For anyone who ever enjoyed the humor and heart of classic television, thinking about Larry Linville probably brings a smile. He was, in a way, a familiar face to millions, a person whose work touched many lives. This actor, someone who brought a particular kind of character to life, came into the world on September 29, 1939. His birth happened in Ojai, California, a place in the United States. It's interesting to consider how a person's beginnings, their birthplace and early years, can shape the path they take in their life's work, you know? He was, in some respects, a true California native, raised in Sacramento, California, by his parents Fay Pauline and Harry Linville.

Most people, it seems, know Larry Linville for one particular role, a character that became a part of television history. That role was Major Frank Burns on the much-loved series M*A*S*H. Yet, as a matter of fact, his acting journey went far beyond that one portrayal. He was, honestly, an actor with over 70 acting credits to his name, showing a career that spanned many years and different types of shows. It's clear he had a deep commitment to his craft, taking on various parts and exploring different stories, which is quite something.

This article explores the life and acting path of Larry Linville, the person behind Major Frank Burns, and how his work, in a way, left a lasting mark on television. We will look at his early life, his most famous role, and the other contributions he made to the entertainment world. So, get ready to learn more about the man who, for many, defined a certain kind of character on screen, and whose work still resonates with viewers today, pretty much.

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Table of Contents

• Biography: The Man Behind the Major
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• Major Frank Burns: A Role That Defined an Era
• Beyond M*A*S*H: A Career of Many Faces
• The Cultural Impact of M*A*S*H and Its Cast
• Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville

Biography: The Man Behind the Major

Larry Linville, whose full name was Lawrence Lavon Linville, began his life on September 29, 1939. His birthplace, as we know, was Ojai, California, a lovely spot in the Golden State. He was, basically, someone who grew up with a passion for performing, even if the exact details of his early acting aspirations are not widely known. He did, however, eventually make his way into the world of acting, a path that would lead him to become a household name for a generation of television watchers, you know?

His journey as an actor saw him take on a variety of parts across different shows and films. He was not, in fact, just a one-role actor. Before his big break, he had already built up a good amount of experience in the business. This background, you see, prepared him for the intense schedule and demands of a long-running television series. It's almost as if every part he played, no matter how small, was a stepping stone, preparing him for the role that would truly capture the public's imagination. He was, in some respects, a working actor who understood the craft.

Larry Linville was, in a way, a person who understood how to make a character memorable, even if that character was not always likable. His ability to portray complex emotions, to show a person who was both funny and, at times, a bit frustrating, made him stand out. This skill, honestly, is what makes an actor truly special. He was, in fact, married to Deborah Guydon, a personal detail that gives a glimpse into his life away from the cameras. He was, in a way, a person who lived a full life, both on screen and off, pretty much.

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Personal Details and Bio Data

Major Frank Burns: A Role That Defined an Era

When you talk about Larry Linville, the conversation, quite naturally, turns to Major Frank Burns. This character, the grumpy ranking surgeon who, in a way, loved Margaret Houlihan, became an iconic figure in television history. M*A*S*H, the show where he played this part, premiered in 1972, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It was, in fact, a comedy war drama that followed the story of the staff at a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. The show, as a matter of fact, captured the hearts of millions, and Frank Burns was a big part of that, even if he was often the character viewers loved to dislike.

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns was, in a way, a masterclass in comedic timing. He brought a specific kind of arrogance and insecurity to the character, making him both infuriating and, sometimes, a little bit pitiable. The dynamic between Frank Burns and the other characters, especially Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda, was a central part of the show's humor. It was, honestly, a clash of personalities that created many memorable moments. The way Larry Linville delivered his lines, the expressions he made, all contributed to making "Ferret Face" a character that, you know, people still talk about today.

The success of M*A*S*H was, in some respects, due to its exceptional cast. Alan Alda, as we know, played Hawkeye Pierce, and his chemistry with the other actors was undeniable. Larry Linville's role as Frank Burns was a crucial part of this ensemble. He left the show after the fifth series, a decision that, in a way, changed the dynamic of the program. The showrunners, as a matter of fact, had a policy that when an actor left, their replacement would be totally different. This choice, you see, highlighted the unique contribution Larry Linville made during his time on the series. His departure, in a way, marked a shift, but his impact remained, pretty much.

M*A*S*H is still, even now, one of the most watched primetime series in history, with more than 100 million Americans tuning in for its finale. This kind of viewership, you know, is truly remarkable. The show, based on the 1970 Robert Altman film, became a massive success throughout the 1970s. Despite its popularity, several main cast members did, in fact, leave the series for various reasons. Larry Linville's exit was one of these moments, but his work as Frank Burns is, truly, forever etched in the memories of those who watched the show. He was, in a way, a key ingredient in that television magic.

Beyond M*A*S*H: A Career of Many Faces

While Major Frank Burns is the role Larry Linville is most remembered for, his acting career, in fact, spanned four decades and included many other projects. He was, honestly, an actor who worked consistently, showing his range in different types of stories. For example, he was known for his work in "Paper Dolls" (1984), a show that offered him a different kind of role. He also appeared in "Mannix" (1967), a popular detective series of its time. These roles, you know, demonstrate his versatility and his commitment to acting beyond the confines of one famous character.

Larry Linville had over 70 acting credits, a number that truly speaks to his dedication and the breadth of his work. He appeared in various television shows and films, often taking on guest roles or supporting parts. This kind of career, in a way, shows a person who loved to act, who enjoyed the process of bringing different characters to life, whether they were the main focus or not. He was, basically, a working actor, someone who understood the craft and kept honing his skills throughout his life. It's almost like he was always looking for the next interesting character to embody, you know?

Many people know Larry as Major Frank Burns from TV's M*A*S*H, but Larry was far more than just being great at playing a character that some might have found horrible. These pages, as a matter of fact, are a celebration of Larry and his broader contributions to entertainment. He was, in some respects, a person who could take on various roles and make them believable, whether it was in a comedy or a drama. His ability to perform in different genres and alongside different actors shows a true talent, something that should be remembered beyond his most famous part. He was, in a way, a performer who gave his all to every role, pretty much.

His work, honestly, helped shape the television landscape of his time. He was a part of many shows that are still remembered and re-watched today. The impact of an actor, you see, is not just in one big role, but in the collection of all their performances, the way they contribute to the stories being told. Larry Linville's career is a good example of this, a testament to a person who dedicated his life to the art of acting. He was, in fact, a dependable presence on screen, someone who always delivered a solid performance, which is quite something.

The Cultural Impact of M*A*S*H and Its Cast

M*A*S*H, as we know, became a massive cultural phenomenon. It was more than just a television show; it was a reflection of its time, offering humor and poignant moments about a difficult period. The cast members, in a way, became like family to millions of viewers. Among them was Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye Pierce, a character who, in some respects, represented the heart of the show. Alan Alda is also known for his extensive work beyond M*A*S*H, which is pretty cool, honestly.

The show's ability to blend comedy with serious themes, to make people laugh one moment and think deeply the next, was a huge part of its appeal. The actors, including Larry Linville, were instrumental in making this balance work. They brought their characters to life in a way that felt real, even within the comedic setting. Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns, for example, often served as a foil, highlighting the absurdity of war and the personalities within the camp. He was, in a way, a crucial piece of that puzzle, you know?

The lasting popularity of M*A*S*H speaks volumes about the quality of its writing and, just as importantly, the talent of its cast. Even decades later, the show is still enjoyed by new generations of viewers. This kind of endurance, you see, is rare in television. It means the stories and the characters, including Frank Burns, have a timeless quality. Larry Linville's work in the series, in fact, continues to be a point of discussion among fans and television historians. He was, in some respects, a part of something truly special, a piece of television history that endures, pretty much.

To learn more about the enduring legacy of M*A*S*H and its cast, you could explore resources like a well-known entertainment database, which offers details on the show's impact and the careers of its actors. It's interesting to consider how a show from so long ago can still hold so much meaning for people today. Larry Linville's contribution to that meaning, his specific take on Frank Burns, is something that, in a way, helped shape the show's unique character. He was, honestly, a memorable part of that team, which is quite something.

You can learn more about classic television shows on our site, and also find more information on actors who made a mark on history by checking out this page. These resources, you know, help connect the dots between the past and present of entertainment, showing how certain performances, like Larry Linville's, continue to resonate. He was, in fact, a key player in a show that changed television, and that's a pretty big deal, honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville

Here are some common questions people often ask about Larry Linville:

What was Larry Linville most known for?
Larry Linville was, in fact, most widely known for his portrayal of Major Frank Burns on the highly popular television series M*A*S*H. This role, in a way, cemented his place in television history, even though he had many other acting credits to his name. He was, basically, the face of that particular character for millions of viewers, you know?

When was Larry Linville born?
Larry Linville was born on September 29, 1939. His birth happened in Ojai, California, in the United States. This date, in a way, marks the beginning of a life that would eventually bring laughter and memorable performances to countless homes across the world, pretty much.

Did Larry Linville act in other shows besides M*A*S*H?
Yes, Larry Linville had, honestly, an extensive acting career beyond M*A*S*H. He accumulated over 70 acting credits, appearing in various television shows and films. For instance, he was known for his work in "Paper Dolls" (1984) and also appeared in "Mannix" (1967), among many others. He was, in some respects, a very active performer, showing his talent in many different projects, which is quite something.

Larry Linville's work, especially his iconic role as Major Frank Burns, continues to be a topic of discussion and appreciation for fans of classic television. His ability to bring such a specific character to life, to make him memorable and, in a way, a bit of a cultural touchstone, is a testament to his skill as an actor. He was, in fact, a person who left a lasting impression on the world of entertainment, and his legacy, you know, still holds meaning for many people today. His contributions, honestly, helped shape a significant piece of television history, and that's something worth remembering.