Larry Linville: The Unforgettable Frank Burns

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, a role he played for five seasons. Linville's portrayal of the uptight and pompous Captain Burns was one of the most memorable characters on the show.

After leaving M AS H, Linville continued to act in film and television. He also appeared in several stage productions. In 2005, he was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2007 at the age of 67.

Personal details:

Legacy:

Larry Linville was a talented actor who brought to life one of the most memorable characters on television. His portrayal of Frank Burns was both hilarious and heartbreaking, and he will always be remembered for his work on M AS*H.

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 six key aspects of his life and career:

• Actor
• MA SH
• Frank Burns
• Comedian
• Character actor
• Emmy Award nominee

Linville's role as Frank Burns on M AS H was one of his most memorable. He played the uptight and pompous Captain Burns for five seasons, and his performance earned him two Emmy Award nominations. Linville was also a talented comedian, and he often used his humor to make light of his character's many flaws. In addition to his work on MA SH, Linville also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and The Rockford Files. He was a versatile character actor who could play a wide range of roles, from the villainous to the comedic.

1. Actor

Larry Linville was an actor, best known for his role as Frank Burns on the CBS sitcom M AS*H. Acting was Linville's profession, and he was a talented performer who brought to life a variety of characters on both stage and screen. Linville's work as an actor entertained and inspired audiences around the world, and he will always be remembered for his memorable performances.

One of the most important aspects of Linville's acting was his ability to connect with his characters. He was able to bring depth and nuance to even the most unlikable characters, such as Frank Burns. Linville's performances were always believable, and he had a gift for making his characters feel real and relatable.

Linville's work as an actor is a reminder of the power of storytelling. He was able to use his talent to entertain, inspire, and make people think. Linville's legacy as an actor will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

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 uptight surgeon, for the first five seasons of the show.

M AS H was a huge success, and it helped to make Linville a household name. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of the Korean War, its humor, and its memorable characters. Linville's performance as Frank Burns was one of the most memorable aspects of the show. He brought to life a character who was both hilarious and heartbreaking.

Linville's work on MA SH had a profound impact on his career. He became one of the most popular actors on television, and he was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his work on the show. Linville's performance as Frank Burns is still considered one of the best comedic performances in television history.

3. Frank Burns

Frank Burns is a fictional character in the CBS sitcom M AS H. He is a pompous and uptight surgeon who serves at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. Frank Burns is played by actor Larry Linville.

The character of Frank Burns is based on a real-life surgeon that Larry Linville met while serving in the United States Army. Linville used his own experiences to create a character that was both hilarious and heartbreaking. Frank Burns is a deeply flawed character, but he is also a product of his time and circumstances.

Frank Burns is an important part of MA SH. He represents the conservative, pro-war establishment that the show often satirizes. However, Frank Burns is also a complex character who is capable of great kindness and compassion. Larry Linville's performance brings depth and nuance to the character, and he makes Frank Burns one of the most memorable characters in television history.

4. Comedian

Larry Linville was a comedian as well as an actor. He was known for his dry wit and his ability to deliver a punchline with perfect timing. Linville's comedic skills were evident in both his acting and his stand-up routines.

• Linville's comedic timing was impeccable. He knew how to pause for a laugh and how to deliver a punchline with maximum impact. This skill was evident in his work on M AS H, where he often got laughs with just a look or a gesture.
• Linville was a master of deadpan delivery. He could say the most outrageous things with a completely straight face, which made his jokes even funnier. This skill was on display in his stand-up routines, where he would often tell jokes about his own life and experiences.
• Linville was a gifted improviser. He was able to think on his feet and come up with funny lines on the spot. This skill was evident in his work on MA SH, where he often improvised dialogue with his fellow cast members.
• Linville was a natural storyteller. He could tell a funny story with ease and make his audience laugh out loud. This skill was evident in his stand-up routines, where he would often tell stories about his childhood and his experiences in the Army.

Linville's comedic skills made him a popular actor and stand-up comedian. He was a master of his craft, and his work brought joy to millions of people.

5. Character actor

A character actor is an actor who specializes in playing distinctive and often eccentric characters, rather than leading roles. Character actors often play supporting roles, but they can have a significant impact on a film or television show. Larry Linville was a character actor who was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from the villainous to the comedic.

One of the most important aspects of being a character actor is the ability to create a believable character. Linville was a master of this craft. He was able to transform himself into a variety of characters, each with their own unique personality and motivations. Linville's characters were always memorable, even if they only appeared on screen for a few minutes.

Linville's work as a character actor had a profound impact on the film and television industry. He helped to create some of the most memorable characters in television history, including Frank Burns on M AS*H. Linville's work also inspired a new generation of character actors. He showed that it was possible to have a successful career playing supporting roles.

The work of character actors like Larry Linville is essential to the film and television industry. They bring to life the characters that make our favorite shows and movies so memorable. Linville's legacy as a character actor will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

6. Emmy Award nominee

Larry Linville was an Emmy Award nominee for his work on the CBS sitcom M AS H. He was nominated twice, in 1973 and 1974, for his portrayal of Frank Burns. Although he did not win an Emmy, his nominations are a testament to his talent and the impact of his work on the show.

The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. They are given to recognize outstanding work in television programming. Linville's Emmy nominations are a recognition of his skill as an actor and the quality of his work on MA SH.

Linville's work on M AS H was groundbreaking. He created a character that was both hilarious and heartbreaking. Frank Burns was a complex character who was both loved and hated by audiences. Linville's performance brought depth and nuance to the character, and he made Frank Burns one of the most memorable characters in television history.

Linville's Emmy nominations are a testament to his talent and the impact of his work. He was a gifted actor who brought joy to millions of people. His work on MA SH will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

FAQs About Larry Linville

This section provides concise answers to frequently asked questions about Larry Linville, offering a deeper understanding of his life, career, and legacy.

Question 1: What is Larry Linville best known for?

Larry Linville is primarily known for his iconic portrayal of Frank Burns, the uptight and pompous surgeon in the CBS sitcom M AS H. His performance garnered critical acclaim and earned him two Emmy Award nominations.

Question 2: What were some of Larry Linville's other notable roles?

Beyond his role in MA SH, Linville showcased his versatility as a character actor in numerous films and television shows. He appeared in productions such as The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and The Rockford Files, where he brought depth and humor to various supporting roles.

Question 3: What was Larry Linville's acting style?

Linville possessed a unique blend of comedic timing and dramatic nuance. He had a knack for delivering witty one-liners with impeccable timing, yet he could also convey complex emotions with sensitivity and authenticity.

Question 4: What impact did Larry Linville have on the entertainment industry?

Linville's memorable portrayal of Frank Burns left an indelible mark on television history. His character became a cultural phenomenon, representing the conservative establishment during the Vietnam War era. Linville's skillful performance also inspired aspiring actors to pursue character acting as a viable career path.

Question 5: How is Larry Linville remembered today?

Larry Linville's legacy endures as a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. Fans and critics alike cherish his performances, particularly his portrayal of Frank Burns. Linville's contributions to the entertainment industry continue to entertain and resonate with audiences across generations.

In summary, Larry Linville's exceptional acting skills, memorable characters, and lasting impact on the entertainment landscape make him a beloved figure in the hearts of fans worldwide.

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Larry Linville

Larry Linville's remarkable career as an actor and comedian has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His unforgettable portrayal of Frank Burns in M AS*H showcased his mastery of comedic timing and character depth. Beyond his iconic role, Linville's versatility extended to a wide range of supporting characters, each infused with his unique blend of wit and humanity.

Linville's contributions to television history are undeniable. He helped shape the cultural landscape during the Vietnam War era, providing both laughter and thought-provoking commentary through his portrayal of Frank Burns. His legacy as a character actor continues to inspire aspiring performers to embrace the nuances and complexities of supporting roles.