The Night David Ogden Stiers Refused Another Treatment — Loretta Swit Wasn’t Ready to Let Him Go

In the world of television, there are few relationships as iconic and cherished as the one between Major Charles Emerson Winchester III, portrayed by David Ogden Stiers, and Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, played by Loretta Swit, on the hit show MASH*. For years, viewers were captivated by the complex and evolving dynamic between these two characters—both deeply entrenched in their roles within the Korean War’s mobile army surgical hospital (MAS*H) and struggling with personal demons, love, and vulnerability. But off-screen, the bond between the actors was just as deep, marked by mutual respect, shared history, and a friendship that transcended the confines of their work.

However, nothing prepared Loretta Swit for the night that David Ogden Stiers, her dear friend and co-star, made the decision to stop his treatment for his terminal illness. It was a night filled with grief, disbelief, and, above all, love—a moment that Swit could never have imagined, one that shook her to the core. This is the story of how the legendary MASH* castmates, who had spent years portraying characters that faced life and death on a weekly basis, were forced to confront the reality of mortality in a profoundly personal way.

David Ogden Stiers: A Talent Beyond Compare

David Ogden Stiers was an actor whose talent stretched far beyond the boundaries of television. Though he was best known for his role as Major Charles Winchester, the arrogant yet deeply compassionate surgeon on MASH*, his career spanned an impressive array of stage, film, and television performances. Stiers’ portrayal of Winchester was a nuanced one, far from the typical portrayal of a pompous elitist. His character was, in many ways, a product of his environment—caught between his intellectual snobbery and his deep respect for the sacrifices made by the other characters around him. It was a performance that resonated with audiences and helped solidify Stiers as one of television’s most respected actors.

Off-screen, Stiers was known for his dry wit, his professionalism, and his deeply caring nature. His fellow cast members on MASH* often spoke about his generosity and his quiet strength. Loretta Swit, who played Hot Lips Houlihan, formed a close friendship with Stiers during their years working together. She was often the one to support him when times were tough, and he, in turn, was a steady source of strength for her.

Stiers’ acting prowess wasn’t limited to MASH*—he also made significant contributions to animated films, most notably as the voice of Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. His versatility in both live-action and animated roles showcased his wide-ranging talents and his ability to bring depth and humanity to any character, no matter the medium.

But Stiers was also a private man, often keeping his personal struggles and challenges away from the public eye. His decision to quietly battle cancer, without seeking the limelight, was yet another example of his characteristic dignity. As his battle with the disease grew more difficult, it was his friends, particularly Loretta Swit, who remained a constant source of support.

The Night of the Decision: A Friend’s Heartbreaking Goodbye

The night David Ogden Stiers made the decision to stop his treatment was a moment no one could have anticipated. Loretta Swit had been by his side throughout his illness, providing comfort and companionship in the face of his increasingly fragile health. She had been there for him during his hospital visits, supporting him as he underwent rounds of treatment. But on this particular night, something shifted—a realization that no amount of medical intervention could change the outcome.

David had been a fighter all his life, both on and off-screen. He had fought through the physical and emotional tolls of playing such a challenging character as Winchester, had fought through health challenges earlier in life, and had shown the same resilience during his battle with cancer. But that night, it became clear that he was no longer willing to fight. His body had grown weak, and his spirit, though still strong, was ready to move on.

Loretta Swit, as close as they were, wasn’t ready to accept the truth. Her deep love and respect for David made it impossible to understand why he would choose to let go of the fight. In many ways, their shared years on MASH* had always been filled with a sense of impermanence—characters who lived in constant tension between life and death, always facing the realities of war. Yet, it was a different kind of death they had always portrayed, one with a sense of closure, a sense of meaning. This was a real, unavoidable death—something that could not be wrapped up in a neat bow.

Swit, in her grief, found herself wrestling with the same emotions that had driven her character, Hot Lips, for years. The denial, the frustration, the sense of unfairness—how could someone so full of life, someone who had touched so many lives, make such a final decision? Yet, as she watched her dear friend, who had spent his life giving so much to the world, find peace in his decision, she came to a realization. Perhaps letting go was the most loving act of all. Perhaps it wasn’t about fighting, but about allowing oneself to rest, to let go of the pain.

The Power of Their Friendship: Love Beyond the Spotlight

In the wake of that night, Loretta Swit found herself reflecting on her years with David, thinking back to their time on MASH*—the laughter, the camaraderie, and the shared moments of vulnerability. While their characters had often been in conflict, their off-screen bond was one of mutual respect and deep friendship. Swit and Stiers had spent countless hours together, not just as co-stars, but as friends who understood the unique pressures and challenges of life in the spotlight.

One of the most poignant aspects of their relationship was the way in which they supported one another, both professionally and personally. Swit had always admired Stiers’ ability to bring such complexity to his role as Winchester, and Stiers had always appreciated Swit’s talent, her wit, and her unwavering friendship. Over the years, their bond had become unbreakable, and it was this bond that Swit would carry with her long after Stiers passed away.

Stiers’ decision to stop his treatment was not an easy one, but it was a decision that came from a place of love and acceptance. As his health continued to decline, he found solace in the people who had stood by him throughout his career, particularly Swit, whose presence had been a constant source of comfort.

Legacy: Remembering David Ogden Stiers

David Ogden Stiers passed away on March 3, 2018, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless fans who admired his work. His portrayal of Major Winchester on MASH* will forever be remembered as one of the most complex and beloved characters in television history. His voice work as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast remains a classic, and his stage performances, particularly in classical music and opera, cemented his place as a true artist in every sense of the word.

For Loretta Swit, David’s passing marked the end of an era. She lost not just a co-star but a dear friend, someone who had been with her through the highest and lowest points of their careers. But despite the grief, Swit also took comfort in knowing that David had found peace, and that he had been surrounded by love in his final days.

Swit has since spoken fondly of their time together, sharing stories of their deep friendship and the profound impact Stiers had on her life. In a way, his passing marked the end of one chapter of MASH*—the chapter of the show that represented the beauty of friendship, loyalty, and love, even in the face of loss.

A Love That Endured

The night that David Ogden Stiers refused another treatment was a moment of profound change for both him and Loretta Swit. It was a moment where reality collided with their shared history, where the roles they had played on-screen could no longer shield them from the painful truths of life. But in that moment of grief, there was also love—a love that transcended the spotlight, the television set, and the world of make-believe.

David Ogden Stiers’ legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him, both as an actor and as a person. And for Loretta Swit, his passing is a reminder of the power of friendship, of the deep connections that are forged through years of shared experiences, and of the strength it takes to let go, even when it feels impossible. Their story is a story of love and loss, of letting go and holding on, and of a friendship that was as enduring as the characters they brought to life.

As Loretta Swit continues her journey through life, she carries with her the memory of David Ogden Stiers—her dear friend, her co-star, and her partner in the world of MASH*—and the love that will never fade.