Larry Linville: Exceptional Actor And Beloved M*A*S*H Character

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 was born in Ojai, California, on September 29, 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 MA SH. Burns was a pompous and arrogant surgeon who was constantly at odds with the other characters on the show. Linville played the role for five seasons, leaving the show in 1977.

After leaving M AS H, Linville continued to act in film and television. He also appeared in several stage productions. In 1980, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway play The Elephant Man.

Linville died of lung cancer on April 10, 2000. He was 60 years old.

Linville was a talented actor who brought a unique blend of humor and pathos to the role of Frank Burns. He will always be remembered for his iconic performance on MA SH.

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
• MA SH
• Frank Burns
• Surgeon
• Arrogant
• Pompous
• Comedic

Linville's performance as Frank Burns was one of the most memorable on M AS H. He brought a unique blend of humor and pathos to the role, making Burns one of the most complex and well-developed characters on the show. Linville's work on MA SH earned him two Emmy Award nominations.In addition to his work on M AS*H, Linville also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and The Rockford Files. He also had a successful career on stage, appearing in several Broadway productions.Linville died of lung cancer in 2000 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and two children, Kelly and Christopher.

1. Actor

Larry Linville was an actor best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M AS H. He was a talented actor who brought a unique blend of humor and pathos to the role, making Burns one of the most complex and well-developed characters on the show. Linville's work on MA SH earned him two Emmy Award nominations.

• Early Career
  

  Linville began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He had a recurring role on the sitcom Get Smart and appeared in several episodes of The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

• Breakthrough Role
  

  Linville's breakthrough role came in 1972 when he was cast as Frank Burns on M AS H. Burns was a pompous and arrogant surgeon who was constantly at odds with the other characters on the show. Linville played the role for five seasons, leaving the show in 1977.

• Later Career
  

  After leaving MA SH, Linville continued to act in film and television. He also appeared in several stage productions. In 1980, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway play The Elephant Man.

• Legacy
  

  Linville died of lung cancer in 2000 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and two children, Kelly and Christopher. Linville's performance as Frank Burns is considered one of the most iconic in television history. He will always be remembered for his comedic genius and his ability to bring a complex and flawed character to life.

Larry Linville was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to American television. His work on M AS*H is a testament to his skill and versatility. He will always be remembered as one of the great comedic actors of his generation.

2. M AS H

MA SH was a CBS sitcom that aired from 1972 to 1983. The show was set during the Korean War and followed the lives of the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Larry Linville played Frank Burns, a pompous and arrogant surgeon who was constantly at odds with the other characters on the show.

Linville's performance as Frank Burns was one of the most memorable on M AS H. He brought a unique blend of humor and pathos to the role, making Burns one of the most complex and well-developed characters on the show. Linville's work on MA SH earned him two Emmy Award nominations.

M AS Hwas a critical and commercial success. The show won numerous awards, including 14 Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. MA SH is considered one of the greatest television shows of all time. The show's success helped to launch Linville's career and made him a household name.

Linville's role as Frank Burns is considered one of the most iconic in television history. He will always be remembered for his comedic genius and his ability to bring a complex and flawed character to life.

3. Frank Burns

Frank Burns is a fictional character in the CBS sitcom M AS H. He is a surgeon who is pompous, arrogant, and constantly at odds with the other characters on the show. Larry Linville played Frank Burns for five seasons, from 1972 to 1977.

• Character Development
  

  Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns was one of the most memorable on MA SH. He brought a unique blend of humor and pathos to the role, making Burns one of the most complex and well-developed characters on the show. Linville's work on M AS*H earned him two Emmy Award nominations.

• Relationship with Hawkeye
  

  Frank Burns' relationship with Hawkeye Pierce is one of the most iconic in television history. The two characters are constantly at odds, with Hawkeye's wit and sarcasm often getting the better of Burns' pomposity. Their relationship is a complex one, however, and there are moments when they show genuine respect for each other.

• Legacy
  

  Larry Linville's performance as Frank Burns is considered one of the most iconic in television history. He will always be remembered for his comedic genius and his ability to bring a complex and flawed character to life.

Frank Burns is a complex and fascinating character. He is a product of his time and upbringing, and his behavior is often a reflection of the prejudices and biases of the era. However, he is also a human being with flaws and vulnerabilities. Linville's portrayal of Burns is a nuanced and sympathetic one, and it is one of the reasons why the character is so memorable.

4. Surgeon

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns, the uptight and arrogant surgeon on the hit television show M AS H, left an indelible mark on popular culture. The character's surgical skills and unwavering dedication to his profession were central to his persona, reflecting the critical role that surgeons play in the medical field.

• Surgical Expertise
  

  As a surgeon, Frank Burns possessed a high level of surgical expertise. He was known for his precise incisions, steady hands, and ability to handle complex medical procedures with confidence. Linville's portrayal highlighted the extensive training and specialized knowledge required to excel in this demanding field.

• Life-Saving Procedures
  

  Surgeons like Frank Burns play a vital role in saving lives. They perform surgeries to remove tumors, repair damaged tissue, and correct congenital abnormalities. Linville's portrayal showcased the dramatic moments when surgeons intervene to mend injuries, restore health, and improve patients' quality of life.

• Emotional Toll
  

  The demanding nature of surgery can take an emotional toll on surgeons. Frank Burns often grappled with the pressures of life and death decisions, the stress of high-stakes procedures, and the emotional weight of dealing with patients' suffering. Linville's performance captured the inner turmoil and resilience that surgeons must possess.

• Dedication and Sacrifice
  

  Surgeons like Frank Burns are dedicated individuals who often sacrifice their personal lives to care for their patients. They work long hours, respond to emergencies at all times, and commit themselves to providing the best possible medical care. Linville's portrayal highlighted the selfless nature of surgeons and their unwavering commitment to their profession.

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in MA SH not only entertained audiences but also shed light on the critical role that surgeons play in society. Surgeons like Frank Burns are highly skilled professionals who save lives, mend injuries, and alleviate suffering. Their expertise, dedication, and compassionate care make them indispensable members of the healthcare system.

5. Arrogant

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in the popular television show M AS Hepitomized the characteristics of an arrogant individual. Arrogance, as a personality trait, involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority.

Frank Burns' arrogance manifested in several ways throughout the series:

• Condescending Attitude
  Burns frequently looked down upon his colleagues, often dismissing their opinions and expertise. His condescending remarks and haughty demeanor created a hostile work environment.
• Inflated Ego
  Burns possessed an inflated sense of his own abilities and accomplishments. He constantly bragged about his surgical skills and academic credentials, belittling others to elevate himself.
• Lack of Empathy
  Burns' arrogance extended to his interactions with patients. He displayed a lack of empathy and compassion, treating them with indifference and condescension.

The negative consequences of Burns' arrogance were evident throughout the show. His colleagues resented his dismissive behavior, leading to conflicts and a lack of camaraderie. His inflated ego often led to mistakes and poor decision-making, putting patients at risk.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in MA SH provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance. Arrogance can create a hostile work environment, damage relationships, and lead to poor outcomes. It is important to recognize the negative impact of arrogance and strive to cultivate humility and empathy in our personal and professional lives.

6. Pompous

Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in the popular television show M AS Hexemplified the characteristics of a pompous individual. Pomposity, as a personality trait, involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority, often accompanied by a disdainful or condescending attitude towards others.

• Inflated Ego
  

  Frank Burns possessed an inflated sense of his own abilities and accomplishments. He constantly bragged about his surgical skills and academic credentials, belittling others to elevate himself. This inflated ego often led to conflicts with his colleagues and a lack of respect from his superiors.

• Condescending Attitude
  

  Burns frequently looked down upon his colleagues, often dismissing their opinions and expertise. His condescending remarks and haughty demeanor created a hostile work environment and made it difficult for others to collaborate with him effectively.

• Lack of Self-Awareness
  

  Burns was oblivious to the negative impact of his pompous behavior on those around him. He failed to recognize how his arrogance and condescension alienated others and undermined his own credibility.

• Negative Consequences
  

  Burns' pomposity ultimately led to his downfall. His colleagues resented his dismissive behavior, leading to conflicts and a lack of camaraderie. His inflated ego often led to mistakes and poor decision-making, putting patients at risk.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's portrayal of Frank Burns in MA SH provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of pomposity. Pompous individuals often overestimate their own abilities and belittle others, creating a hostile work environment and damaging relationships. It is important to recognize the negative impact of pomposity and strive to cultivate humility and empathy in our personal and professional lives.

7. Comedic

Larry Linville, widely recognized for his portrayal of Frank Burns in the sitcom M AS H, possessed a remarkable comedic talent that contributed significantly to the show's enduring popularity and his legacy as an actor.

• Satirical Wit
  

  Linville's delivery of Burns's sarcastic and often biting remarks was a defining element of the character. His ability to convey humor through subtle facial expressions and perfectly timed comedic pauses added depth and complexity to Burns's persona.

• Physical Comedy
  

  Linville's physical comedy skills were showcased in numerous episodes. Whether he was slipping on ice, tripping over equipment, or engaging in slapstick routines, his comedic timing and impeccable delivery elicited laughter from audiences.

• Character Development
  

  Linville's comedic talent extended beyond individual gags and contributed to the overall development of Frank Burns as a character. His portrayal of Burns's transformation from an uptight and arrogant surgeon to a more nuanced and sympathetic figure is a testament to Linville's comedic range.

• Ensemble Chemistry
  

  Linville's comedic skills complemented those of his fellow cast members, creating an ensemble dynamic that fueled the show's humor. His interactions with Alan Alda's Hawkeye Pierce and Mike Farrell's B.J. Hunnicutt were particularly memorable, showcasing his ability to elevate the comedic moments through his impeccable timing and delivery.

In conclusion, Larry Linville's comedic talent was an integral part of his portrayal of Frank Burns in MA SH. His satirical wit, physical comedy, character development, and ensemble chemistry contributed to the show's immense success and solidified Linville's legacy as a comedic master.

Frequently Asked Questions about 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 answers to some frequently asked questions about Linville and his career:

Question 1: What was Larry Linville's most famous role?

Answer: Larry Linville is best known for his role as Frank Burns, the uptight and arrogant surgeon in the CBS sitcom MA SH.

Question 2: What was Larry Linville's acting style?

Answer: Linville was known for his comedic timing and delivery. His portrayal of Frank Burns was a defining element of the character, adding depth and complexity to the role.

Question 3: What awards did Larry Linville win for his acting?

Answer: Linville received two Emmy Award nominations for his performance as Frank Burns in M AS H.

Question 4: What was Larry Linville's legacy?

Answer: Linville's legacy is as a talented comedic actor who brought a memorable and complex character to life in MA SH. His performance as Frank Burns continues to entertain and resonate with audiences.

Question 5: What can we learn from Larry Linville's acting?

Answer: Larry Linville's acting teaches us the importance of comedic timing, character development, and ensemble chemistry. His work in M AS Hshowcased his ability to create a memorable and enduring character.

In conclusion, Larry Linville was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to American television. His work in MA SH is a testament to his skill and versatility, and his legacy as a comedic master continues to inspire.

Larry Linville

Larry Linville's indelible mark on the entertainment industry stems from his masterful portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS H. Through his comedic brilliance, Linville brought depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. His ability to deliver sarcastic wit, physical comedy, and character development with impeccable timing and delivery elevated MA SH into a timeless classic.

Linville's legacy extends beyond his iconic role. He taught us the importance of comedic timing, character development, and ensemble chemistry. His work reminds us of the power of laughter to entertain, provoke thought, and connect people. As we continue to enjoy Linville's performances and appreciate his contribution to American television, let us also strive to emulate his dedication to excellence and his ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations.