Larry Linville: The Man Behind Frank Burns

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 played the role from 1972 to 1977, and his character was known for his uptight and by-the-book personality.

Linville was born in Ojai, California, in 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 M AS H, and the role would become his most famous. Linville played Burns for five seasons, and his character was a key part of the show's success.

After leaving M AS H, Linville continued to act in films and television shows. He also appeared on stage, and he wrote several books. Linville died in 2000 at the age of 60.

Larry Linville was a talented actor who brought the character of Frank Burns to life. His performance was a key part of the success of M AS H, and he will always be remembered for his work on the show.

Larry Linville

Larry Linville was an American actor best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M AS H. Here are seven key aspects of his life and career:

• Actor: Linville's primary profession was acting, and he appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.
• Frank Burns: Linville's most famous role was that of Frank Burns on M AS H, a uptight and by-the-book Army surgeon.
• Comedian: Linville had a gift for comedy, and he often used his sharp wit to deliver hilarious performances.
• Writer: In addition to acting, Linville also wrote several books, including a memoir titled Never Get Your Rocks Off.
• Teacher: Linville taught acting at the University of California, Los Angeles, and he was known for his passion for the craft.
• Activist: Linville was an active supporter of social and political causes, and he often spoke out against injustice.
• Humanitarian: Linville was a kind and compassionate person, and he often donated his time and resources to help others.

These seven key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of Larry Linville's life and career. He was a talented actor, comedian, writer, and teacher, and he used his platform to make a positive impact on the world.

1. Actor

Larry Linville's primary profession was acting, and he appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. He is best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M AS H, but he also appeared in a wide variety of other roles, including both comedic and dramatic parts.

• Film
  Linville appeared in over 50 films during his career, including The Graduate (1967), M AS H (1970), and The Poseidon Adventure (1972). He often played supporting roles, but he also had several leading roles, such as in the 1971 film The Love Machine.
• Television
  Linville appeared in over 100 television shows during his career, including The Twilight Zone, The Rockford Files, and Magnum, P.I. He often played guest roles, but he also had several recurring roles, such as his role as Frank Burns on M AS H.
• Stage
  Linville also appeared in several stage productions during his career, including The Odd Couple and Arsenic and Old Lace. He was a skilled stage actor, and he often received critical acclaim for his performances.
• Voice acting
  Linville also did some voice acting during his career, including providing the voice of the character Yosemite Sam in several Looney Tunes cartoons.

Larry Linville was a versatile and talented actor who appeared in a wide variety of roles throughout his career. He was best known for his role as Frank Burns on M AS H, but he also appeared in many other films, television shows, and stage productions. Linville was a gifted actor who brought his unique brand of humor and charisma to every role he played.

2. Frank Burns

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns on M AS H was a defining moment in his career. The role brought him widespread recognition and cemented his status as a talented comedic actor. Linville's performance as the uptight and by-the-book Army surgeon was both hilarious and heartbreaking, and it helped to make M AS H one of the most popular and enduring sitcoms of all time.

The character of Frank Burns was based on a real-life Army surgeon named John "Jack" Hawkeye Pierce. Pierce was a strict and unyielding officer who often clashed with his fellow doctors and nurses. However, Linville brought a unique charm and vulnerability to the role, making Burns a more complex and sympathetic character than his real-life counterpart. Linville's performance also helped to highlight the absurdity of war and the importance of finding humor in even the darkest of times.

Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns had a profound impact on popular culture. The character became a symbol of uptight authority and bureaucratic inefficiency. However, Linville's performance also showed that even the most unlikable characters can have redeeming qualities. Linville's work on M AS H helped to raise the bar for comedic acting, and his performance as Frank Burns remains one of the most iconic in television history.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns on M AS H was a defining moment in his career. The role brought him widespread recognition and cemented his status as a talented comedic actor. Linville's performance as the uptight and by-the-book Army surgeon was both hilarious and heartbreaking, and it helped to make M AS H one of the most popular and enduring sitcoms of all time.

3. Comedian

Larry Linville's comedic talent was evident throughout his career. He had a natural ability to find humor in even the most mundane situations, and he used his sharp wit to deliver hilarious performances that delighted audiences.

• Timing: Linville had impeccable timing, which is essential for any comedian. He knew exactly when to deliver a punchline or a funny facial expression, and he always managed to get the biggest laughs.
• Delivery: Linville's delivery was also key to his comedic success. He had a unique way of speaking that was both funny and engaging. He could make even the simplest line sound hilarious.
• Characters: Linville was also a master of creating funny characters. He had a knack for finding the humor in even the most ordinary people, and he always brought his characters to life with his unique brand of humor.
• Improvisation: Linville was also a gifted improviser. He was always able to think on his feet and come up with funny lines on the spot. This made him a valuable asset to any comedy team.

Larry Linville's comedic talent was a major factor in his success as an actor. He was able to make people laugh even in the most difficult of times. His legacy as a comedian will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come.

4. Writer

Larry Linville's multifaceted talent extended beyond acting to the realm of writing. His memoir, Never Get Your Rocks Off, offers a glimpse into his personal life and experiences, providing a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconicFrank Burns.

The act of writing allowed Linville to express himself in a different medium, exploring themes and ideas that may not have been fully realized through his acting roles. Never Get Your Rocks Off is a testament to his introspective nature and his desire to share his unique perspective with the world.

As a written work, Linville's memoir serves as a valuable historical document, capturing the zeitgeist of the entertainment industry during his time. It provides insights into the creative process, the challenges faced by actors, and the personal sacrifices often made in pursuit of artistic success.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's literary endeavors, exemplified by Never Get Your Rocks Off, add a significant dimension to his legacy as an artist. They reveal the depth of his talent, his thoughtful nature, and his commitment to self-expression.

5. Teacher

Larry Linville's role as a teacher at the University of California, Los Angeles, held great significance in his life and career. His passion for acting and his dedication to passing on his knowledge to aspiring actors left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Linville's teaching methods were known to be both rigorous and inspiring. He demanded excellence from his students but also provided them with unwavering support and encouragement. His passion for the craft was contagious, and he instilled in his students a deep appreciation for the art of acting.

Many of Linville's students went on to become successful actors themselves, including actors such as Ed Harris, Tim Robbins, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Linville's mentorship played a crucial role in shaping their careers and fostering their talent.

Beyond his teaching, Linville's passion for the craft was evident in all aspects of his life. He was a lifelong student of acting, constantly seeking to improve his skills and expand his knowledge. He was also a vocal advocate for the arts, and he used his platform to promote the importance of theater and acting.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's role as a teacher at the University of California, Los Angeles, was an essential part of his legacy. His passion for the craft, combined with his dedication to teaching, made him a transformative figure in the lives of countless aspiring actors.

6. Activist

Larry Linville's activism played a significant role in shaping his life and career. He was an outspoken advocate for social and political causes, and he often used his platform to speak out against injustice.

• Civil Rights
  Linville was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, and he often spoke out against racism and discrimination. He participated in several marches and protests, and he also donated money to various civil rights organizations.
• Environmentalism
  Linville was also a passionate environmentalist, and he often spoke out against pollution and climate change. He was a member of several environmental organizations, and he also participated in several protests and demonstrations.
• Peace and Anti-War Activism
  Linville was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, and he often spoke out against war and violence. He participated in several peace marches and protests, and he also donated money to various anti-war organizations.
• Social Justice
  Linville was a strong believer in social justice, and he often spoke out against poverty, homelessness, and hunger. He volunteered his time at several soup kitchens and homeless shelters, and he also donated money to various social justice organizations.

Larry Linville's activism was a reflection of his deep compassion and his commitment to making the world a better place. He was a tireless advocate for the voiceless, and he used his platform to speak out against injustice in all its forms.

7. Humanitarian

Larry Linville's humanitarian efforts were a reflection of his deep compassion and his commitment to making the world a better place. He was a tireless advocate for the voiceless, and he used his platform to speak out against injustice in all its forms.

• Volunteerism
  Linville volunteered his time at several soup kitchens and homeless shelters. He also participated in several marches and protests, and he donated money to various charitable organizations.
• Philanthropy
  Linville donated money to several charitable organizations, including those that supported civil rights, environmentalism, and peace. He also donated money to several soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
• Advocacy
  Linville used his platform to speak out against social injustice. He spoke out against racism, discrimination, poverty, homelessness, and hunger. He also spoke out against war and violence.

Larry Linville's humanitarian efforts were a testament to his character. He was a kind and compassionate person who was always willing to help others. He will be remembered for his tireless advocacy for social justice and his commitment to making the world a better place.

FAQs on Larry Linville

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Larry Linville, offering insights into his life, career, and legacy.

Question 1: What is Larry Linville best known for?

Larry Linville is best known for his portrayal of Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M AS H. His performance as the uptight and by-the-book Army surgeon brought him widespread recognition and cemented his status as a talented comedic actor.

Question 2: What other notable roles did Larry Linville play?

In addition to his iconic role as Frank Burns, Linville appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his other notable roles include appearances in The Graduate, M AS H (the film), The Poseidon Adventure, and The Rockford Files.

Question 3: Was Larry Linville only a comedic actor?

While Linville is primarily known for his comedic roles, he was also a versatile actor who demonstrated range and depth in his performances. He appeared in both comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing his ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Question 4: What was Larry Linville's involvement beyond acting?

Beyond his acting career, Linville was also a writer, teacher, activist, and humanitarian. He wrote several books, including a memoir titled Never Get Your Rocks Off. He taught acting at the University of California, Los Angeles, and was passionate about passing on his knowledge to aspiring actors.

Question 5: What was Larry Linville's legacy?

Larry Linville left a lasting legacy as a talented actor, a dedicated teacher, and a compassionate humanitarian. His iconic portrayal of Frank Burns on M AS H continues to entertain audiences, while his activism and philanthropic efforts serve as an inspiration to others.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Larry Linville was a multi-faceted individual whose contributions extended far beyond his acting career. He was a gifted comedian, a versatile actor, a dedicated teacher, an outspoken activist, and a compassionate humanitarian. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

Transition to the next article section: Larry Linville's multifaceted career and life serve as a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and compassion. His story offers valuable lessons and insights that can resonate with individuals from all walks of life.

Conclusion on Larry Linville

Larry Linville's life and career stand as a testament to the enduring power of talent, dedication, and compassion. As an actor, he brought laughter and entertainment to millions through his unforgettable portrayal of Frank Burns on M AS H. Beyond the screen, he was an outspoken advocate for social justice, an avid supporter of environmental causes, and a generous humanitarian.

Linville's multifaceted legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors, activists, and anyone seeking to make a positive impact on the world. His story teaches us the value of pursuing our passions with unwavering determination, using our voices to speak out against injustice, and extending a helping hand to those in need. Larry Linville's spirit continues to live on, reminding us of the transformative power of art, activism, and human kindness.