports: Disney voice roles including Cogsworth and Governor Ratcliffe.