Larry Linville - The Actor Behind Frank Burns

For many who grew up watching television, some characters just stick with you, becoming a part of the cultural conversation. One such figure, a person who truly brought a particular kind of personality to life on screen, was Larry Linville. He played a character who, to be honest, many loved to dislike, making him a very memorable part of a truly popular show.

This individual, Larry Linville, was a performer whose work spanned quite a few years, leaving behind a collection of roles for people to enjoy. While he took on many different parts in films and on television, it's fair to say that one particular role stands out, the one that made him a household name for a good many folks. That part, of course, was the rather particular surgeon on a well-known series about a wartime hospital.

We're going to take a look at the life and work of Larry Linville, exploring his early days, the big role that defined so much of his public image, and the other performances he gave. It's interesting, you know, how one character can so completely capture an actor's public identity, even when they've done so much more. This is, in a way, a chance to remember someone who made a real mark on the screen.

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Table of Contents

• The Life Story of Larry Linville
• Where Did Larry Linville's Path Begin?
• What Made Frank Burns So Memorable for Larry Linville?
• Beyond M*A*S*H - Larry Linville's Other Performances
• How Did Larry Linville's Time on M*A*S*H Conclude?
• What Was Larry Linville's Personal Life Like?
• Remembering Larry Linville - His Final Years
• The Enduring Impact of Larry Linville's Contributions

The Life Story of Larry Linville

Larry Linville, whose full name was Lawrence Lavon Linville, came into the world on September 29, 1939, in a place called Ojai, California, in the United States. His parents were Fay Pauline Kennedy and Harry Lavon Linville. It's interesting to consider how a person's beginnings shape their path, and for Larry, his family moved fairly quickly after he was born. They settled in Sacramento, California, which is where a good portion of his early years would unfold.

He attended school in Sacramento, learning and growing up there. However, his educational pursuits took him a bit further afield later on. He made a move to Colorado, where he enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder. This step in his schooling marked a period where he began to truly focus on his calling. While at the university, he took part in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, an experience that, you know, surely helped shape his skills as a performer. He completed his high school education at El Camino High School in 1957, setting the stage for what was to come.

Personal Details - Larry Linville

Where Did Larry Linville's Path Begin?

Larry Linville's journey into the world of acting really took root during his time in college, as we just mentioned. His participation in a respected dramatic arts program suggests a person truly dedicated to learning the craft. It's like, he wasn't just dabbling; he was putting in the effort to truly understand how to bring characters to life. This early dedication, you see, laid the groundwork for a career that would span more than three decades, a pretty long run for anyone in the performing arts.

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Before becoming the very recognizable face of Frank Burns, Larry Linville had already started building a collection of acting appearances. He was, to put it simply, a working actor, taking on various parts and getting his experience. This period, before the big break, is often where performers refine their skills and figure out what kind of roles they connect with most. For Larry, it meant being part of different productions, gathering the practical know-how that would serve him well later on. He was, in a way, preparing for the role that would truly make his name stick in people's minds.

What Made Frank Burns So Memorable for Larry Linville?

When you think about Larry Linville, the character of Major Frank Burns from the television series M*A*S*H is probably the first thing that comes to mind for a good many people. He was the actor who brought this particular individual to life on screen. Frank Burns was portrayed as a surgeon with a rather sour disposition, someone who often found himself at odds with others, especially the more laid-back medical staff. He was also, you know, someone who held a special affection for Margaret Houlihan, a fellow officer on the show, which added another layer to his personality.

The show itself, M*A*S*H, was a comedy-drama that followed the daily happenings of an army hospital staff during the Korean War. It became a huge hit, and a lot of that had to do with the people who played the parts. Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns was, to be honest, a big part of why the show worked so well. He made the character, who could be quite irritating, still somehow compelling to watch. It's almost as if he perfected the art of playing someone you loved to hate, which is a real skill for an actor to have, don't you think?

His work on M*A*S*H, which started in 1972, really put Larry Linville on the map. Even though he had over 70 acting appearances to his name throughout his career, it's this particular part that people remember him for the most. The series, for its part, was incredibly popular, receiving 153 award nominations over its run. This level of recognition speaks volumes about the quality of the show and, by extension, the performances of its cast members, including Larry Linville. He was, quite simply, a central piece of a truly beloved program.

Beyond M*A*S*H - Larry Linville's Other Performances

While the character of Frank Burns certainly became Larry Linville's signature role, it's important to remember that his talent extended far beyond the confines of the 4077th. He was, after all, an actor with a career that spanned many years and included a good number of different projects. You see, a performer rarely sticks to just one thing, and Larry was no exception. He appeared in various films and television programs, showing his range and ability to take on different kinds of parts.

For example, Larry Linville made appearances in movies like "Earth Girls Are Easy," which was a bit different from the serious, yet humorous, tone of M*A*S*H. He also showed up on television shows such as "Lois & Clark," a program that brought a classic superhero story to the small screen, and "Night Court," a comedy set in a courtroom. These roles, you know, allowed him to explore different styles of acting and work with a variety of other performers. It's a testament to his versatility that he could move from a wartime drama to a lighthearted film or a sitcom with what seems like ease.

His work on shows like "Paper Dolls," which came out in 1984, and "Mannix," from 1967, also highlight the breadth of his work. These were, in a way, significant parts of his professional journey, even if they didn't quite capture the public's imagination in the same way M*A*S*H did. Larry Linville, you could say, was a consistent presence on screens for a long time, bringing his particular brand of performance to various stories and characters. He was, actually, a working actor through and through, contributing to many different productions.

How Did Larry Linville's Time on M*A*S*H Conclude?

Larry Linville's time as Frank Burns on M*A*S*H came to an end in 1977. This happened after his contract with the show reached its conclusion. It's a common thing in television, you know, for actors to have contracts that run for a certain number of years, and when those are up, decisions are made about what comes next. For Larry, this meant moving on from the role that had made him so well-known. It must have been, in a way, a significant moment for him, leaving behind a character that had become such a big part of his life and public identity.

The show itself, M*A*S*H, continued on after his departure, but the dynamic certainly shifted without Frank Burns. His character was, in some respects, a key part of the early humor and tension on the program. The decision to leave was his, as his contract was simply not renewed, and he chose not to sign a new one. This kind of professional choice is something many performers face, balancing the comfort of a steady role with the desire for new challenges or different kinds of work. For Larry Linville, it marked the end of a very important chapter in his acting story.

The series, as we've noted, remains a cherished piece of television history to this day. The movie that inspired it is also considered a classic. It's a bit sad, actually, to think about how many of the people who brought these stories to life are no longer with us. Larry Linville's departure from the show, and later his passing, are part of that bigger picture of a beloved cast and crew. His contribution, though, is still very much a part of why the show holds such a special place for so many viewers, even all these years later. He was, quite simply, an important piece of the puzzle.

What Was Larry Linville's Personal Life Like?

Beyond his professional life on screen, Larry Linville also had a personal life that included several marriages. He was, you know, a person who experienced the ups and downs of relationships, just like anyone else. Over the years, he was married to five different women. These included Deborah Guydon, Susan Hagan, Melissa Gallant, Vaughn Taylor, and Kate Geer. Each of these relationships, we can imagine, played a part in his life story, shaping him in various ways.

Details about the inner workings of these marriages are not widely shared, which is pretty typical for public figures. People tend to keep their private lives, well, private. However, the fact that he had multiple marriages is part of his biography, offering a glimpse into his personal journey outside of his acting roles. It shows, in a way, a person seeking connection and companionship throughout his life. This aspect of Larry Linville's story reminds us that even those we see on television have lives that extend far beyond the characters they play.

It's interesting to consider how a person balances a very public career with the more intimate parts of their life. For someone like Larry Linville, who was so recognizable for a particular character, it must have been a unique challenge. His personal connections, including his marriages, were, to be honest, a fundamental part of who he was as a person, separate from the fame that came with being Frank Burns. He was, in some respects, living a full life, both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes.

Remembering Larry Linville - His Final Years

Larry Linville's life came to an end on April 10, 2000. He passed away in New York City, New York, in the United States. His death, at the age of 60, was a sad moment for those who remembered his work, especially his iconic role on M*A*S*H. The cause of his passing was pneumonia. It's also known that he had been suffering from cancer and had a lung removed, which likely contributed to his overall health challenges in his later years. This is, you know, a reminder of the fragility of life.

His passing brought an end to a career that spanned over three decades, a remarkable run for any performer. He left behind a legacy of work that, as we've discussed, is primarily remembered for his portrayal of Frank Burns. The news of his death was widely reported, with many remembering him as the actor who played the somewhat "sniveling" major on the CBS television program. It's a moment when people reflect on the contributions someone has made to entertainment and culture. He was, in a way, a part of many people's living room experiences for years.

The loss of cast members from beloved shows like M*A*S*H is always felt by fans. It’s a bit like losing a familiar face, someone you’ve welcomed into your home through the television screen. Larry Linville's death was one such moment for those who cherished the show. His performance, even if the character was meant to be a bit irritating, was a key part of the show's enduring appeal. He was, in some respects, a fixture on television for a good long while, and his absence was certainly noted by those who admired his work.

The Enduring Impact of Larry Linville's Contributions

The impact of Larry Linville's work, particularly his role as Frank Burns, continues to resonate with audiences even today. The fact that M*A*S*H remains a popular show, watched by new generations, means that his performance lives on. He created a character that, you know, was truly unique and unforgettable, someone who could elicit strong reactions from viewers. That kind of lasting impression is something many actors strive for, and Larry Linville certainly achieved it with Frank Burns.

His ability to portray a character who was, in a way, both frustrating and oddly endearing speaks volumes about his acting capabilities. It's not easy to make a character who is often the target of jokes still feel like a real person. Larry Linville managed to do just that, giving Frank Burns a certain human quality despite his flaws. This is, actually, a testament to his skill as a performer, making even the less likable aspects of a character feel authentic.

When we think about the great cast members of M*A*S*H, Larry Linville is always part of that conversation. While there were, as the information suggests, sometimes tensions among the cast members on the set, the overall product was something truly special. Larry Linville's contribution to that collective effort was, in some respects, invaluable. He was a key player in a show that made history, and his work will continue to be appreciated by those who discover or revisit the series. He was, quite simply, a very important part of a television phenomenon.

This article has explored the life and career of Larry Linville, from his birth in Ojai, California, and his early education, to his extensive acting career with over 70 credits. We looked at his most celebrated role as Major Frank Burns on M*A*S*H, discussing what made that character so memorable and the circumstances of his departure from the show. We also touched upon his other acting appearances in films and television programs, as well as aspects of his personal life, including his marriages. Finally, we considered his passing in 2000 and the lasting impact of his contributions to entertainment.