Remembering Larry Linville: The Life & Legacy Of Frank Burns

03 May, 2025

Could one name encapsulate a career, a character, and an era? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, and that name is Larry Linville.

Larry Linville, a name that resonates with fans of classic television, particularly those who reveled in the comedic brilliance of the CBS series M AS H. Linville, the American actor, etched his name into television history with his unforgettable portrayal of Major Frank Burns, the often-grumpy, sometimes-sniveling, and always-memorable ranking surgeon. While his character, a foil to the more progressive and irreverent doctors of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, provided endless comedic fodder, Linville himself was a multifaceted actor with a career that extended beyond the confines of the hit show. His talent, unfortunately, was cut short, leaving a void in the world of entertainment when he passed away in 2000 due to complications from pneumonia after a cancer operation.

Born on September 29, 1939, in Ojai, California, Larry Linville's journey to becoming a celebrated actor was marked by a circuitous route. Before finding his calling in the world of acting, Linville briefly pursued aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado. However, the allure of the stage proved too strong. He embarked on an acting career that would span decades, leaving an impressive legacy behind. His early work included appearances in various television shows and films, honing his craft and setting the stage for his breakthrough role.

Category	Details
Full Name	Larry Linville
Date of Birth	September 29, 1939
Place of Birth	Ojai, California, USA
Date of Death	2000
Cause of Death	Pneumonia (complications from cancer operation)
Known For	Major Frank Burns in MA SH
Other Notable Roles	Appearances in various films and TV shows including "Earth Girls Are Easy", "Lois & Clark", "Night Court", "Mannix", and "Paper Dolls."
Marriages	Married five times: Kate Geer (April 25, 1962), Deborah Guydon, Susan Hagan, Melissa Gallant, and Vaughn Taylor.
Children	Daughter, Kelly Linville (born 1970)
Education	Studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado
Awards and Nominations (M AS H)	MA SH received 153 award nominations and won 62 awards, including 14 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Reference Website	IMDB

The role that catapulted Linville to stardom was, without a doubt, Major Frank Burns in M AS H. As Burns, Linville embodied the quintessential military surgeon uptight, rule-bound, and often the source of both irritation and amusement. His interactions with Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, played by Loretta Swit, were a running gag throughout the series, filled with both subtle humor and an underlying tension. The character's comedic timing and ability to portray complex characters, particularly the way he navigated his obsession with Margaret, earned Linville a place among the most recognizable faces on television.

MA SH, a show that ran from 1972 to 1983, became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its blend of comedy and commentary on the realities of war. The show, a comedy-drama set during the Korean War, followed the lives of the doctors and nurses of the 4077th, offering a unique perspective on the absurdity of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit. The series was based on the novel by Richard Hooker (using the nom de plume of Richard Hornberger) titled MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors. The program's success was evident in its numerous award nominations and wins, cementing its status as one of the most beloved and influential television broadcasts of all time. In fact, the show collected 153 award nominations in all and managed to win 62, including 14 Primetime Emmys.

Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns was so compelling that it sometimes overshadowed the actor himself. While his performance was central to the show's success, Linville, in a 1977 move, decided to leave M AS Hafter his contract expired. Although his departure from the show may have surprised some fans, it allowed Linville to pursue other projects and expand his range as an actor. Following his exit from MA SH, Linville continued to work in television and film, demonstrating his versatility in various roles, though he would always be remembered for the character that brought him fame.

Beyond his most famous role, Linville appeared in a range of other television shows and films. He showcased his versatility in projects like Earth Girls Are Easy, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and Night Court. These roles, although not always as high-profile as his work on M AS H, illustrated his willingness to take on diverse characters and contribute to different genres. Linville's career included over 70 acting credits, a testament to his dedication to his craft.

Linville's personal life was marked by several marriages. He was married five times, including to actress Kate Geer, with whom he had a daughter, Kelly Linville, who went on to pursue a career as a unit still photographer. Each of these relationships, though private, played a part in shaping the man behind the iconic character.

The news of Linville's death in 2000, at the age of 60, was met with sadness by fans who had grown up with his character. He passed away in New York following complications from pneumonia, after battling cancer. His passing marked the end of an era for many who had watched MA SH week after week, but his legacy remained. Linvilles performance as Major Frank Burns provided an invaluable role in a television series that changed the way the world looked at sitcoms.

In the world of entertainment, few actors manage to define a character as completely as Larry Linville did with Frank Burns. His comedic timing, his ability to embody the quirks of a character, and his commitment to his craft all contributed to an unforgettable performance. Larry Linville's life, though cut short, left an indelible mark on television history, reminding us of the power of a well-crafted character and the enduring impact of a truly talented actor. Linville's contribution to the world of entertainment is one that continues to be celebrated and remembered by fans of classic television.

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