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David Ogden Stiers

American actor, voice artist and conductor best known as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on M*A*S*H and for Disney voice roles such as Cogsworth, Governor Ratcliffe and Jumba.

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David Ogden Stiers (October 31, 1942 – March 3, 2018) was an American actor, voice performer, conductor and musician. He gained wide recognition for his live‑action work on television and for a long string of character roles in animated films and video games. Stiers combined a classical sensibility with comic timing, bringing an upper‑class formality to many of his best‑known parts while also performing as a trained musician and guest conductor.

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David Ogden Stiers 1977
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Early life and training

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Stiers developed interests in music and theatre at an early age. He pursued formal training that prepared him for stage and screen, studying voice and dramatic arts and moving between theatre companies and regional repertory work before establishing a career in television and film.

Television and film career

Stiers is best known to television audiences as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III, the erudite and frequently pompous surgeon who joined the cast of the television series M*A*S*H. The role showcased his ability to play a sophisticated antagonist with unexpected warmth. Beyond that series, he maintained a steady career in supporting film and television roles, often cast for refined or authoritative characters.

Voice acting and animation

As a voice artist, Stiers became a familiar presence in animated features and family entertainment. He voiced the clock Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, the pompous colonial official in Pocahontas, and the eccentric scientist Jumba Jookiba in the Lilo & Stitch franchise. His animation work extended across many animated projects and Disney releases, where his resonant voice and precise diction were especially valued.

Music, conducting and other work

Stiers remained active in music throughout his life, conducting local orchestras and participating in concert work. He also lent his voice to interactive media, including the video game Myst V: End of Ages, demonstrating versatility across entertainment formats.

Legacy and notable credits

Remembered for blending gravitas with comic flair, Stiers left a body of work that spans stage, screen and recordings. Selected credits include his landmark television role and numerous animated parts in feature films. For additional information and credits see:

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