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David Ogden Stiers, known as for his work on the television series M*A*S*H and the voice of Cogsworth in the original Beauty and the Beast, has died at age 75. The actor’s agent, Mitchell K. Stubbs, confirmed on his passing on Twitter, saying that he died at his home.
Stiers was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1942 and moved to Eugene, Oregon, with his family. For many, his big break as an actor was playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester III, who replaced the departed Frank Burns (Larry Linville), in the sixth season of M*A*S*H. Stiers was notably nominated for two Emmy Awards for the role, in 1981 and 1982.
He also was well known for his work with The Dead Zone and the Perry Mason television movies.
Later in life, he gained further fame as a voice actor, notably working for Disney, such as both the narrator and Cogsworth the enchanted clock in 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, the Archdeacon in 1996’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Jumba Jookiba for 2002’s Lilo & Stitch. Due to voicing these characters in their original film incarnations, he often reprised them in other media appearances, notably the Kingdom Hearts video game series. He also performed voice work for the 2005 animated film, Hoodwinked.
What was David Ogden Stiers’ official cause of death?
Stubb confirmed the following on Twitter in the following statement:
“I am very sad to report that David died this morning March 3, 2018 peacefully at his home in Newport, Oregon after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. His talent was only surpassed by his heart.”
At this time, David Ogden Stiers’ official cause of death is believed to be connected to bladder cancer, as per her agent’s comments, although it is unknown if an official autopsy has been performed.
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.
