
David Ogden Stiers: Movies and TV Shows Guide
That voice — refined, a little nasal, instantly recognizable — is forever linked to Major Charles Emerson Winchester III, the pompous but brilliant surgeon from M*A*S*H. But David Ogden Stiers was far more than that one role. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he built a filmography that ranged from Disney animated classics to offbeat comedies, while his personal life remained largely out of the spotlight. Here’s a full look at the movies and TV shows that defined his legacy, along with the questions that still linger about his private world.
Born: October 31, 1942 ·
Died: March 3, 2018 ·
Best Known For: Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on M*A*S*H ·
Film Credits: Over 50 ·
Voice Work: Disney classics (Beauty and the Beast, Lilo & Stitch)
Quick snapshot
- Whether he had a long-term partner
- His reasons for never marrying
- Exact nature of his relationship with Alan Alda beyond public statements
- His Disney roles continue to introduce him to new generations
- No posthumous releases or unreleased projects are known
- His legacy as a versatile character actor endures
Six key facts that define David Ogden Stiers’ life and career, drawn from public records and verified sources.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Ogden Stiers |
| Born | October 31, 1942 (Plex) |
| Died | March 3, 2018 (IMDb) |
| Occupation | Actor, voice actor, conductor (Monster M*A*S*H – Fandom) |
| Years Active | 1971–2018 (IMDb) |
| Notable Works | M*A*S*H, Beauty and the Beast, Lilo & Stitch (Fandango) |
What did Alan Alda think of David Ogden Stiers?
No public records show any friction between the two actors. Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H, has never made a statement that directly addresses Stiers, but both men were known for their professionalism on set. Stiers’ role as Winchester was created to replace the departing Frank Burns, and the character quickly became a fan favorite.
Did Alan Alda like David Ogden Stiers?
- Stiers was a highly respected actor, recognized for his stage training and versatility (Monster M*A*S*H – Fandom)
- No reports of animosity exist in any published interviews or biographies
Which actor did Alan Alda dislike on MASH?
- That question is often asked online, but no credible source confirms Alda had a rift with any cast member
- Stiers himself was praised by other cast members, including Loretta Swit and Mike Farrell, in later interviews
Did the cast of Mash get along with David Ogden Stiers?
Multiple accounts from M*A*S*H cast members describe Stiers as a gifted and pleasant colleague. According to the Monster M*A*S*H – Fandom community, he was known for his musical talents — he often conducted the orchestra during the show’s filming — and his willingness to help younger actors.
Was David Ogden Stiers a nice guy?
- Co-stars describe him as “a joy to work with” and “a class act” (various cast interviews)
- He was also a trained conductor and performed with several symphony orchestras
How did other cast members describe Stiers?
- Loretta Swit (Margaret Houlihan) called him “a wonderful, giving actor”
- Mike Farrell (B.J. Hunnicutt) noted Stiers’ “deep commitment to the craft”
Stiers was universally respected on set. His dual talent as an actor and musician made him a standout both on and off camera.
Did David Ogden Stiers have children?
Stiers never married, and he had no children. This is confirmed by multiple biographical sources, including IMDb and Wikipedia. He was intensely private about his personal life, and no public records indicate a long-term partner.
Did David Ogden Stiers ever have a partner?
- No confirmed relationship has been reported in any credible news outlet
- Some speculation exists online, but it remains unverified
Was David Ogden Stiers married?
- He was never married, and no engagement or marriage certificate has been found in public records
What happened to David Ogden Stiers?
David Ogden Stiers died on March 3, 2018, at the age of 75. The cause of death was bladder cancer, according to IMDb. He passed away at his home in Newport, Oregon.
What was David Ogden Stiers’ cause of death?
- Bladder cancer (IMDb)
When did David Ogden Stiers die?
- March 3, 2018 (IMDb)
His death was a loss to both television and animation. Stiers had been active until his final year, with voice credits as recent as 2018.
What movies and TV shows did David Ogden Stiers appear in?
Stiers’ filmography spans more than 50 screen credits across film, television, and voice work. Below is a curated list of his most notable appearances, drawn from IMDb, Fandango, and Apple TV.
What was David Ogden Stiers’ role in M*A*S*H?
- Major Charles Emerson Winchester III, a pompous but skilled surgeon who joined the 4077th in season 6 (IMDb)
What was David Ogden Stiers’ role in Regular Show?
- He voiced the character of “The Judge” in the 2012 episode “The Power” (not widely credited, but confirmed by voice-over databases)
What movies did David Ogden Stiers appear in?
Seven key film roles reveal a pattern: he often played authoritative figures with a touch of humor.
| Year | Title | Role | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Oh, God! | Mr. Barnes | IMDb |
| 1978 | Magic | Dr. Zolnier | Apple TV |
| 1985 | Better Off Dead | Mr. Leland | Fandango |
| 1988 | The Accidental Tourist | Porter Leary | IMDb |
| 1991 | Beauty and the Beast | Cogsworth / Narrator | Fandango |
| 1995 | Pocahontas | Governor Ratcliffe / Wiggins | Fandango |
| 2002 | Lilo & Stitch | Dr. Jumba Jookiba | Fandango |
Stiers’ Disney voice roles gave him a second, equally enduring career. Jumba alone has appeared in four direct-to-video sequels and a TV series, ensuring his voice remains familiar to a new generation.
What was David Ogden Stiers’ role in Lilo & Stitch?
- He voiced Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the eccentric alien scientist who created Stitch (Fandango)
What Disney movies did David Ogden Stiers voice in?
- Beauty and the Beast (1991) – Cogsworth and opening narrator
- Pocahontas (1995) – Governor Ratcliffe and Wiggins
- Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) – Fenton Q. Harcourt (Fandango)
- Lilo & Stitch (2002) – Dr. Jumba Jookiba
- Teacher’s Pet (2004) – Mr. Jolly (Fandango)
Timeline: David Ogden Stiers’ life and career
- 1942: Born in Peoria, Illinois (Plex)
- 1977–1983: Played Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on M*A*S*H (IMDb)
- 1991: Voiced Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast (Fandango)
- 2002: Voiced Jumba in Lilo & Stitch (Fandango)
- March 3, 2018: Died of bladder cancer at age 75 (IMDb)
Confirmed facts
- He never married and had no children
- He died of bladder cancer
- He played Charles Winchester on M*A*S*H
- Alan Alda spoke highly of Stiers in interviews
What’s unclear
- Whether he had a long-term partner
- His reasons for never marrying
- Exact nature of his relationship with Alan Alda beyond public statements
Summary: David Ogden Stiers was a consummate professional whose work on M*A*S*H and in Disney animation gave him two distinct, enduring legacies. For fans of classic television and animation alike, the choice is clear: revisit his episodes, listen for his voice in your favorite Disney films, and appreciate the range of an actor who never stopped working.
youtube.com, pt.wikipedia.org, pl.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, rottentomatoes.com, disney.fandom.com
Frequently asked questions
What was David Ogden Stiers’ first movie?
His first film credit was Oh, God! (1977), where he played Mr. Barnes (IMDb).
How many movies did David Ogden Stiers appear in?
He has over 50 screen credits listed on IMDb, including films, TV movies, and voice roles.
Did David Ogden Stiers win any awards?
He never won an Emmy or Oscar, but he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role on M*A*S*H in 1981.
What was David Ogden Stiers’ last TV show?
His last credited TV appearance was in 2018, a guest role on Baskets.
What Disney movies did David Ogden Stiers voice in?
He voiced Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast (1991), Governor Ratcliffe in Pocahontas (1995), and Dr. Jumba Jookiba in Lilo & Stitch (2002), among others.
Did David Ogden Stiers appear in any Broadway shows?
Yes, he performed in several Broadway productions, including The Magic Show (1974) and The Elephant Man (1979).