People often remember an actor for just one big part, and that's totally fair. However, looking at the full scope of Larry Linville movies and TV shows reveals a performer with real depth, someone who could bring a lot to many different kinds of stories. He had a way of making even smaller roles stand out, you know, which is pretty neat.

So, if you're curious about the man who gave us Frank Burns, and want to see what other things he did, you've come to the right spot. We'll take a friendly stroll through his impressive career, from his early days to his lasting legacy, and see all the things he did in front of the camera. It's really quite a journey, and we'll look at it all today, in 2024.

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Table of Contents

• Larry Linville: A Life in Acting
• The Iconic Role: Frank Burns in M*A*S*H
• Larry Linville's Movies: A Different Side
• Beyond M*A*S*H: Other Notable TV Appearances
• Stage Work and Later Career
• Larry Linville's Legacy
• Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville
• Where to Watch Larry Linville's Work

Larry Linville: A Life in Acting

Larry Linville, whose full name was Lawrence Lavon Linville, began his life in Ojai, California. He was born on September 29, 1939. From a fairly young age, he seemed to have a natural pull towards the performing arts, which is pretty common for folks who end up in this line of work. He always had a bit of a flair for it, apparently.

He got his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. This was a really important step for him, giving him a strong foundation in acting techniques. It was a place where he could, in a way, learn the ropes from some very good teachers. He really put in the effort there, too.

After his schooling, he started working in theater. This is where many actors get their start, performing live in front of people. He built up his experience on stage, taking on various roles and learning how to truly connect with an audience. This groundwork was, you know, super helpful for what came next in his career.

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Personal Details and Early Life

The Iconic Role: Frank Burns in M*A*S*H

Without a doubt, the character of Major Frank Burns is what most people remember when they think about Larry Linville. He played the part for the first five seasons of M*A*S*H, from 1972 to 1977. Frank Burns was, quite honestly, the perfect foil for the witty and often rebellious Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre. He was, in a way, the character you loved to dislike.

Frank Burns was a rather self-important, often whiny, and somewhat incompetent surgeon. He was also fiercely loyal to the military rules, even when they made no sense, and frequently tried to report Hawkeye and Trapper for their antics. His relationship with Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan was a running gag, too. Larry Linville truly made this character come alive, with all his quirks and frustrations, which is pretty amazing.

The show's humor often came from the clash between Frank's strictness and the other doctors' more relaxed attitudes. Larry Linville's physical comedy and his ability to convey Frank's often childish indignation were, well, just brilliant. He really did a wonderful job with it, making Frank a memorable part of TV history, even though the character was not a perfect person, you know.

Linville left the show after the fifth season because he felt his character had reached a bit of a dead end. He wanted to do other things, and felt he couldn't grow the character any more. He was, in some respects, ready to explore new acting challenges, which is a common feeling for many actors after a long run on a popular show. It was a big decision, clearly.

Larry Linville's Movies: A Different Side

While television was where Larry Linville made his biggest mark, he also appeared in a number of films throughout his career. These roles often let him show a different side of his acting abilities, moving beyond the specific typecasting that can happen with a long-running TV show. He really did try to expand his range, you know.

One of his earlier film appearances was in the 1970 movie Vanished, a TV movie thriller. He also had a part in the 1971 film Kotch, which starred Walter Matthau. These roles, while perhaps not as prominent as his later TV work, allowed him to gain valuable experience in the film world. He was, in a way, building up his film credits.

Later on, he appeared in films like Earthquake in 1974, a disaster film with a huge cast. He played a small but noticeable role in that one. He also showed up in The Girl Most Likely To..., a made-for-TV movie from 1973. These were, in some respects, just some of the things he did outside of the M*A*S*H set.

He even appeared in a 1984 comedy called Grandview, U.S.A., which featured Jamie Lee Curtis and Patrick Swayze. Larry Linville's film roles were, more or less, often supporting parts, but he always brought his unique presence to them. He really made the most of what he was given, apparently.

His work in films, though less extensive than his TV career, demonstrates his range. He could play characters that were serious, or funny, or even a bit menacing, depending on what the script needed. It's a testament to his talent that he wasn't just a one-trick pony, so to speak. He was always, in a way, looking for new things to do.

Beyond M*A*S*H: Other Notable TV Appearances

After leaving M*A*S*H, Larry Linville certainly didn't stop working. He became a very busy guest star on many popular television shows, proving he was a versatile actor who could fit into various genres. He really had a knack for it, you know.

He appeared in a wide array of series. For instance, he popped up in episodes of Mannix, Cannon, and Kolchak: The Night Stalker even before his M*A*S*H fame. These early roles showed his ability to play different kinds of characters, from serious detectives to quirky supporting figures. He was, in a way, always on the go.

After his time as Frank Burns, he continued to be a familiar face on TV. He had roles in shows like The Love Boat, where he often played different characters in various episodes. He also appeared in Fantasy Island, another popular anthology series of the time. These shows were, in some respects, perfect for guest actors.

Linville also had a recurring role as Major General Sam Lane in the 1990s superhero show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. This was a fun part for him, allowing him to play a military figure again, but in a very different context. He really seemed to enjoy that, too. It showed he could do things his own way with a character, even a familiar type.

He also made appearances in comedies like The Jeffersons and Murder, She Wrote, demonstrating his comedic timing and his ability to blend into different ensemble casts. He was, quite honestly, a reliable presence on television for decades. It's pretty cool how many different shows he was a part of, actually.

Beyond these, he was in CHiPs, The Rockford Files, and even voiced a character in the animated series The Great Grape Ape Show. This variety truly highlights his commitment to his craft and his willingness to take on diverse projects. He really did a lot of things, you know, and always with a certain flair.

Stage Work and Later Career

Larry Linville's acting roots were firmly planted in the theater, and he continued to return to the stage throughout his career. Live performance was, in some respects, a true love for him, offering a different kind of connection with an audience compared to television or film. He really enjoyed that immediate feedback, apparently.

He performed in various stage productions, showcasing his range as a dramatic and comedic actor. Theater allowed him to delve deeper into characters and explore longer narratives, something that isn't always possible in guest TV spots. He was, in a way, always learning and growing as an actor on stage.

In his later years, Linville also took on voice acting roles. This is a common path for experienced actors, allowing them to continue performing without the demands of on-screen appearances. He lent his voice to various projects, adding another dimension to his extensive resume. It was, you know, just another facet of his talent.

His final acting credit was in a 1999 episode of the TV show Diagnosis: Murder, just a year before his passing. He remained active in the entertainment world for pretty much his entire adult life, which is a testament to his passion for acting. He was always, in a way, busy doing what he loved, which is a nice thing to think about.

Larry Linville's Legacy

Larry Linville passed away on April 10, 2000, at the age of 60. Even though he's no longer with us, his work, especially as Frank Burns, continues to be enjoyed by new generations of viewers. M*A*S*H remains incredibly popular in reruns and streaming, ensuring his most famous role lives on. It's pretty amazing, really, how lasting his impact has been.

His portrayal of Frank Burns, while often the target of jokes, was also a masterclass in comedic timing and character acting. He made a character who could have been one-dimensional into someone memorable, even if you sometimes felt a bit sorry for him. He truly gave that character a distinct personality, you know.

Beyond Frank Burns, Linville left behind a body of work that shows his versatility and dedication to his craft. From dramatic roles to lighthearted comedies, he approached each part with professionalism and skill. He was, in some respects, a true working actor, always ready for the next challenge.

His career reminds us that while some actors become superstars, many others contribute hugely to our entertainment through steady, quality work across many different projects. Larry Linville was, in a way, one of those reliable, talented performers who made so many shows better just by being in them. He really did, you know, make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville

People often have questions about Larry Linville, especially concerning his most famous role. Here are a few common ones that folks ask, just to clear things up a bit.

Why did Larry Linville leave M*A*S*H?

Larry Linville chose to leave M*A*S*H after its fifth season. He felt that his character, Frank Burns, had stopped growing and there wasn't much more he could do with the part. He was, in a way, ready for new acting challenges and wanted to explore different roles. It was, you know, a creative decision for him.

Was Larry Linville a real military officer?

No, Larry Linville was an actor who played military characters, most famously Frank Burns. He did not serve in the military in real life. He was, you know, just very good at playing those types of roles, which is why people sometimes get confused.

What was Larry Linville's last TV appearance?

Larry Linville's last credited television appearance was in an episode of the mystery series Diagnosis: Murder in 1999. He played the character of Walter Newman in that episode. It was, in some respects, a fitting final role for a career filled with TV work.

Where to Watch Larry Linville's Work

If you're looking to watch Larry Linville movies and TV shows, you have a few good options today. The easiest way to see his most famous work is to stream M*A*S*H. It's widely available on various streaming platforms, so you can revisit Frank Burns whenever you like. It's pretty easy to find, you know.

For his other TV appearances, many classic shows are also available on streaming services or through digital rentals. You might find episodes of The Love Boat or Fantasy Island with him as a guest star. Sometimes, older films he was in pop up on classic movie channels, too. You can learn more about Larry Linville's filmography on our site, and link to this page IMDb for more details.

Exploring his full range of work, from those early roles to his later guest spots, really gives you a better appreciation for his talent. It's a nice way to spend some time, perhaps discovering a performance you've never seen before. He really did leave behind a lot of great stuff to watch, actually.