Larry Linville is a name that still stirs up discussion among fans of classic TV, especially those who followed the long-running hit *M*A*S*H*. Known for his portrayal of the snobbish but endearing Dr. Frank Burns, Linville became a household name during the show’s prime. Yet, his departure from the series remains a point of debate and speculation. So, what really happened with Larry Linville and *M*A*S*H*? And what happened after he left the spotlight? Let’s take a deeper look at the life, career, and legacy of this talented actor.
Many people still believe the rumor that Larry Linville left *M*A*S*H* because he couldn’t stand working with Alan Alda. But, as some fans point out, that’s not exactly accurate. His five-year contract was up, and with the departure of other major cast members like McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers, the show was clearly shifting in tone and direction. Still, Linville’s exit left a noticeable void, and many longtime viewers argue that the show never quite recaptured the same energy after he left.
Even more intriguing is what happened to Linville after his time on *M*A*S*H*. Instead of chasing bigger roles, he chose to step away from Hollywood and focus on his personal life—though that decision came at a cost. His long and bitter divorce reportedly played a major role in his career choices, and he turned down several lucrative opportunities just to prevent his ex-wife from benefiting. It’s a complex chapter that shows how deeply personal struggles can shape the trajectory of a career.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Larry Linville
- Personal Details & Bio Data
- Larry Linville’s Role in *M*A*S*H* and Why He Left
- Life and Career After *M*A*S*H*
- Legacy and Passing of Larry Linville
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Larry Linville
Larry Linville was born on September 29, 1939, in Santa Monica, California, into a family with deep ties to the entertainment industry. His father, Cliff Linville, was a well-known radio announcer and actor, which likely influenced Larry’s early interest in performance. He attended Stanford University, where he studied drama, and later served in the U.S. Army, an experience that helped shape his portrayal of Dr. Frank Burns on *M*A*S*H*.
Linville’s career spanned stage, television, and film, but he’s best remembered for his five-season run on *M*A*S*H*. His character, Frank Burns, was often the butt of jokes and criticism from the other characters, especially Hawkeye and Trapper John. Yet, Linville brought a unique blend of arrogance and vulnerability to the role that made Frank a memorable part of the show’s early success.
Though he left *M*A*S*H* after Season Five, Linville continued to act in various television guest spots and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He also lent his voice to animated projects and appeared in commercials, maintaining a presence in the industry even as he stepped away from the limelight.
Personal Details & Bio Data
| Full Name | Larry Edward Linville |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Date of Death | February 22, 2000 |
| Place of Death | Kent, Connecticut, USA |
| Cause of Death | Lung cancer |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable Roles | Dr. Frank Burns (*M*A*S*H*), Voice Actor (Cartoons), Guest Appearances on TV |
| Education | Stanford University |
| Military Service | U.S. Army |
Larry Linville’s Role in *M*A*S*H* and Why He Left
When *M*A*S*H* first hit the airwaves, it was a bit of a gamble. Based on the 1970 film of the same name, the show brought together a cast that would soon become iconic. Larry Linville’s character, Dr. Frank Burns, was initially written as a foil to Alan Alda’s Hawkeye. Over time, Frank’s incompetence and moral rigidity made him a target for ridicule, but Linville’s performance gave the character more depth than the script sometimes allowed.
Despite the show’s growing popularity, Linville decided not to renew his contract after Season Five. Rumors have swirled for years that he couldn’t get along with Alan Alda, but the truth seems more complicated. Linville himself once said that he felt his character had nowhere to go and that he wanted to pursue other opportunities. But as some fans have noted, the real reason may have been the combination of his contract ending and the departure of other original cast members like McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers.
What’s clear is that once Linville left, the show’s tone changed. Some longtime viewers feel that the replacement characters—like Charles Emerson Winchester III played by David Ogden Stiers—never quite filled the void left by Frank Burns. That said, Stiers brought a different kind of snobbery and charm to the role, and many fans appreciate the shift in dynamics.
Life and Career After *M*A*S*H*
After leaving *M*A*S*H*, Larry Linville made a conscious decision to step away from the Hollywood grind. He didn’t disappear entirely—he continued to work in television and film—but he never returned to the level of fame he had during his *M*A*S*H* years. One major factor in his career choices was his divorce, which reportedly left him emotionally and financially drained.
Some sources say that Linville turned down potentially lucrative roles just to ensure his ex-wife wouldn’t benefit from them. That decision, while personal, arguably cost him opportunities that could have kept him more visible in the entertainment world. He did appear in a few films, including some obscure and campy exploitation movies, but nothing quite matched the success of his *M*A*S*H* days.
Linville also pursued radio and voice work. He was a familiar voice in commercials and even contributed to animated projects. But by and large, he preferred a quieter life away from the spotlight. He spent his later years in Connecticut, where he eventually passed away in 2000 due to lung cancer.
Legacy and Passing of Larry Linville
Larry Linville may not have been the biggest name on *M*A*S*H*, but his impact on the show—and on the actors around him—was significant. Fans still debate whether the show peaked with the original cast, and many argue that Linville’s character was crucial to the early chemistry of the ensemble. His departure, along with those of Stevenson and Rogers, marked a turning point in the series.
Linville passed away on February 22, 2000, at the age of 60, after a battle with lung cancer. His death came just a few years after fellow *M*A*S*H* stars McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers had passed away, marking a sad chapter in the show’s history. His legacy lives on through reruns of *M*A*S*H*, where fans continue to enjoy his performance as the pompous but oddly lovable Frank Burns.
If you’re curious to learn more about the history of *M*A*S*H* and the actors who shaped it, check out our article on the early days of MASH and how it changed TV forever. It’s a deep dive into the making of one of television’s most beloved shows, with behind-the-scenes stories and insights you won’t find anywhere else.
For those who want to explore the broader impact of *M*A*S*H* on pop culture, you can also read our comprehensive guide to the MASH cast and their post-show careers. It’s packed with details about where everyone went after the 4077th closed its doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Larry Linville leave *M*A*S*H*?
Larry Linville left *M*A*S*H* after his five-year contract expired. While some fans speculate that he couldn’t get along with Alan Alda, the real reasons were more about his desire to explore other opportunities and the fact that the show was changing with the departure of other original cast members like McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers.
Did Larry Linville have a successful career after *M*A*S*H*?
Larry Linville continued to act after *M*A*S*H*, but his post-show career wasn’t as high-profile. He made appearances in TV shows and films, including some obscure and campy exploitation movies, but never returned to the level of fame he had during his time on *M*A*S*H*. He also worked in radio and voice acting, but largely stepped away from the spotlight.
How did Larry Linville die?
Larry Linville passed away on February 22, 2000, due to lung cancer. He was 60 years old. His death marked another sad loss from the original *M*A*S*H* cast, which had already lost McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers in the 1980s and 1990s.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of *M*A*S*H* and the actors who made it iconic, you can find more information in our detailed biography section on Biography.com.
