Cogsworth

The castle's head butler, a dutiful and serious character who takes the form of a clock

The head butler of the castle in 'Beauty and the Beast'. A pedantic and nagging character transformed into a clock by magic.

Quotes

  • Rules are meant to be followed.
  • This guy disrupts the castle's order!
  • It's troubling that my emotions show on the clock hands.
  • A butler must always remain calm.
  • Mrs. Potts, you're always so warm.

Trivia

  • Characteristic animation where the clock hands spin quickly with emotional changes.
  • Sometimes called 'Cogsworth' with different spellings in the movie and musical.
  • Renamed to Big Ben in the French version.
  • Voice actors John Cleese and Patrick Stewart turned down the offer.
  • There are scenes in additional footage and the musical version where he expresses a desire to retire as butler.

Alternate names

Cogsworth Cogsworth Big Ben

Tags

Beauty and the Beast Clock Butler Magic Enchanted objects Dutiful Serious Lumiere Mrs. Potts

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Profile

Species
Clock/Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Mantel clock shape about 40cm in height. Antique design in the style of the background era, featuring clock hands that spin around based on emotions.
Height
About 40cm (clock form)
Eye color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Clock hands that move with emotions
  • Wears a wig in human form
  • Transforms into clock shape
Iconic items
  • Clock body itself
  • Clock hands

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Dutiful
Detailed personality
Extremely earnest and dutiful, fussy and attentive to minute details. On the other hand, possesses a tearful and kind-hearted side. Often clashes with Lumiere but they mutually trust each other. Strong sense of responsibility to protect the castle and its master.
Keywords
  • Dutiful
  • Earnest
  • Nagging
  • Strong sense of responsibility
  • Tearful
  • Family-oriented
  • Loyal
Motto
Rules are meant to be followed
Talents
  • High managerial ability as a butler
  • Knowledge of time management
  • Calm judgment
Skills
  • Castle operations management
  • Maintaining order
  • Quick environmental setup
Motivation
To protect the castle and its master, faithfully serving as butler until the magic is lifted.
Habits
Emotions and agitation manifest in the rotation of the clock hands.
Favorite places
Castle, Study, Treasure room
Favorite foods
Tea, Scone
Disliked situations
Disorder, Rule violations, Dangerous intruders

History

Backstory
Formerly served as head butler to the prince and the servants, but was transformed into a clock by the enchantress's curse. Maintains the castle's order daily and lives together with Belle, the Beast, and others.
Debut date
November 22, 1991
Work title
Beauty and the Beast
Media type
Movie

Transformation by magic

Significant event
Transformation by magic
Description
When the prince and servants were transformed from humans into household objects by the curse, head butler Cogsworth was turned into a clock.

Interactions with Belle

Significant event
Interactions with Belle
Description
After Belle arrived at the castle, supported the master Beast, watched over her relationship with him, and managed the castle's order.

Beast vs. Gaston's battle

Significant event
Beast vs. Gaston's battle
Description
When Gaston attacked the castle, worked tirelessly with the other servants to protect the master.

Relationships

Mrs. Potts

Spouse

Like a married couple, and close to Mrs. Potts' son Chip.

Chip

Child

Dotes on him as Mrs. Potts' son.

Lumiere

Moodmaker

Often clash over balancing the castle's order and fun, but trust each other.

Mrs. Potts

Best friend

Support each other in protecting Belle.

Beast

Protector

Deeply reveres as master and does his utmost to protect him.

Castle's enchanted objects

Castle's enchanted objects: leader

Media appearances

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Movie / Supporting

Released in 1991

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

Movie / Supporting

1997

Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World

Movie / Supporting

2003

Kingdom Hearts series

Game / Supporting

2002 onwards

House of Mouse

Anime / Cameo

Beauty and the Beast 'Enchanted Tale'

Theme park

Introduced in 2020

Voice cast and creators

David Ogden Stiers

Voice actor
David Ogden Stiers
Language
English
Version or series
Original theatrical version

Ichio Kumakura

Voice actor
Ichio Kumakura
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Japanese dub

Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (original fairy tale)

Creator name
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (original fairy tale)
Role
Original author

Linda Woolverton

Creator name
Linda Woolverton
Role
Writer

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Creator name
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Role
Animation studio

Walt Disney Pictures

Creator name
Walt Disney Pictures
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Cogsworth Figure

Item name
Cogsworth Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Cogsworth Plush

Item name
Cogsworth Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Cogsworth Clock Ornament

Item name
Cogsworth Clock Ornament
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

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