Who Was Larry Linville?

Larry Linville (September 29, 1939 – April 10, 2000) was a renowned American actor celebrated for his unforgettable portrayal of Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M*A*S*H. His performance as the often pompous and self-righteous doctor left an indelible mark on the world of television, making him a household name and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Born in Ojai, California, Linville embarked on his acting journey after studying at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. His career began in the early 1960s, with small roles in films and television shows paving the way for his big break in 1972 when he joined the cast of M*A*S*H. As Frank Burns, a character known for his arrogance and frequent clashes with fellow surgeons, Linville delivered a performance that was both comedic and compelling. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim, including two Emmy Award nominations, and cemented his place in television history.

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Following his departure from M*A*S*H, Linville continued to act in various film and television projects. However, he never achieved the same level of fame as he did during his time on the sitcom. Tragically, Linville's life was cut short when he passed away from lung cancer in 2000 at the age of 60.

Despite the brevity of his career, Larry Linville's impact on television remains significant. His portrayal of Frank Burns is considered one of the most iconic characters in sitcom history, and his contribution to M*A*S*H helped the show become a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences worldwide.

About Larry Linville

Larry Linville (September 29, 1939 – April 10, 2000) was an accomplished American actor best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M*A*S*H. His work in the entertainment industry spanned several decades, during which he showcased his versatility and talent across multiple mediums.

Actor: Linville's career was marked by his ability to take on diverse roles, demonstrating his adaptability and skill as a performer.
Comedian: Linville's impeccable comedic timing and delivery made him a standout in M*A*S*H, where his portrayal of Frank Burns became legendary.
Character: His interpretation of Frank Burns is one of the most memorable in sitcom history, blending humor with complexity.
Villain: Frank Burns was a quintessential comedic antagonist, characterized by his arrogance, self-righteousness, and cowardice.
Emmy Nominee: Linville's exceptional work on M*A*S*H earned him two Emmy Award nominations, a testament to his talent.
Legacy: Linville's performance as Frank Burns helped M*A*S*H achieve lasting popularity and critical acclaim.

These facets of Larry Linville's career highlight his immense talent and the profound impact he had on the world of television. His portrayal of Frank Burns remains a benchmark for comedic acting, and his work on M*A*S*H has ensured his legacy as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

Birth Name	Larry Linville
Born	September 29, 1939 Ojai, California, U.S.
Died	April 10, 2000 New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1964–2000
Spouse(s)	Kate Geer (1964–2000)
Children	Christian (stepson)

Actor

Larry Linville was a versatile actor whose career spanned the stage, screen, and television. His ability to portray a wide range of characters showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. From his early days in high school theater to his studies at the Pasadena Playhouse, Linville honed his skills and prepared for a lifelong career in acting.

Linville's talent was evident from the start. After graduating from the Pasadena Playhouse, he began his career in theater, performing in productions of Shakespeare, Chekhov, and other classic plays. He also appeared in numerous films and television shows, gaining valuable experience and building a reputation as a reliable and versatile performer. However, it was his role as Frank Burns on M*A*S*H that catapulted him to fame and solidified his place in television history.

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Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns was a masterful display of comedic acting. He brought depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been dismissed as a one-dimensional villain. Through his nuanced performance, Linville made Frank Burns both despicable and pitiable, ensuring that audiences couldn't help but laugh at his antics.

Linville's success as an actor was rooted in his commitment to his craft and his ability to bring authenticity to every role he played. Whether he was performing in a Shakespearean play or delivering lines on a sitcom, Linville approached each project with professionalism and passion. His legacy as a gifted actor continues to inspire new generations of performers.

Comedian

Larry Linville's comedic timing and delivery were instrumental in his success as an actor. His natural ability to deliver lines with impeccable timing and expression made him a standout performer on M*A*S*H, where he played the hilariously flawed Frank Burns. Linville's comedic prowess was evident from his very first appearance on the show, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humor and pathos.

In the episode "Germ Warfare," Linville's comedic skills were on full display as Frank Burns attempted to convince Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) to get a flu shot. Burns' earnest yet absurd reasoning, delivered with Linville's perfect timing, resulted in one of the show's most memorable comedic moments. Linville's ability to convey both humor and sincerity in a single line was a testament to his skill as a comedic actor.

Linville's comedic timing and delivery were crucial to the success of the character Frank Burns. Burns was a character defined by his flaws, yet Linville's masterful portrayal made him both laughable and sympathetic. By balancing humor with pathos, Linville created a character that resonated with audiences and became one of the most iconic figures in sitcom history.

Larry Linville's comedic talents were a cornerstone of his success as an actor. His ability to deliver lines with precision and expression made him an invaluable asset to M*A*S*H and contributed to the show's enduring popularity. His legacy as a comedic actor continues to influence and inspire performers today.

Character

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns on M*A*S*H is widely regarded as one of the most memorable characters in television comedy history. Frank Burns was a complex figure, embodying both humor and pathos through Linville's masterful performance. His portrayal of Burns was a testament to his talent as an actor, showcasing his ability to bring depth and authenticity to even the most challenging roles.

Linville's comedic timing and delivery: Linville's impeccable comedic timing and delivery were essential to the success of his portrayal of Frank Burns. His ability to convey humor through both dialogue and physicality made him a standout performer on M*A*S*H.
Linville's understanding of the character: Linville's deep understanding of Frank Burns allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the role. He recognized the humor in Burns' flaws while also acknowledging his humanity, creating a character that was both laughable and relatable.
Linville's chemistry with the other actors: Linville's chemistry with the other cast members, particularly Alan Alda, was a key factor in the success of M*A*S*H. Their interactions were dynamic and engaging, elevating the show's comedic and dramatic elements.
The writing on M*A*S*H: The show's talented writers created a rich and complex character in Frank Burns, providing Linville with ample material to explore and develop the role.

All of these elements combined to create one of the most memorable characters in sitcom history. Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns was a master class in comedic acting, and it helped M*A*S*H become one of the most beloved and enduring comedies of all time.

Villain

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns on M*A*S*H is celebrated as one of the most memorable villains in television history. Frank Burns was a character defined by his arrogance, self-righteousness, and frequent clashes with his fellow surgeons. Linville's performance brought depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been dismissed as a mere caricature.

The character of Frank Burns was integral to the success of M*A*S*H. He provided a constant source of conflict and humor, and his interactions with the other characters were always entertaining. Linville's portrayal of Burns was so effective that he managed to make the character both detestable and endearing at the same time.

The success of Frank Burns as a character is a testament to Larry Linville's talent as an actor. He took a potentially one-dimensional role and transformed it into a fully realized and multifaceted character. Linville's performance is a master class in comedic acting and remains a highlight of M*A*S*H's illustrious run.

Emmy Nominee

Larry Linville's Emmy nominations are a testament to his exceptional talent and the high quality of his work on M*A*S*H. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Frank Burns, in 1973 and 1974. Although he did not win either award, his nominations were a recognition of his outstanding performance and a validation of his contributions to the show.

Recognition of Excellence: Emmy nominations are a prestigious honor in the television industry, and they are a recognition of an actor's talent and dedication. Linville's two Emmy nominations are a testament to his exceptional performance as Frank Burns.
Critical Acclaim: Emmy nominations are also a sign of critical acclaim. Linville's nominations indicate that his work on M*A*S*H was highly praised by television critics and industry professionals.
Legacy: Linville's Emmy nominations are an important part of his legacy as an actor. They serve as a reminder of his talent and the quality of his work.

Linville's Emmy nominations are a valuable addition to his resume and a testament to his talent as an actor. They highlight the quality of his work on M*A*S*H and ensure that his legacy as a performer will endure for generations to come.

Legacy

Larry Linville's performance as Frank Burns was a major factor in the success of M*A*S*H. His portrayal of the flawed yet endearing doctor was both hilarious and heartwarming, and it helped the show become one of the most popular and enduring comedies of all time.

Linville's performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his work on the show and won a Golden Globe Award in 19