'M*A*S*H' actor David Ogden Stiers dies at 75

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN

Updated 4:12 AM ET, Sun March 4, 2018

(CNN) David Ogden Stiers, known for his role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III in the TV comedy series "M*A*S*H," died Saturday, the agency representing him said.

The actor was 75.

He died "peacefully at his home in Newport, Oregon after a courageous battle with bladder cancer," the MKS Talent Agency tweeted. "His talent was only surpassed by his heart," the agency added.

Stiers was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1942. He was nominated for two Emmy awards for his performance as Winchester in "M*A*S*H," the popular series that ran for 11 seasons from 1972 until its high-rated finale in February 1983.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/03/entertainment/david-ogden-stiers-dies/index.html

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Heard this very early this morning on the radio.

Big R.I.P.

He had to step in to essentially replace a character on the show who was quite unique, yet he was able to create a new and equally unique character (like how Mike Farrell had to do with his B.J. Hunnecutt when Wayne Rogers' Trapper John left). He was also an accomplished musician and orchestra conductor too!

Was definitely a fan of the show and its 11-year long odyssey about the 2-year long Korean War.

[underpants]

1. He came into a tough spot to fill but did it wonderfully

Big MASH fan here.

[LittleGirl]

2. MASH was my all time favorite show

I loved it. I loved the humanity and comedy and tragedy all rolled into one place. Very fond of all of the cast and the story lines.

[Crowman2009]

3. He was also a conductor of various orchestras along the west coast.

For those who didn't know.

&t

[Crowman2009]

4. Here's a mini-series that he starred in about the USA Olympic athletes who participated in the 1896.

...Summer games in Athens: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086713/

[Aristus]

6. I saw that and enjoyed it very much.

It was an interesting portrayal of the time period. It wasn't all chock-full of starchy Victorians and old-timey finger-waggers.

It showed young athletes to be pretty much the same as they are today, and 1896 seemed not that long ago as a result.

[Boomerproud]

5. A very talented actor and musician.

His love and knowledge of music obviously was incorporated into his MASH character. Safe passage David.

[Liberalagogo]

7. One of the best gay actors

there ever was.

[elleng]

8. Thanks.

'Late breaking?'

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210315550

[BumRushDaShow]

11. It wasn't posted in LBN, which was surprising but why I posted it. nt

[A Morpheus Felinae]

9. I had the pleasure of meeting David Ogden Stiers

at one of my favorite old gay bars, "A Tinker's Damn" in Santa Clara, California, back in 1978. He came in with a very modest entourage and sat at a table adjacent to mine. It was shortly after the episode entitled "The Smell of Music" aired in which his French horn was run over by a jeep. I complimented him on the episode and we chatted briefly about nothing in particular. He was friendly, unassuming and completely unlike Major Winchester. A very special memory of Mr. Stiers, now even more special in light of his passing. RIP.

[jmowreader]

12. Thinking about Major Winchester...

I got the impression Charles used pompousness as a way to shield himself from the horrors of his situation. Charles was a Boston Brahmin and obviously uncomfortable outside his social circle, so he decided to be as irritating as possible to try to keep the lower classes the hell away from him...which you can't really do when you're in the Army. Sometimes he'd drop his guard, and when he did he was a pretty good guy. (Find the last episode Colonel Flagg was in; Charles was the one who ran him off.)

[Archae]

14. That one was a classic...

Charles has some fun with Flagg.

[Demovictory9]

10. rip

[Permanut]

13. Season 11, episode 13..

What a great character David created -


Charles: If I don't find a way to hear some music soon, I'm gonna lose what is left of my mind.
BJ: Why don't you ask Margaret to let you play your records on her new record player?
Charles: I'd sooner share my toothbrush with a Democrat.
BJ: Maybe you could go over to the O-Club and play 'em on the jukebox. Nobody there this early.
Charles: That is tantamount to asking Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of Woolworth's.