Larry Linville Born: Tracing The Beginnings Of A Beloved TV Icon
It's truly fascinating, isn't it, to think about where our favorite television personalities first came into the world? For many, the name Larry Linville instantly brings to mind the memorable, if sometimes exasperating, character of Major Frank Burns from the classic series M*A*S*H. But before he became a household name, before he stepped onto that iconic set, Larry Linville, you know, had his own unique beginning. This beloved performer, whose work continues to resonate with audiences today, made his initial entrance into the world in a quiet California town, marking the start of a life that would eventually bring so much laughter and recognition to millions watching at home.
You might be curious, and it's a fair question, about the early days of such a recognizable face. His journey, like anyone's, began in a specific place at a particular time, laying the groundwork for the career that would follow. It's almost, in a way, like looking at the very first chapter of a really good book, seeing how the story starts before it unfolds into something much bigger.
This article aims to peel back the layers a little, offering a closer look at the foundational moments of Larry Linville's life. We'll explore exactly when and where Larry Linville was born, delve into his family background, and touch upon those formative years that shaped the person he became. It's a chance, really, to appreciate the man behind the character, understanding the roots of his remarkable path in entertainment.
Table of Contents
- The Early Life of Larry Linville: Where It All Began
- Larry Linville's Journey to Stardom
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- Remembering Larry Linville
- Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville
The Early Life of Larry Linville: Where It All Began
Every story has a starting point, and for Larry Linville, that beginning was rooted firmly in the sunny state of California. It's interesting, isn't it, how the very first moments of a person's life can set the stage for everything that follows? His early years, in some respects, were pretty typical for the time, yet they fostered the personality that would later captivate audiences worldwide.
Born in Ojai: A California Start
Larry Linville, whose full name was Lawrence Lavon Linville, made his initial appearance on September 29, 1939. This significant day, you know, occurred in the picturesque town of Ojai, California, USA. Ojai, a place known for its natural beauty, served as the very first backdrop for his life's unfolding narrative. It's quite something to think about him as a tiny baby in that peaceful setting, unaware of the incredible journey that lay ahead for him.
His birth under the zodiac sign of Libra on that late September day in 1939, really, marks the formal start of his biography. He was, in fact, a native of Ojai, California, USA, a detail that often gets mentioned when people talk about his origins. So, his roots were firmly planted in the Golden State right from the very beginning, establishing his Californian connection.
Growing Up in Sacramento
While Ojai was his birthplace, Larry Linville's childhood was primarily spent in a different Californian city. His parents, Fay Pauline and Harry Lavon Linville, actually, moved the family to Sacramento, California, not too long after his birth. This relocation meant that he spent his formative years and grew up in Sacramento, a much larger urban environment compared to Ojai.
This move, in a way, shaped his early experiences, offering a different kind of upbringing than if he had stayed in Ojai. He attended 'El Camino High School' in Sacramento, too, which is where he would have experienced many of the typical rites of passage for a young person. So, while born in one place, his daily life and development were very much tied to Sacramento's community and schools, which is a common enough thing for families.
Family Roots and Early Days
Larry Linville was, you know, the only child of Harry Lavon Linville and Fay Pauline (whose maiden name was Kennedy). His parents, as a matter of fact, raised him in Sacramento, providing him with a stable home life. The 1940 census, it appears, suggests he was their firstborn, which is a little piece of historical information that gives us a glimpse into his very early family structure.
His mother, Fay Pauline, very often went by her middle name, which is a rather common practice for some people. This family unit, consisting of his parents and himself, formed the core of his world during his younger years. These early family dynamics and the environment in Sacramento certainly played a role in shaping the individual who would eventually become a familiar face on television screens across the country, so it's quite important to consider these foundational aspects of his life.
Larry Linville's Journey to Stardom
The path to becoming a well-known actor is rarely a straight line, and Larry Linville's story is, in some respects, a testament to that. His career, you see, involved various steps and different kinds of performances before he achieved widespread fame. It's pretty interesting how a person's life can gradually build towards a significant turning point, and his was no exception.
From Stage to Screen: The Path to M*A*S*H
Before he became a television star, Larry Linville, actually, had a background in stage acting. This transition from performing live for an audience to working in front of cameras for television marked a truly significant turning point for him. It's almost as if he was building up his skills and experience, piece by piece, before landing the role that would define a large part of his public image.
Suddenly, with his move into television, millions recognized him. He was no longer just another face among many talented performers; he became part of something truly special and widely watched. This shift, you know, from the immediacy of the stage to the broader reach of the small screen, really changed the scope of his career and brought him into countless homes, which is a pretty big deal for any performer.
The Iconic Role of Frank Burns
Larry Linville is, without a doubt, most famous for his portrayal of Surgeon Major Frank Burns on the M*A*S*H television series. This role, which he took on in 1972, became synonymous with his public persona. He was best remembered, you see, for playing this specific character, a somewhat pompous and often exasperating surgeon in the Korean War setting.
His depiction of Frank Burns, you know, was so distinctive that it truly stuck in people's minds. For many, he *was* Frank Burns, which speaks volumes about his acting abilities. This particular role, arguably, cemented his place in television history, making him a household name and a familiar, if sometimes frustrating, face to a generation of viewers. It's quite something how one role can so profoundly shape a career.
Beyond M*A*S*H: Other Notable Works
While M*A*S*H certainly brought him the most widespread recognition, Larry Linville's acting career wasn't limited to that one iconic role. He was, in fact, an actor known for several other projects as well. For instance, he appeared in the television series Paper Dolls, which premiered in 1984, showcasing his range beyond the comedic military setting.
He also had a role in Mannix, a popular detective series that began in 1967, which means he was working in television even before M*A*S*H. These roles, you know, might not be as widely remembered as Frank Burns, but they certainly highlight his dedication to his craft and his versatility as a performer. He was, quite simply, a working actor who contributed to various productions throughout his career, which is pretty typical for someone in his profession.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Understanding a public figure often involves looking at some key personal details, too, which help to paint a more complete picture. For Larry Linville, these facts give us a snapshot of his life's timeline and some basic identifiers. It's very much like filling in the blanks on a personal profile, giving a quick overview of who he was.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lawrence Lavon Linville |
| Born | September 29, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Ojai, California, USA |
| Parents | Harry Lavon Linville and Fay Pauline (née Kennedy) |
| Raised In | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Known For | Actor, most notably as Major Frank Burns in M*A*S*H |
| Other Notable Works | Paper Dolls (1984), Mannix (1967) |
| Died | April 10, 2000 (aged 60) |
Remembering Larry Linville
Larry Linville, who passed away on April 10, 2000, at the age of 60, left a lasting impression on the entertainment world. His birthday, what he did before fame, his family life, and other fun facts are, you know, all part of the story that makes up his legacy. He was, in essence, a performer who brought a specific kind of energy to his roles, particularly the one that made him a household name.
His popularity rankings and how he was perceived by the public are, arguably, heavily influenced by his work on M*A*S*H. He was, very simply, a TV actor who managed to create a character that people still talk about decades later. It's a pretty remarkable achievement for any performer, to have such a lasting impact on popular culture, and he certainly did just that.
To learn more about his professional journey and contributions to television, you might want to visit his profile on IMDb. This resource provides a comprehensive look at his filmography and other career details, which is always helpful for fans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville
People often have questions about public figures, and Larry Linville is no exception. Here are a few common queries that come up when discussing his life and career, which is pretty typical for someone who left such a mark.
When was Larry Linville born?
Larry Linville was born on September 29, 1939. This date, you know, marks the beginning of his life's journey, a journey that would eventually lead him to become a familiar face on television screens.
Where was Larry Linville born?
He was born in Ojai, California, USA. While he spent much of his childhood in Sacramento, his initial entry into the world took place in the scenic town of Ojai, which is a rather interesting detail about his origins.
What was Larry Linville best known for?
Larry Linville is best known for his portrayal of Surgeon Major Frank Burns on the highly popular television series M*A*S*H. This role, in some respects, truly defined his public image and is the character most people immediately associate with him, which is a pretty significant achievement for an actor.
Learn more about famous actors on our site, and link to this page classic TV shows for more fascinating insights into television history.
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