Larry Linville Age: Remembering The Actor Behind Frank Burns
When we think about beloved television characters, a few truly stand out, and for many, that includes Major Frank Burns from the iconic series M*A*S*H. People often wonder about the actors who brought these memorable figures to life, and a common question that pops up, very naturally, is about Larry Linville age. This is a curiosity that, you know, makes a lot of sense, especially when you consider how much of an impact his portrayal had on so many viewers. It is important to note, however, that while we were provided with a text referencing the origin of the name "Larry" and details about Larry Page, that information does not pertain to the esteemed actor Larry Linville, whose life and career we will explore here.
It's a testament to his performance that, even years later, fans are still looking up details about his life, including how old he was during the show's run and at the time of his passing. There's a certain connection we feel to these performers, and knowing more about their journey, like their age at key moments, helps us appreciate their contributions even more, you know?
This piece will explore the life of Larry Linville, focusing on the timeline of his years, his significant roles, and the impact of his age on his career, too. We will talk about his birth, his time on M*A*S*H, and, sadly, his passing, giving you a full picture of the man behind the character.
Table of Contents
- Larry Linville: A Life in Performance
- Personal Details and Biography
- Early Life and Beginnings
- The M*A*S*H Years: Frank Burns and Beyond
- After M*A*S*H: Continuing His Craft
- Larry Linville's Final Years and Passing
- Understanding Larry Linville's Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville Age
Larry Linville: A Life in Performance
Larry Linville, a name many associate with a particular kind of comedic villainy, truly made his mark on television history. His work on M*A*S*H, for instance, showed a real knack for character development, so. It’s interesting to think about how a performer’s age shapes the roles they get and how they play them, too. For Linville, his years in the acting world brought him many different experiences, from the stage to the screen, and each step, you know, added to his skill set.
His presence on screen, even when playing a character that might make you groan, had a distinct quality. It’s almost as if his own life experiences, which certainly accumulated with age, helped him bring a certain depth to his portrayals. We often forget that actors, much like anyone else, go through different phases in their lives, and these phases can really influence their creative work, you know? He was, in a way, always learning and adapting, which is something many people do throughout their own lives, too.
Exploring his life story helps us get a better sense of the man who gave us Frank Burns, but also the other characters he inhabited. It’s not just about the dates, but about the journey, and how the passage of time, with its challenges and opportunities, shaped his artistic path. So, let's take a closer look at the key moments in his personal and professional life, and how his age played a part in it all.
Personal Details and Biography
Here’s a quick look at some key facts about Larry Linville, giving you a sort of snapshot of his life.
| Full Name | Lawrence Lavon Linville |
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Ojai, California, U.S. |
| Date of Passing | April 10, 2000 |
| Place of Passing | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Age at Passing | 60 years old |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1969–2000 |
These details, you know, give us a starting point for understanding his journey. His birth in California, for instance, places him in a state that has been a hub for entertainment for a very long time, which might be a bit of a clue to his future path, arguably. And his passing in New York City, that’s another significant location for performers, suggesting a life spent moving between major artistic centers.
Knowing his age at different points, especially when he started his career or when he took on his most famous role, helps put things into perspective. It shows us, in some respects, how long he was in the business and the different phases he went through as a performer. His entire adult life, more or less, was dedicated to acting, which is a big commitment for anyone.
The span of his years active in the industry, from 1969 to 2000, really tells a story of dedication and perseverance. That’s over three decades of work, which, you know, is quite a stretch for any professional. It means he saw many changes in television and film, and he kept working through them, which is pretty impressive, actually.
Early Life and Beginnings
Larry Linville's life began on September 29, 1939, in Ojai, California. He spent his early years there, which is a rather scenic part of the state. As a young man, he pursued his education at the University of Kansas, where he studied aeronautical engineering, of all things. That's a bit of a surprise, isn't it, considering where his career ultimately led him? It just goes to show, you know, how varied people's initial interests can be.
However, his true calling, it seemed, pulled him towards the stage. He eventually found his way to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. This was a really important step for him, as it’s one of the world's most respected acting schools. Training there, you know, would have given him a very solid foundation in his craft. It suggests a serious commitment to acting, a real desire to hone his skills, which is quite admirable.
Upon returning to the United States, Linville began his acting career in earnest. His early work included appearances in various television shows and films, usually in smaller parts. These were the years where he was, basically, paying his dues, gaining experience, and working his way up. It’s a common path for many actors, where you start with little roles and hope to build up to bigger ones. He was, in a way, just starting to find his footing in a very competitive field.
During these early years, Linville was in his late twenties and early thirties, a time when many performers are still trying to establish themselves. It takes a certain kind of persistence to keep going, especially when you're not yet a household name. He was, you know, building a reputation for himself, one role at a time, which is a gradual process that often requires a lot of patience. This period of his life was, in some respects, about preparation for the bigger opportunities that were still to come.
The M*A*S*H Years: Frank Burns and Beyond
The role that truly brought Larry Linville widespread recognition was, of course, Major Frank Burns on the hit television series M*A*S*H. He joined the cast when the show premiered in 1972. At this point, Linville was 32 years old, which, you know, is a pretty good age to land such a significant role. It’s old enough to have some life and professional experience, but still young enough to be considered a rising talent, arguably.
His portrayal of Frank Burns, a somewhat pompous and often incompetent surgeon, was a central part of the show's early humor. Linville played the character for the first five seasons, from 1972 to 1977. During this period, he was in his early to mid-thirties. The show was a massive success, and his character, despite being a source of frustration for the other characters, became incredibly memorable for audiences. It’s a testament to his acting that he could make such a disliked character so compelling, in a way.
Linville made the decision to leave M*A*S*H after the fifth season. This was a notable moment, as the character of Frank Burns was a staple. His departure meant the show had to adjust, and it did, by introducing the character of Charles Emerson Winchester III. Linville felt that his character had reached a point where there wasn't much more room for growth, so he wanted to explore other acting avenues. It takes a certain kind of courage to leave a hugely successful show, especially when you're in your late thirties, you know, at the height of its popularity.
His time on M*A*S*H, lasting five years, really solidified his place in television history. It showed his comedic timing and his ability to play a character that was, basically, both irritating and, at times, a bit pathetic. This period, from his early thirties to his late thirties, was a defining chapter in his professional journey, and it’s what most people remember him for, really. He became, for many, the face of that particular kind of military official, which is quite an achievement for an actor.
After M*A*S*H: Continuing His Craft
After leaving M*A*S*H in 1977, when he was around 37 or 38 years old, Larry Linville continued to pursue a variety of acting roles. He didn't just disappear from the screen; he kept working, which is something many actors strive for after a major hit. He appeared in numerous television shows as a guest star, including popular series of the time. This period showed his versatility, as he took on different kinds of characters, trying not to be typecast by his most famous role.
He also made appearances in films, though perhaps not as frequently as on television. These roles, you know, allowed him to explore different genres and work with a wider range of directors and fellow actors. It's often a goal for television actors to transition into film, and Linville certainly tried his hand at it. He was, in a way, showing that he was more than just Frank Burns, that he had a broader acting range to offer.
Linville also returned to his roots in theater, which is where many actors find a deep satisfaction. The stage offers a different kind of challenge and reward compared to screen acting, allowing for a more immediate connection with an audience. Performing live, you know, requires a different set of skills and a different kind of energy, and he was clearly comfortable in that setting, too. This was a way for him to keep his acting muscles strong, as a matter of fact.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Linville remained a working actor, taking on roles that suited his age and experience. He was in his forties and fifties during these decades, which often means a shift in the types of characters available. Actors often find themselves playing parents, authority figures, or more mature roles as they get older, and Linville, you know, navigated these changes in his career with persistence. He showed a real dedication to his craft, regardless of the size or prominence of the role, which is pretty admirable, actually. He was, basically, a professional who loved to act, and he kept doing it.
Larry Linville's Final Years and Passing
Larry Linville continued acting into the late 1990s. His final years saw him still taking on roles, though perhaps not as frequently as during his peak M*A*S*H days. He was in his late fifties and early sixties during this time, an age when many people begin to consider slowing down, but he was still active in his chosen profession. It shows, you know, a lasting passion for performance.
Sadly, Larry Linville passed away on April 10, 2000, in New York City. He was 60 years old at the time of his passing. His death was attributed to complications from pneumonia, which he developed after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. This was, obviously, a very difficult time for him and his loved ones. It's a reminder that, you know, health challenges can come at any age, even if you seem to be doing well.
His passing at 60 years old was, in some respects, relatively young for a public figure. It meant that many fans felt a sense of loss, as he still had so much more to give, arguably. The news brought back memories of his iconic role as Frank Burns, and people remembered his contributions to entertainment. It was a moment when many reflected on his life and the characters he brought to life, which is a natural thing to do when someone well-known passes on.
The impact of his passing, for those who knew him and those who admired his work, was significant. It marked the end of a career that spanned over three decades, a career filled with memorable performances and a dedication to his art. His life, from his birth in 1939 to his passing in 2000, encompassed a period of great change in television and film, and he was, basically, a part of that evolving landscape. His age at passing, 60, really makes you think about the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
Understanding Larry Linville's Legacy
Larry Linville's legacy is, without a doubt, tied very closely to his portrayal of Major Frank Burns. That character, you know, became a sort of shorthand for a particular type of person, and Linville played him with such conviction that he became unforgettable. It's a powerful thing for an actor to create a character that resonates so deeply with audiences, even years after the show has ended. His age during the M*A*S*H years, in his thirties, allowed him to embody that role with a certain youthful arrogance mixed with insecurity, which was pretty effective, actually.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Linville’s career showed a performer who was committed to his craft, regardless of the size of the role. He took on many different parts, and each one, you know, added to his experience and understanding of acting. This willingness to keep working, to explore new characters, really speaks to his dedication. It’s a quality that many admire in actors, that they don’t just rest on their laurels after a big success.
His impact also lies in the way he approached acting. He was known for being a professional, someone who took his work seriously, even when playing a comedic character. That kind of commitment, you know, earns respect from colleagues and audiences alike. It’s about bringing your best to every performance, no matter what, and he seemed to do that consistently throughout his career.
Larry Linville's contribution to television, particularly through M*A*S*H, continues to be enjoyed by new generations of viewers. The show is still widely watched, and his character remains a topic of discussion among fans. This lasting presence, you know, is a true mark of a successful career. So, while we remember his age and the timeline of his life, it’s really the enduring quality of his work that stands out. You can learn more about famous actors and their careers on our site, and you might also find this page interesting: exploring the history of television comedy.
His life, which spanned six decades, was filled with artistic endeavors. He was, in a way, a part of the fabric of American entertainment for a significant period. The fact that people still ask about Larry Linville age, years after his passing, just goes to show the lasting impression he made. It’s a testament to his talent and the impact of his work, which, you know, continues to be felt by many. You can also read more about the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he honed his skills, at their official website: RADA.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville Age
How old was Larry Linville when he passed away?
Larry Linville was 60 years old when he passed away on April 10, 2000. He had just turned 60 the previous September, so he was, you know, in his early sixties at the time. It was a relatively young age for someone who still had so much more life to live, arguably.
What year was Larry Linville born?
Larry Linville was born in the year 1939. Specifically, his birth date was September 29, 1939. This means he was born right before the start of World War II, so, you know, he grew up during a period of significant global change.
What was Larry Linville's cause of death?
Larry Linville's passing was due to complications from pneumonia. This condition developed after he had undergone surgery for lung cancer. So, it was a sequence of health issues that, sadly, led to his passing, which is pretty tough, actually.
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