David Ogden Stiers, most famously known as Major Winchester on the hit TV show M*A*S*H, has come out of the closet at age 66.

Speaking to the website Gossip Boy, the veteran TV and voice over actor revealed his sexuality when he answered the question, “You are gay.  Right, David?”

Yes, I am.  Very proud to be so.

On why he waited so long to come out:

There are two reasons really. One is that I enjoy working and even though many have this idealistic belief that the entertainment industry and studios like Walt Disney are gay friendly. For the most part they are, but that doesn’t mean for them that business does not come first. It’s a matter of economics. Most of my more notable work in the last two decades has been as a voice actor. Certainly, I’ve done television appearances, be they recurring or guest roles, and numerous motion picture and documentary stints, but a lot of my income has been derived from voicing Disney and family programming. What they might allow in a more known actor, they prefer not having to deal with in minor players.

On why now was the right time:

I wish to spend my life’s twilight being just who I am. I could claim noble reasons as coming out in order to move gay rights forward, but I must admit it is for far more selfish reasons. Now is the time I wish to find someone and I do not desire to force any potential partner to live a life of extreme discretion with me.

On what he’s looking for in a partner:

Someone both mature and youthful. Who has a good sense of who they are and where they are heading. They need to appreciate the finer things in life, as over the years I’ve developed certain tastes. The more lusty side of me seeks a man with developed arms, as that has always appealed to me.

Gossip Boy says that it was well known in Hollywood that David was gay, but I didn’t have a clue.  Good for him for deciding to come out at this time in his life!  Bravo!

Photo Source:  sitcomsonline.com, WENN

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