David Ogden Stiers
David Ogden Stiers
========================
Full Name and Common Aliases
--------------------------------
David Ogden Stiers was born on January 31, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois. He is commonly known by his stage name, David Stiers.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: January 31, 1942
Died: March 3, 2018 (age 76)
Nationality and Profession(s)
--------------------------------
David Ogden Stiers was an American actor of voice and screen. He is best known for his portrayal of Major Charles Winchester III in the popular television series _MASH_.Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Stiers grew up in Peoria, Illinois, with his mother, Margaret "Peg" Ogden Stiers, who was a pianist and teacher. His father, Ralph M. Stiers, was an architect. David was the second of three children, and his family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's work.
Stiers developed an interest in music at an early age and began playing the piano when he was five years old. He attended Woodruff High School in Peoria and later enrolled at Illinois State University, where he studied music composition. However, he soon switched to drama, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1963.
After completing his studies, Stiers moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. He made his Broadway debut in 1971 and went on to appear in several stage productions throughout the 1970s.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Stiers' breakthrough role came when he was cast as Major Charles Winchester III in _MASH_ in 1977. His portrayal of the refined, witty, and sarcastic major earned him two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He remained with the show until its conclusion in 1983.
In addition to his work on _MASH_, Stiers appeared in numerous other television shows and films throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include appearances in _The Muppet Show_, _Murder, She Wrote_, and _The West Wing_.Notable Works or Actions
-----------------------------
Some of David Ogden Stiers' most notable works include:
*MASH* (1977-1983) - He played the role of Major Charles Winchester III.
Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990, 1991) - He voiced the character of Maurice in the television series based on the animated film.
The Muppet Show (1976-1979) - Stiers guest-starred as himself in several episodes.Impact and Legacy
------------------------
David Ogden Stiers' impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. His nuanced portrayal of Major Charles Winchester III in _MASH_ remains one of his most iconic roles. His versatility as a voice actor and his ability to bring characters to life through his distinctive voice have left an indelible mark on the world of animation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
David Ogden Stiers is widely quoted and remembered for his wit, intelligence, and nuanced performances. His iconic portrayal of Major Charles Winchester III in _MAS*H_ has cemented his place in television history. His work as a voice actor has brought countless characters to life, making him one of the most beloved and respected actors of his generation.
Throughout his career, Stiers continued to push boundaries and challenge himself with new roles. His commitment to excellence and his dedication to his craft have inspired countless actors, writers, and directors. As a result, he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest talents of our time.
Quotes by David Ogden Stiers
The ebulliently sharp mind of 'White Christmas' director Walter Bobbie made me tremble and strive in the same breath. The deceptively 'simple' dialogue of David Ives, asking every actor to just. say. it. Float it on the breeze; it doesn't need 'explanation,' just energy and truth.
People ordinarily don't think of their orchestras as important as we'd like them to be. People don't care about their friends and neighbors who sit down to commit excellence three or four times a year, but they will go see the tall bald guy with three names from television.
The simple act of sitting down and playing something enormously complex and spiritually uplifting on a harpsichord just bores kids to tears. There's no sizzle, there's no grab. But it's the great lesson of serious music, that it invites you to listen, rather than demands that you listen.
I think the preservation of orchestras and what they do is worth expending all the ways there are to reach out to people who might not otherwise go.
Cogsworth, the character I did on 'Beauty and the Beast,' could be a bit flamboyant onscreen, because basically, he is a cartoon. But they didn't want Cogsworth to become Disney's gay character, because it got around a gay man was playing him.
A lot of my income has been derived from voicing Disney and family programming.
Fun can happen on the interior. Nobody knows about it, but there are fireworks going on inside your spirit when you hear a great orchestra playing great music.
I wish to spend my life's twilight being just who I am. I could claim noble reasons as coming out in order to move gay rights forward, but I must admit it is for far more selfish reasons. Now is the time I wish to find someone, and I do not desire to force any potential partner to live a life of extreme discretion with me.
When something really extreme happens, you have to find a way to embrace that and include it in how you think about the character. Sometimes it’s not easy.
