Death affects even the rich and famous, and with a new day comes the news of another beloved actor's passing. It has been announced that M.A.S.H. actor and prolific film and television star David Ogden Stiers has passed away. Stiers was 75 and was said to have passed peacefully.
David Ogden Stiers death came at the hands of what was described as a "courageous battle with bladder cancer," by his talent agency who shared the news via Twitter. Stiers passed away in his home in Newport, Oregon, a town where he also found a second career as a conductor for the town's symphony. Stiers was seemingly beloved by the town and was actively involved in many of the cities musical and theater efforts throughout the years.
David Ogden Stiers has been in many shows and films throughout his long career, but it was his role as the surgeon and executive officer Major Winchester on M.A.S.H. that put his career on the map. Stiers stepped into the series to replace actor Larry Linville who played Frank Burns and found many fans playing the uptight straight man to the show's sillier cast. His character's ability to be snobbish, yet occasionally a warm and deep caretaker when the situation called for it, resonated with fans and helped propel Stiers career beyond the show's end.
M.A.S.H. was one of the highlights of David Ogden Stiers career, but only one of over 150 appearances in film, television, and video games. Stiers had a healthy amount of live-action roles throughout his career, but in later years found himself doing voice work for some rather iconic characters in animation. In the world of Disney, Stiers was known as the voice of Cogsworth in the animated Beauty and the Beast, Jumba in Lilo & Stich, and Governor Ratcliffe and Wiggins in Pocahontas. Outside of the house of mouse Stiers also provided voice acting for beloved animated shows such as Regular Show, Justice League Unlimited, and The Wild Thornberrys just to name a few.
David Ogden Stiers remained active in Hollywood as recently as 2017 when he appeared in the comedy film Neil Stryker and the Tyrant of Time and a TV Movie that starred Mischa Barton called The Joneses Unplugged. Those serve as the end of a career that started off on a high note as Stiers voiced the announcer in George Lucas' cult classic THX 1138. With his numerous contributions to film and television in the time since then, it goes without saying he will be missed by both fans and Hollywood.
CinemaBlend would like to offer its condolences to the friends and family of David Ogden Stiers and wish them well in this difficult time. Unfortunately, M.A.S.H. isn't available on any of the major streaming networks, although many of Stiers other various contributions to film and television are. For other things to watch, head on over to our midseason premiere guide.
