Who was Larry Linville? Larry Linville was an American actor best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M AS H.

Linville was born in Ojai, California, on September 29, 1939. He began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1972, he was cast as Frank Burns on MA SH, a role he would play for the next five seasons. Burns was a pompous and arrogant surgeon who was constantly at odds with the other characters on the show. Linville's portrayal of Burns was both hilarious and heartbreaking, and he quickly became a fan favorite.

After leaving M AS H, Linville continued to act in film and television. He also appeared in several stage productions, including a one-man show about his experiences on MA SH. Linville died of lung cancer on April 10, 2000.

| Personal Details | Information ||---|---|| Name | Larry Linville || Birth Date | September 29, 1939 || Birth Place | Ojai, California, U.S. || Death Date | April 10, 2000 || Occupation | Actor || Years Active | 1960-2000 || Known for | Frank Burns on M AS*H |

Larry Linville's legacy

Larry Linville was a talented actor who brought to life one of the most memorable characters in television history. His portrayal of Frank Burns was both hilarious and heartbreaking, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Linville's death in 2000 was a great loss to the world of entertainment, but his work continues to entertain and inspire audiences today.

Larry Linville

Larry Linville, an American actor, is best known for his portrayal of Frank Burns in the beloved sitcom M AS H. His character, a pompous and arrogant surgeon, brought both humor and pathos to the show, making him a fan favorite.

Actor: Linville's career spanned several decades, with roles in film, television, and stage.
MA SH: His most famous role, Frank Burns, showcased his comedic and dramatic talents.
Frank Burns: Linville's portrayal of the uptight surgeon remains iconic in television history.
Humor: Linville's delivery of Burns's sarcastic quips was a highlight of the show.
Heartbreak: Despite Burns's unlikable qualities, Linville brought a vulnerability to the character that made him relatable.
Legacy: Linville's work continues to entertain and inspire audiences.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's multifaceted career and memorable performances, particularly as Frank Burns in M AS*H, have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His ability to blend humor and pathos, coupled with his dedication to his craft, has made him an unforgettable figure in American television.

1. Actor

Larry Linville's extensive career as an actor showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft. His filmography includes notable roles in both comedic and dramatic productions, spanning across different mediums.

Film
Linville appeared in several feature films, including "The Graduate" (1967), "MASH" (1970), and "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972). His performances on the big screen demonstrated his range and ability to adapt to diverse characters.
Television
Linville is best known for his iconic role as Frank Burns in the long-running sitcom "M AS H" (1972-1977). This character brought him immense popularity and critical acclaim, solidifying his status as a comedic talent.
Stage
Beyond his screen work, Linville also had a successful stage career. He performed in various productions, including a one-man show about his experiences on "MA SH." His theatrical performances showcased his versatility as an actor and his commitment to live performance.

Larry Linville's diverse body of work as an actor in film, television, and stage highlights his exceptional talent and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances. His versatility and dedication to his craft have left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

2. M AS H: His most famous role, Frank Burns, showcased his comedic and dramatic talents.

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in the sitcom MA SH catapulted him to fame and solidified his status as a comedic talent. His performance deftly blended humor and pathos, creating a character that was both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

Comedic Genius
Linville's delivery of Burns's sarcastic quips and over-the-top antics brought laughter to audiences week after week. His impeccable timing and expressive facial expressions elevated even the most mundane lines into comedic gold.
Dramatic Depth
Beneath Burns's blustery exterior lay a complex and vulnerable individual. Linville imbued the character with a sense of loneliness and insecurity, adding depth and nuance to what could have been a one-dimensional villain.
Character Development
Over the course of the show's 11 seasons, Burns underwent significant character development. Linville skillfully portrayed his transformation from a self-absorbed bigot to a more compassionate and understanding individual.
Cultural Impact
Burns's character resonated with audiences on a cultural level, becoming a symbol of the hypocrisy and absurdity of war. Linville's portrayal exposed the flaws of the military system and the devastating impact of conflict on the human psyche.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's performance as Frank Burns in M AS*H showcased his exceptional comedic and dramatic talents. His ability to bring both humor and pathos to the character made Burns one of the most memorable and beloved figures in television history.

3. Frank Burns

The character of Frank Burns, as portrayed by Larry Linville in the sitcom M AS*H, has become an iconic figure in television history. Linville's masterful performance brought to life a character that was both deeply unlikeable and oddly sympathetic, creating a memorable and enduring character.

Linville's portrayal of Burns was a key component of the show's success. His ability to deliver sarcastic quips with perfect timing, combined with his expressive facial expressions, made Burns one of the most quotable and recognizable characters on television. However, Linville also brought a sense of vulnerability to the character, revealing the insecurities and loneliness that lay beneath Burns's blustery exterior.

The connection between Frank Burns and Larry Linville is undeniable. Linville's performance brought the character to life, making him one of the most memorable and iconic figures in television history. Burns's uptight and arrogant demeanor, coupled with his moments of vulnerability, created a complex and fascinating character that has resonated with audiences for generations.

4. Humor

Larry Linville's comedic timing and delivery were essential to the success of the character Frank Burns in the sitcom M AS H. His ability to deliver sarcastic quips with precision and wit made Burns one of the most quotable and memorable characters in television history.

Linville's humor was not simply a matter of delivering funny lines. He understood the character of Burns and knew how to use humor to highlight his flaws and insecurities. Burns's sarcastic remarks often revealed his own pettiness and jealousy, and Linville's delivery made these moments both hilarious and cringe-worthy.

The humor that Linville brought to the role of Frank Burns was a key component of the show's success. It provided a much-needed release from the often heavy and emotional storylines, and it helped to make MA SH one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.

5. Heartbreak

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in the sitcom M AS*H was a masterclass in acting. Despite Burns's unlikable qualities, Linville brought a vulnerability to the character that made him relatable and even sympathetic.

Loneliness and Isolation
Beneath Burns's blustery exterior lay a deeply lonely and isolated individual. Linville's performance captured this loneliness, making Burns a tragic figure despite his often unlikeable behavior.
Insecurity and Self-Doubt
Burns was constantly insecure and self-doubting. Linville's portrayal revealed the character's, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.
Yearning for Acceptance
Burns desperately yearned for acceptance from his peers. Linville's performance captured this longing, making Burns a sympathetic figure despite his often unlikable actions.

Linville's ability to bring vulnerability to such an unlikable character is a testament to his skill as an actor. He created a character that was both deeply flawed and deeply human, making him one of the most memorable and relatable characters in television history.

6. Legacy

Larry Linville's work as an actor has left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His performances, particularly his portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS*H, continue to entertain and inspire audiences to this day.

Linville's work is significant because it showcased his exceptional comedic and dramatic talents. He was able to bring both humor and pathos to his characters, making them both memorable and relatable. His performance as Frank Burns is a prime example of this, as he created a character who was both deeply unlikeable and yet somehow sympathetic.

The legacy of Larry Linville's work is also evident in the way it has inspired other actors and comedians. His unique style of delivery and his ability to find humor in even the most difficult situations have influenced generations of performers.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's legacy as an actor is one of excellence and inspiration. His work continues to entertain and inspire audiences, and his influence can be seen in the work of many other actors and comedians today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Larry Linville

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the life and career of Larry Linville.

Question 1: What was Larry Linville's most famous role?

Larry Linville is best known for his portrayal of Frank Burns in the sitcom M AS H, a role that earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Question 2: Was Larry Linville in the military?

No, Larry Linville was not in the military. He portrayed a fictional character, Frank Burns, who was a surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Question 3: What was Larry Linville's cause of death?

Larry Linville died of lung cancer on April 10, 2000, at the age of 60.

Question 4: What are some of Larry Linville's other notable works?

In addition to his role in MA SH, Larry Linville appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Graduate," "The Poseidon Adventure," and "The Rockford Files."

Question 5: What was Larry Linville's legacy?

Larry Linville left a lasting legacy as a talented actor and comedian. His portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS*H is considered one of the most iconic comedic performances in television history.

This concludes our FAQ section on Larry Linville. We hope this information has been helpful in clarifying some of the common questions about his life and career.

Transition to the next article section: Larry Linville's Biography

Conclusion

Larry Linville's career as an actor was marked by his exceptional comedic and dramatic talents. His portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS H remains one of the most iconic performances in television history, showcasing his ability to bring both humor and pathos to a complex character.

Linville's legacy extends beyond his time on MA SH. His work continues to entertain and inspire audiences, and his influence can be seen in the work of many other actors and comedians today. Linville's ability to create characters that were both deeply flawed and deeply human is a testament to his skill as an actor and his dedication to his craft.