Introduction and Career Summary
David Ogden Stiers (October 31, 1942 – March 3, 2018) was an American actor, conductor, and voice artist recognized for precision, warmth, and vocal clarity. Best known as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on M*A*S*H and as the voice of Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, he built a decades-long career across stage, screen, and orchestra. This profile distills verified roles, performances, and professional milestones while clarifying common points of confusion for long-term reference.
Early Life and Education
Stiers was born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in Eugene, Oregon, where he began engaging with theater and music in secondary school. He studied drama and music at the University of Oregon, followed by graduate work that deepened his technical and vocal skills. These formative experiences underlay a disciplined approach that would support varied work in acting, conducting, and voice performance.
Notable Acting Roles
Stiers appeared in film, television, and stage productions, earning consistent praise for articulate delivery and nuanced character work. Key credits include:
- Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on the television series M*A*S*H.
- District Attorney Michael Reston in the Perry Mason television films.
- Reverend Harris and other stage roles in theater productions across North America.
Voice Work and Animation
In animation and voice acting, Stiers brought a distinctive baritone that balanced authority with warmth. Prominent voice roles include:
- Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
- The narrator in various documentary and educational projects.
- Supporting characters in series such as The Simpsons and recurring roles in animated features where his timbre signified wisdom or gravitas.
Orchestra Conducting and Musical Work
Beyond acting, Stiers was a professional conductor who led multiple regional and civic orchestras. His work with the Oregon Symphony and other ensembles highlighted an ability to communicate clearly with musicians while maintaining engaging stage presence. This facet of his career reinforced a reputation for reliability and musical intelligence.
Verified Career Milestones and Overview
Across five-plus decades, Stiers balanced performance and conducting, demonstrating versatility without sacrificing quality. The table below summarizes key, verifiable points of his professional timeline and roles.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | David Ogden Stiers | Official credits and biographies |
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1942 | Public records and interviews |
| Date of Death | March 3, 2018 | Obituaries and news reports |
| Known For | M*A*S*H (Major Winchester), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth) | Series and film credits |
| Primary Occupations | Actor, conductor, voice artist | Professional biographies |
| Notable Conducting Work | Regional orchestras, Oregon Symphony | Orchestra archives and programs |
Distinguishing Fact From Rumor
Because Stiers’ name occasionally appears in unverified posts and listicles, it is useful to clarify:
- He was not a prolific on-air television host but worked primarily as a character actor and voice performer.
- Conducting was a serious parallel career, not a casual interest.
- Major roles such as Winchester and Cogsworth are documented in cast lists and industry databases, not subject to reinterpretation.
Enduring Influence and Legacy
Stiers’ legacy rests on consistent excellence in voice, stage, and screen work. New audiences continue to encounter his performances through classic television reruns, animated features, and concert programs. His professionalism and the clarity of his performances contribute to lasting recognition within the performing arts community.
Conclusion and Reference Notes
This profile presents a durable overview of David Ogden Stiers grounded in sourced roles and verified career milestones. By focusing on established credits and distinguishing confirmed work from speculation, it remains useful for research, discussion, and ongoing reference. Tags and category labels below support long-term discoverability.