When you think of iconic TV shows from the '70s and early '80s, MASH immediately comes to mind. But while some names from the cast are still celebrated, others, like Larry Linville, are sometimes overlooked. You might remember him as Major Frank Burns, the bumbling, scheming, and often hilarious foil to Alan Alda's Captain Hawkeye Pierce. But there's more to Larry Linville than his character — a story of talent, missed opportunities, and personal struggles that shaped his life after the show.
Linville was one of the original cast members of MASH, which ran from 1972 to 1983. His role as Frank Burns was crucial in driving some of the show’s comedic tension, especially in the early seasons. But unlike some of his co-stars, Linville's post-MASH career didn't quite take off. Some people still argue that he was unfairly criticized for leaving the show, but the truth is more nuanced — and it's worth revisiting.
Over the years, fans have debated why Linville left MASH, with some suggesting he had a falling out with Alan Alda. But in reality, his five-year contract had ended, and he wanted to explore other creative avenues. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and his career took a sharp downturn — a situation he later described as "career suicide."
Table of Contents
- Biography of Larry Linville
- Life and Career After MASH
- Legacy and Why He Mattered
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Biography of Larry Linville
Born on September 29, 1939, in Fort Riley, Kansas, Larry Linville was an actor best known for his role as Major Frank Burns on the hit TV series MASH. He was the son of a U.S. Army officer and attended several military schools during his youth. Before breaking into television, Linville served in the U.S. Army and later studied at the University of Redlands and the prestigious Yale School of Drama.
Linville started his acting career in the 1960s with appearances on stage and in small TV roles. His big break came when he was cast as Major Frank Burns in MASH, a role that would define much of his public persona. He played the character for five seasons before deciding not to renew his contract after it expired.
Here's a quick look at some key facts about his life:
| Full Name | Larry Linville |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Fort Riley, Kansas, U.S. |
| Education | University of Redlands, Yale School of Drama |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable Role | Major Frank Burns in MASH |
| Dates on MASH | 1972–1978 |
| Death | March 5, 2000 (age 60), New York City |
Life and Career After MASH
After leaving MASH, Linville found it difficult to shake off the shadow of Frank Burns. He had originally planned to take a break from television and focus on theater and other film roles. But things didn’t work out the way he hoped.
One of the biggest setbacks in Linville’s post-MASH life was his personal struggles — particularly a long and bitter divorce. Some reports suggest that he turned down lucrative roles during this time to spite his ex-wife. That decision, while emotionally driven, arguably hurt his career more than anything else.
Still, he did manage to appear in some projects, albeit not the kind of high-profile ones he might have expected. For example, he appeared in the 1985 film Red Heat starring Linda Blair, a movie that was more of a campy exploitation film than a serious comeback.
Though he never achieved the same level of success after MASH, Linville remained active in the entertainment world. He also worked in radio, including a stint at a station where fans say his picture was later removed from their website — a small but telling sign that he wasn’t as widely recognized as some of his former co-stars.
Tragically, Linville passed away in 2000 at the age of 60 after complications from cancer. His death marked the loss of one of the original stars of one of television’s most beloved series.
Legacy and Why He Mattered
Larry Linville's contributions to MASH were significant, especially in the early years. While Alan Alda became the face of the show, it was the dynamic between Hawkeye and Frank Burns that gave the show much of its comedic edge. Linville’s performance was more than just slapstick — it was layered, often showing moments of vulnerability and even occasional competence.
Many fans and critics alike argue that the show changed after Linville left. With him gone, the chemistry that made the early seasons so special shifted. Replacing him with Harry Morgan as Colonel Potter and Mike Farrell as B.J. Honeycutt brought a different tone — one that some longtime viewers felt was less dynamic.
It’s also worth noting that Linville wasn't the only original cast member to leave. McLean Stevenson (Lt. Col. Henry Blake) and Wayne Rogers (Captain Trapper John) also exited early, and many fans felt the show lost some of its spark. But Linville’s absence was particularly felt — his character had a unique role that was hard to replicate.
Despite the challenges he faced later in life, Linville remains a beloved figure among classic TV fans. His work on MASH is a reminder of what made the show so special: a mix of sharp writing, strong performances, and a willingness to push boundaries.
If you're a fan of old-school sitcoms or military comedies, it's worth revisiting MASH with a focus on Linville’s performances. You might just find that his role was more important than you realized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Larry Linville leave MASH?
Larry Linville left MASH when his five-year contract ended. Contrary to some rumors, he didn’t leave because he had a feud with Alan Alda. He wanted to explore other roles and creative opportunities outside of television. However, his post-MASH career didn’t take off the way he hoped.
Did Larry Linville regret leaving MASH?
Yes, to some extent. In later interviews, Linville admitted that leaving MASH was a mistake professionally. He felt he had made a kind of "career suicide" by not staying on the show, especially since he turned down some big opportunities during a bitter divorce.
What happened to Larry Linville after MASH?
After leaving MASH, Linville appeared in a few films, including the cult favorite Red Heat, but never quite regained the same level of fame. He also worked in radio and theater. He passed away in 2000 after a battle with cancer.
Final Thoughts
Larry Linville was more than just a side character in a classic TV show — he was a talented actor whose work helped shape one of the most iconic series in television history. His departure from MASH changed the show in ways fans still talk about today.
If you're curious to learn more about the cast of MASH and what happened after the war ended on screen, there’s a lot to explore. Learn more about Larry Linville's filmography on IMDb, or check out some of the surviving episodes where he played Major Frank Burns — you might just find yourself laughing all over again.
