The Unforgettable Larry Linville: A Legacy Of Laughter

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.

Born in Ojai, California, on September 29, 1939, Linville began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1972, he was cast as the uptight and pompous Captain Frank Burns in MA SH, a role that would make him a household name. Linville played Burns for five seasons, leaving the show in 1977.

After leaving M AS H, Linville continued to act, appearing in films and television shows such as The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote. He also did voice work for animated films and television shows, including The Simpsons and King of the Hill.

Linville died on April 10, 2000, at the age of 60, from cancer. He is remembered as one of the most memorable characters in MA SH history.

Larry Linville

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

• Actor: Linville's career spanned over three decades, with roles in film, television, and theater.
• Comedian: Linville's comedic timing and delivery made him a standout performer in MA SH.
• Character: Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns is considered one of the most memorable characters in television history.
• Veteran: Linville served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
• Educator: Linville taught acting at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Linville's work in M AS*H earned him two Emmy Award nominations. He also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in the film The Love Boat. Linville's legacy as a talented actor and comedian continues to inspire and entertain audiences.

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 (1962-1970)
Children	Kelly Linville

Actor

Larry Linville's career as an actor was marked by versatility and longevity. He appeared in a wide range of roles across different mediums, showcasing his for both comedy and drama.

• Film: Linville made his film debut in the 1964 film "The Best Man." He went on to appear in over 30 films, including "MASH" (1970), "The Love Boat" (1977), and "The Long Goodbye" (1973).
• Television: Linville is best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom "M AS*H." He also appeared in numerous other television shows, including "The Twilight Zone," "The Rockford Files," and "Murder, She Wrote."
• Theater: Linville began his career in the theater, and he continued to perform on stage throughout his life. He appeared in both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including "The Odd Couple" and "Glengarry Glen Ross."

Linville's diverse career is a testament to his as an actor. He was able to play a wide range of roles with ease, and he always brought a unique energy and charisma to his performances.

Comedian

Larry Linville's comedic timing and delivery were essential to his success in MA SH.

• Physical comedy: Linville was a master of physical comedy, using his body and facial expressions to create hilarious moments. For example, in one episode, he tries to hide from Hawkeye and B.J. by pretending to be a tree, but his body language gives him away.
• Verbal comedy: Linville also had a great sense of verbal comedy, and he delivered his lines with impeccable timing. For example, in one episode, he tells Hawkeye, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV."
• Character comedy: Linville's character, Frank Burns, was a pompous and uptight foil to Hawkeye and B.J.'s more laid-back personalities. Linville played the role with such conviction that he made Burns one of the most memorable characters in television history.
• Ensemble comedy: M AS H was a true ensemble comedy, and Linville was a key member of the cast. He worked well with the other actors, and he always knew how to get a laugh.

Linville's comedic timing and delivery were a major factor in the success of MA SH. He was a gifted comedian who could make audiences laugh with just a look or a well-timed line. His work on M AS*H helped to make the show one of the most popular and enduring comedies in television history.

Character

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS H is widely regarded as one of the most memorable characters in television history. His performance was nuanced and complex, bringing depth and humanity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

• Linville's Physicality: Linville's physicality was a key element in his portrayal of Frank Burns. He used his body language and facial expressions to create a character that was both pompous and vulnerable. For example, Burns's trademark smirk conveyed his disdain for others, while his nervous gestures revealed his insecurity.
• Linville's Voice: Linville's voice was another essential element in his portrayal of Frank Burns. He used his voice to create a character that was both grating and sympathetic. Burns's high-pitched voice and nasal delivery were often used for comedic effect, but Linville also used his voice to convey Burns's moments of vulnerability.
• Linville's Timing: Linville's timing was impeccable, and he knew exactly how to deliver a line for maximum impact. He could get a laugh with a simple facial expression or a well-timed pause. Linville's timing was essential to the success of M AS H, and it helped to make Frank Burns one of the most memorable characters in television history.
• Linville's Chemistry with Other Actors: Linville had great chemistry with the other actors on M AS H, especially Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce. Their on-screen relationship was one of the most iconic in television history, and it helped to make MA SH one of the most popular and enduring comedies of all time.

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns is a master class in character acting. He created a character that was both hilarious and heartbreaking, and he made Burns one of the most memorable characters in television history.

Veteran

Larry Linville's military service during the Korean War shaped his life and career in several ways:

• Discipline and Teamwork: Military service instills discipline and teamwork, which are essential qualities for actors. Linville's military experience helped him to develop the discipline and focus necessary to succeed in the demanding world of acting. He was also able to draw on his military experience to create realistic and believable characters.
• Leadership: Linville served as a platoon leader in the Army, which gave him valuable leadership experience. This experience helped him to develop the confidence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the entertainment industry. He was able to use his leadership skills to motivate and inspire other actors and crew members.
• Patriotism: Linville's military service gave him a deep sense of patriotism and love for his country. This patriotism is evident in many of his roles, including his portrayal of Frank Burns in MA SH.

Larry Linville's military service was a significant part of his life and career. It helped to shape his character and gave him the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Educator

Larry Linville's role as an educator at UCLA had a profound impact on his career and legacy. Here are a few key connections between his work as an educator and his identity as an actor:

• Teaching as a Source of Inspiration: Linville's experiences as an acting teacher provided him with a wealth of material for his own performances. He was able to draw on his observations of his students to create more realistic and nuanced characters.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: As an educator, Linville had the opportunity to mentor and collaborate with aspiring actors. This allowed him to share his knowledge and experience, while also learning from the younger generation of actors.
• Giving Back to the Community: Linville's work as an educator was a way for him to give back to the acting community. He was passionate about teaching and helping others to succeed in the field.

Larry Linville's role as an educator was an important part of his life and career. It allowed him to share his passion for acting with others, while also providing him with a source of inspiration and collaboration.

FAQs about Larry Linville

This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about the renowned actor, Larry Linville.

Question 1: What is Larry Linville best known for?

Larry Linville is best known for his portrayal of the pompous and uptight Captain Frank Burns in the popular television series M AS*H.

Question 2: When was Larry Linville born?

Larry Linville was born on September 29, 1939, in Ojai, California.

Question 3: When did Larry Linville die?

Larry Linville passed away on April 10, 2000, in New York City at the age of 60.

Question 4: What was Larry Linville's cause of death?

Larry Linville died from cancer.

Question 5: Was Larry Linville married?

Yes, Larry Linville was married to actress Kate Geer from 1962 to 1970.

Question 6: Did Larry Linville have any children?

Yes, Larry Linville had one daughter named Kelly Linville.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of Larry Linville's life and career. For more comprehensive information, please refer to the full article.

Proceed to the next section for further insights into Larry Linville's legacy and impact on the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Larry Linville's legacy as an actor, comedian, and educator is undeniable. His contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly through his iconic portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS*H, have left an enduring mark. Linville's dedication to his craft, his impeccable timing, and his ability to bring depth to even the most unlikeable characters have made him one of the most memorable and beloved actors of his time.

As we reflect on Linville's remarkable career, let us appreciate the enduring impact he has had on the world of entertainment. His work continues to inspire and entertain audiences, reminding us of the power of laughter, the importance of authenticity, and the transformative nature of human connection.