Who Is Larry Linville? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Larry Linville was born on September 29, 1939, and passed away on April 10, 2000. In 2025, he would have celebrated his 86th birthday. Linville was widely recognized for his iconic role as Major Franklin Burns on the beloved television series MASH*, which aired from 1972 to 1983. His portrayal of the pompous, yet endearing character endeared him to viewers and solidified his place in television history.
| Occupation | Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1939 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Ojai, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 April, 2000 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Larry Linville's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Larry Linville had a charismatic presence both on and off-screen. He stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighed around 165 pounds (75 kg) during his active years. His distinctive features and impressive acting range made a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Larry Linville enjoyed a few significant relationships. He was married three times. His first marriage was to actress Anne Marie. He later married Patricia S. Kelly, but the union ended in divorce. His final marriage was to his third wife, actress and writer, whom he remained with until his passing. Although Linville was not publicly known to have a boyfriend, the support from his family and friends was evident throughout his career.
Linville appeared as jealous ex-boyfriend Randy Bigelow in the short-lived 1982 Disney series Herbie, the Love Bug. He also starred in the short-lived The Jeffersons spinoff Checking In, where he played Florence Johnston's (Marla Gibbs) nemesis, Lyle Block; however, this series only lasted four episodes.
In 1984, Linville co-starred on Paper Dolls, a nighttime drama on ABC offering a glimpse behind-the-scenes of the fashion industry. In 1991, Linville appeared on an episode of the television series Night Court as a doctor.
Linville also appeared in an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman season 1 episode 3 as a crackpot claiming to have been abducted by Superman and taken aboard his spaceship.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Larry Linville had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. His income mainly stemmed from his successful television career, including appearances in various shows and films, as well as stage performances. While not the wealthiest actor in Hollywood, Linville's contribution to the entertainment industry left a lasting legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
Larry Linville made his name primarily through television and theater. After his breakthrough role on MASH*, he appeared in several other television shows like The Love Boat, Matlock, and Roseanne. He also performed in various stage productions, showcasing his incredible range as an actor. Linville never veered into business investments or entrepreneurial ventures; instead, he dedicated his life to his craft and the arts.
After returning to the United States, Linville began his acting career at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, a year-round repertory theater under director Robert Porterfield.
Social Network
Although active on social media during his lifetime is impossible given the era, many fans today remember and celebrate Larry Linville's work. His contributions to television continue to thrive on various streaming services, and fan pages on platforms like Facebook and Instagram keep his memory alive. Networks often share throwback clips and quotes from his performances, highlighting his impact on the industry.
When the television series M*A*S*H was picked up for production in early 1972, Linville signed a five-year contract for the role of Major Frank Burns, an ill-tempered, inept surgeon who embraced military discipline with a cartoonish overzealousness.
This contrasted with the more competent yet rebellious doctors played by Alan Alda and Wayne Rogers (and later, Mike Farrell).
During the second season, the sitcom's tone started to change from pure comedy to more drama-focused story lines, as it reflected issues related to the Vietnam War (though M*A*S*H was set during the Korean War, it aired during the Vietnam and post-Vietnam era and tended to reflect this period in a roundabout fashion).
At the start of the series fifth season in late 1976, Linville was offered a renewal for two more seasons, but declined.
As the tone of the series had evolved to more serious storylines, Linville felt that he had taken the Frank Burns character, which had become increasingly one-dimensional, as far as he could, and chose to leave the series to pursue other roles.
Education
Larry Linville attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied acting. His education and training at this esteemed institution significantly shaped his career, providing him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the entertainment industry.
Raised in Sacramento, he attended El Camino High School (class of 1957) and later studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder before applying for a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
