Larry Linville, a performer with a career spanning over 70 acting credits, truly found his most enduring recognition through his work on the comedy war drama “M*A*S*H.” This series, as you might remember, followed the daily lives of medical personnel during the Korean War, blending humor with serious moments. His contribution to this show was, in a way, quite significant, shaping a character that people still talk about today.

The news of Larry Linville's passing, which happened on a Monday in New York, certainly left many feeling a sense of loss. He was 60 years old when he passed away. People often ask, you know, what exactly happened? This article aims to shed some light on the details of his death, drawing directly from available information, and to acknowledge the lasting mark he left on television history.

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Table of Contents

• Larry Linville: A Look at His Life and Career
• Larry Linville's Health Struggles and Final Days
• The Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery
• Complications Leading to His Passing
• Remembering a Beloved Character Actor
• Fan Reactions and Lasting Impact
• Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville's Passing

Larry Linville: A Look at His Life and Career

Larry Linville was, you know, a very familiar face to many who watched television in the latter part of the 20th century. While his role as Major Frank Burns on “M*A*S*H” is undoubtedly what he is most remembered for, his acting journey was actually quite extensive. He had, as a matter of fact, gathered over 70 different acting appearances throughout his time in the entertainment business. This kind of dedication really shows a long-standing commitment to his craft.

His work on “M*A*S*H,” which aired on CBS, brought him into millions of homes each week. The show itself, as many will recall, was a comedy war drama that, in a way, explored the lives of a medical unit. Linville's portrayal of Major Burns, a character often seen as whiny and, you know, a bit weaselly, was a standout performance. It's truly a testament to his skill that he could make such a character so memorable and, in some respects, even endearing to audiences despite the character's flaws.

He left the show after its fifth season, which, as I was saying, was a decision that, according to some accounts, was influenced by personal challenges, including a difficult divorce. Despite this change in his career path, his connection to Major Frank Burns remained strong in the public's memory. It’s quite clear that this role, in particular, solidified his place as one of television’s truly memorable character actors.

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Personal Details Table

Larry Linville's Health Struggles and Final Days

The last few years of Larry Linville's life were, sadly, marked by significant health challenges. He had been battling cancer, a struggle that, you know, can be incredibly demanding on a person. This fight against illness ultimately led to some serious medical procedures.

In 1998, which was about two years before his passing, he underwent a major surgery. This procedure involved the removal of one of his lungs. It was a direct consequence of his cancer diagnosis. This kind of operation is, as you can imagine, quite serious and often leads to a lengthy recovery period, requiring a lot of strength and, basically, resilience.

His health issues, unfortunately, continued after this surgery. He was admitted to the hospital, Memorial Sloan, on a Sunday, just before his death. This suggests that his condition had, you know, worsened considerably in the days leading up to his passing. It’s a stark reminder that even after major interventions, health can remain a very delicate balance.

The Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery

The journey with cancer is, for anyone, a very difficult one. Larry Linville's diagnosis of cancer led to, as mentioned, the removal of a lung in 1998. This was a critical step in his treatment, aimed at addressing the disease directly. Such a procedure is, in fact, a testament to the severity of his condition at the time.

Having a lung removed means, you know, a significant change to one's body and its functions. It can affect breathing and overall physical capacity. For an actor, whose work often demands a certain level of physical presence and vocal control, this must have been a very considerable adjustment. It truly highlights the personal challenges he faced in his later years.

Complications Leading to His Passing

On April 10, 2000, Larry Linville passed away. The official cause of death was attributed to complications that arose from his cancer surgery and, also, pneumonia. Pneumonia, as you might know, is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid. For someone who had already had a lung removed and was battling cancer, this kind of infection would have been, you know, extremely difficult to overcome.

The term "complications" suggests that his body, already weakened by the cancer and the prior surgery, struggled to fight off further health issues. It was, in a way, a cascading effect of his existing medical conditions. This is a common, though tragic, outcome for individuals facing such severe health battles, where one issue can lead to others, making recovery incredibly hard.

Remembering a Beloved Character Actor

Larry Linville's passing, at the age of 60, marked the end of a career that, you know, truly left a mark. He is, as we've discussed, primarily remembered for his work as Major Frank Burns. This role, on a show that resonated deeply with so many, allowed him to showcase a particular kind of comedic talent. He was very good at playing the "weaselly" type, a character that viewers loved to dislike, which is, in fact, a special skill for an actor.

Beyond “M*A*S*H,” Linville had a long list of acting credits, showing his versatility and dedication to his profession. He appeared in various television shows and films, proving he was more than just one character. His ability to create such a distinct and memorable personality in Major Burns, however, is what really cemented his place in television history. It's quite a feat, actually, to be so strongly associated with a role that continues to be discussed decades later.

He left behind, as many would agree, a legacy as one of the most memorable character actors in television history. His performances, particularly as Burns, continue to entertain new generations of viewers who discover “M*A*S*H.” This enduring appeal is, you know, a true measure of his talent and the lasting impact of his work. You can learn more about character actors on our site, which explores how these performers shape our favorite stories.

Fan Reactions and Lasting Impact

When word about Mr. Linville's death spread, particularly across the many internet sites devoted to “M*A*S*H,” fans expressed a sense of loss that went deeper than just missing the slapstick antics of his character. People spoke of a deeper resonance, a connection to the character and, by extension, to the actor who brought him to life. It was, in a way, a moment of collective remembrance for a figure who had been a part of their lives through their television screens.

The discussions among fans often highlighted how much they appreciated his particular brand of humor and how his performance contributed to the overall magic of “M*A*S*H.” It's interesting, too, that while some people are very protective of actors like Alan Alda, the appreciation for Linville's talent, along with that of David Ogden Stiers, was also quite strong. This shows that the ensemble cast was, you know, truly something special, with each member contributing something unique.

Even today, his portrayal of Major Frank Burns is often cited when people talk about iconic television characters. This lasting recognition is, basically, a testament to his skill and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment world. His passing reminded many of the talent and dedication he brought to his work, and how much he was, in fact, a key part of what made “M*A*S*H” such a beloved show. For more details on the history of television comedy, you can visit this page .

His career, in some respects, serves as an example of how a single role can define an actor's public image, even if they have a long list of other accomplishments. The memory of Larry Linville, and the character he so skillfully played, continues to be cherished by fans around the world. It is, very truly, a lasting tribute to his contribution to television.

For more historical context on prominent figures in entertainment, you might find information on archives like the Britannica Encyclopedia quite helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville's Passing

How did Larry Linville die?

Larry Linville passed away from complications arising from his battle with cancer and, also, pneumonia. He had, as a matter of fact, undergone surgery in 1998 to remove a cancerous lung. The pneumonia was, you know, a complication that developed after his cancer surgery.

What were the circumstances surrounding Larry Linville's death?

Larry Linville died on April 10, 2000, at the age of 60. He had been suffering from cancer for some time, which led to a lung removal surgery in 1998. His death was caused by complications from that cancer surgery and, also, pneumonia, which he was battling at the time of his passing. He was admitted to Memorial Sloan, a hospital, the day before he died.

How old was Larry Linville when he died?

Larry Linville was 60 years old when he passed away on April 10, 2000. He was born on September 29, 1939.