David Ogden Stiers, known for his role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester III on M*A*S*H, died after a battle with bladder cancer. He was 75.

DAVID OGDEN STIERS OF M*A*S*H DIES AT 75

MKS Talent Agency reported the news on March 3 on Twitter. “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,” the agency wrote.

Stiers was nominated for two Emmys for his work as Winchester on the 1970s military comedy, which ran for 11 seasons from 1972 through 1983. M*A*S*H centered around a group of Army surgeons during the Korean War, and featured Alan Alda as chief surgeon Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce.

Stiers joined the group in 1977 to fill in for actor Larry Linville’s Frank Burns. Winchester was a Boston-born snob but also very talented doctor. He often hilariously foiled the plans of Hawkeye and Mike Farrell‘s Captain B.J Hunnicutt.

Slideshow: Check Out 16 Best Grammys Looks!

After M*A*S*H, Stiers had a busy career, which included acting on TV shows such as North & South and Perry Mason. He also is beloved by younger generations as he provided his voice to classics such as Beauty & the BeastPocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

In addition to acting, Stiers was a notable musician. He was a resident conductor at the Newport Symphony in Oregon (NSO) and guest conducted at various orchestra nationwide.

“All of us at the NSO are heartbroken. David Ogden Stiers was a generous, loving, and inspirational friend and pillar to our orchestra, and, indeed, to all of us individually. Our orchestra would not be here if it weren’t for his great support and inspiration over three decades,” said Adam Flatt, the symphony’s music director, in a statement. “His depth of musical feeling, love for our musicians, and charisma made his performances soar when he was on our podium. We will all work to keep David’s spirit alive in all of our performances.”

Alda took to Twitter to pay tribute to his former co-star: “David Ogden Stiers. I remember how you skateboarded to work every day down busy LA streets. How, once you glided into Stage 9, you were Winchester to your core. How gentle you were, how kind, except when devising the most vicious practical jokes. We love you, David. Goodbye.”

Leave a comment

Read more about: