David Ogden Stiers studied drama at Julliard, where he got his start. He appeared in numerous stage productions including: Measure for Measure, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, King Lear, Henry IV and the title role of Billy Bishop Goes to War with the Old Globe Theatre Festival in San Diego among others. He created Feldman the Magnificent in The Magic Show on Broadway

He garnered two Emmy nominations playing haughty Major Charles Emerson Winchester III for six seasons on M*A*S*H. He has continued his success on several popular television series including Ally McBeal, The Practice, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Wings, Matlock and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He's had small roles in several Woody Allen films such as Everyone Says I Love You and Mighty Aphrodite.Stiers has lent his voice to several animated films, in particular Walt Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Lilo and Stich, Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He has conducted 70 orchestras in over 100 appearances and maintains a repertoire of 50 orchestral works.

Character Bio

Major Charles Emerson Winchester III appears to be everything the camp at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital disdains. Wealthy and arrogant, he is clearly appalled at camp conditions and shocked when he learns he must remain indefinitely.

While adjusting to life in camp, Winchester's behavior initially irritates the group, however they can't deny he is a brilliant surgeon, even when he becomes insufferable after exhibiting incredible heroics to revive a patient. His haughty faade eventually fades, he takes great care with his patients, encouraging a wounded soldier who stutters and restoring a drafted concert pianist's pride after losing the dexterity in his hand.

Winchester eventually befriends Pierce and Hunnicutt. In his work and with his fellow troops Winchester reveals himself to be a man of compassion and humanity. Coming into the 4077 cold and distant, Winchester leaves the war not a blue-blood but as a friend, a dedicated surgeon.