Larry Linville - Remembering A Familiar Face On Screen
Many people who watched television during a particular time might remember a certain face, someone who brought a very specific kind of character to life. This person, Larry Linville, made a lasting impression on viewers, especially through his part in a much-loved television program. He was, in a way, a familiar presence in many homes, known for playing a character that people either loved to dislike or just found quite amusing.
His acting contributions spanned several different forms of entertainment, from stage performances to appearances on the big screen and, of course, the smaller one in living rooms. He truly was a performer who put his skills to use in various settings, making sure his presence was felt in each role he took on. It's really something to think about, how one person can touch so many different areas of performance throughout their working life.
Larry Linville, you know, left us too soon, passing away at the age of 60. But the memory of his work, particularly his most recognized role, stays with us. This piece aims to take a closer look at the life and career of this individual, touching on where he came from, the parts he played, and the path his life took, so to speak, from his earliest days to his final ones.
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Table of Contents
- Larry Linville - A Look at His Life
- Where Did Larry Linville Begin His Path?
- How Did Larry Linville Become a Performer?
- The Face of Frank Burns - Larry Linville's Defining Role
- What Happened After Larry Linville Left M*A*S*H?
- Beyond the Camp - Other Appearances by Larry Linville
- Who Was Larry Linville's Family Life Like?
- The Final Curtain for Larry Linville
Larry Linville - A Look at His Life
Lawrence Lavon ‘Larry’ Linville, the person we are talking about, first came into the world on the twenty-ninth day of September in 1939. His birthplace was Ojai, a spot in California, in the United States of America. He was, as a matter of fact, the only child born to his parents, Harry Lavon Linville and Fay Pauline, whose maiden name was Kennedy. This detail about being an only child sort of gives us a little glimpse into his early family life, doesn't it?
His early years were spent in a different California city. His folks, Fay Pauline and Harry Linville, made the decision to move their family to Sacramento, California, not long after he was born. So, while Ojai was his very first home, Sacramento was where he grew up, where he attended El Camino High School, and where he, more or less, started his journey into adulthood. It’s pretty common, you know, for families to move around, and for a person's childhood to be shaped by a specific place like Sacramento.
Before he found his way into the performing arts, Larry Linville, surprisingly, had an interest in something quite different. He actually spent some time studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado. This just goes to show, doesn't it, that people often have varied interests and paths before they settle on what they truly want to do, or what they become known for. It's a little bit of a twist in his story, really, considering the kind of work he would later be recognized for.
Personal Information About Larry Linville
| Full Name | Lawrence Lavon Linville |
| Born | September 29, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Ojai, California, USA |
| Parents | Harry Lavon Linville and Fay Pauline (nee Kennedy) |
| Died | April 10, 2000 |
| Death Place | New York City, New York, USA |
| Cause of Death | Pneumonia complications |
| Age at Death | 60 |
| Known For | Actor |
Where Did Larry Linville Begin His Path?
So, where did Larry Linville truly start on his way to becoming a recognized face on screens big and small? His first steps into the world of performing weren't in front of a camera, but rather on a stage. He made his very first appearance as a stage actor, which is, you know, where many performers get their beginnings, learning the ropes in live settings. This kind of work really helps a person develop a strong foundation in acting, preparing them for all sorts of roles later on.
His education in the performing arts took him across the ocean, which is pretty interesting, if you think about it. He studied at a place in London called the ‘Royal Academy of Dramatic Art,’ or RADA for short. This school has a reputation for being a very good spot for learning about acting, and it's where many skilled performers have, sort of, honed their craft. Getting training from such a place suggests a serious dedication to his chosen field, a real commitment to becoming a professional performer.
This early experience on the stage, coupled with the training he received from a well-regarded institution, really set the scene for the rest of his acting life. It gave him a solid grounding, preparing him for the various roles he would take on later, whether they were in plays, movies, or television programs. It's like, he built a very strong base before moving on to the more widely seen parts of his work, which, you know, makes a lot of sense for someone aiming for a long career.
How Did Larry Linville Become a Performer?
Larry Linville became a performer by putting in the work, learning the craft, and taking on different types of acting jobs. After his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he didn't just jump straight into being a household name. He started, as we mentioned, with stage acting, which is a demanding kind of performance that truly tests a person's abilities. It's where you learn to project your voice, to move with purpose, and to connect with an audience right there in the moment, which, you know, is a very different skill than acting for a camera.
His journey as a performer also saw him take on a variety of roles across different forms of media. He wasn't just someone who stuck to one kind of acting. He was a person who showed a good range in his abilities, appearing in plays, making appearances in movies, and even doing commercials. This versatility is, really, a mark of someone who is serious about their acting career, someone who is willing to try different things and adapt their skills to various demands. It's pretty cool, when you think about it, to be able to do so many different kinds of performance work.
So, he became a performer not just by being talented, but by being dedicated to his schooling and by taking on a wide array of acting opportunities. He was, in a way, someone who was always learning and always growing in his chosen profession. His work was respected by others in the business, and he was known as an actor who could deliver what was needed for a part. This kind of reputation, you know, doesn't just happen overnight; it's built up over time through consistent effort and good work.
The Face of Frank Burns - Larry Linville's Defining Role
For many, the name Larry Linville immediately brings to mind one particular character: Major Frank Burns from the classic television program M*A*S*H. He was, essentially, the person who played this rather distinctive character on the CBS television show. Frank Burns was, you know, a grumpy medical person with a certain level of authority, someone who, as the story goes, had a special fondness for Margaret Houlihan. This role, more than any other, truly defined Larry Linville in the eyes of a great many viewers.
The character of Major Frank Burns was, quite honestly, a memorable one. He was often portrayed as being a bit sniveling, someone who complained a lot, and whose actions sometimes led to humorous situations within the show's setting. Larry Linville's portrayal of this character was so effective that, you know, it became the role he was most recognized for, the one that stuck with people. It's really a testament to his acting skill that he could make such a specific kind of person so well-known and, in a way, so enduring in the popular imagination.
His time on M*A*S*H was a significant part of his career, but it wasn't forever. Larry Linville remained with the show until 1977. At that point, his agreement to work on the program came to an end, and he decided to move on. Leaving a show that was so widely watched and loved must have been a big decision, but it shows that he was, perhaps, looking for new challenges or different kinds of roles. So, his time as Frank Burns concluded, but his acting life continued.
What Happened After Larry Linville Left M*A*S*H?
After Larry Linville's contract with M*A*S*H ended in 1977, he didn't, you know, disappear from the acting scene. He continued to work, showing his skills in a variety of other projects. This period after his most famous role was a time when he explored different types of parts, moving beyond the character that had made him so recognizable. It's pretty common for performers to seek out new roles once a long-running show comes to an end for them, to avoid being typecast, so to speak.
He made appearances in various films and television programs, demonstrating his range as a performer. For example, he was in a movie called "Earth Girls Are Easy," which, you know, is quite different from the serious-yet-comedic tone of M*A*S*H. He also showed up in television shows like "Lois & Clark," a program about a famous superhero, and "Night Court," which was a comedy set in a courtroom. These roles, really, highlight his ability to fit into different genres and styles of storytelling.
So, while the M*A*S*H character was his most prominent, Larry Linville continued to be a working actor, taking on roles that allowed him to keep performing. He was a person who kept busy in his profession, making sure his acting talents were put to use. It's a clear indication that he was a respected member of the acting community, someone whose skills were still in demand even after leaving a hugely popular show. He just kept on going, you know, doing what he did best.
Beyond the Camp - Other Appearances by Larry Linville
While his portrayal of Major Frank Burns is what most people remember, Larry Linville's acting work went well beyond the military camp setting of M*A*S*H. He was, in a way, a very versatile performer, someone who could adapt his skills to different kinds of projects. This is something that often goes unnoticed when an actor has one truly iconic role, but it's an important part of their professional story. He truly was, you know, more than just that one character.
His involvement in films included the 1984 production of "Paper Dolls." This movie role would have given him a chance to work in a different format than television, with a different kind of pace and storytelling. Then there was "Earth Girls Are Easy," which, as mentioned, sounds like it would have been a very different experience altogether. These film appearances show that his talents were recognized in the movie world as well as on television, which is, honestly, a pretty good achievement for any actor.
On the television side, beyond M*A*S*H, he also had a part in "Mannix," a show from 1967. This means he was working in television even before his big break as Frank Burns, which, you know, shows a consistent presence in the medium. His appearances in "Lois & Clark" and "Night Court" further illustrate his ability to pop up in popular shows of various kinds. He was, basically, a familiar face who could be counted on to deliver a solid performance, no matter the project.
It's important to remember that his work wasn't limited to just films and television shows. Larry Linville was also a performer who appeared in theater productions and even commercials. This really rounds out the picture of him as a working actor. Theater work is, you know, where many actors find their roots and continue to return to, for the direct connection with an audience. And commercials, while brief, offer another avenue for performers to apply their craft and reach a wide audience. He was, in short, a person who truly embraced all aspects of the acting profession.
Who Was Larry Linville's Family Life Like?
When it comes to his personal life, particularly his family connections, Larry Linville experienced several marriages. He was, in a way, a person who sought companionship and partnership throughout his life. The records show that he was married to five different women: Deborah Guydon, Susan Hagan, Melissa Gallant, Vaughn Taylor, and Kate Geer. This aspect of his life, you know, gives us a glimpse into his personal journey beyond the roles he played on screen.
Each of these relationships would have been a significant part of his life's story, bringing different experiences and connections. While the details of these personal unions are not widely publicized, the fact that he entered into marriage multiple times suggests a consistent desire for a life partner. It's pretty common, you know, for people in the public eye to have their personal lives mentioned, even if the specifics remain private.
So, his family life, at least in terms of his marital status, was one that saw him connected to several individuals over the years. This is, basically, a factual part of his biography, showing a different side to the public figure known for his acting roles. It's a reminder that behind the characters we see on screen, there are real people with their own personal stories and relationships, just like anyone else, really.
The Final Curtain for Larry Linville
Larry Linville's life came to an end on the tenth day of April in the year 2000. He passed away in New York City, New York, in the United States of America. His death was due to complications arising from pneumonia. He was, you know, sixty years old at the time of his passing. It's always a sad moment when a familiar face from our screens is no longer with us, and his departure marked the end of a life that brought entertainment to many.
His passing at the age of sixty, due to a health issue, was a quiet end to a career that had seen him achieve considerable recognition, especially for his part in M*A*S*H. Even though he had left that particular show many years before, in 1977, his connection to it remained strong in the public's memory. So, his death brought a moment of reflection for those who had enjoyed his performances over the years, a recognition of the contribution he made to the world of entertainment.
The news of his death, you know, would have been a moment of sadness for his family, friends, and fans. It closed the chapter on the life of an actor who, in his time, played a very memorable character and also contributed to many other film and television projects. He was, essentially, a part of the entertainment landscape for a good stretch of time, and his work continues to be seen by new generations of viewers, keeping his memory alive through the characters he brought to life.
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About Larry Linville's Cause Of Death - Why did he leave MASH?
Larry Linville : VintageLadyBoners
About Larry Linville's Cause Of Death - Why did he leave MASH?
