In the popular 70s wartime TV series M*A*S*H, actor Larry Linville portrayed the finicky
and somewhat naive Major Frank Burns. Throughout the first five seasons, Linville played his
character with a mix of precision and comic flair, making Burns a particularly memorable
part of the show's dynamic cast. Yet, in 1977, Linville made the difficult choice to bid
farewell to the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.
At first, Linville likely felt as if he made the right decision. As time passed, however,
Linville couldn't shake the feeling that his departure might have been a bit premature,
a decision tinged with a hint of regret. Join us as we delve into the real reason Larry
Linville stepped away from M*A*S*H, and why he later wished he hadn't.
Facts Verse Presents: The Real Reason Larry Linville Left M*A*S*H, He Later Regretted
It
How Linville Came To Be A M*A*S*H Mainstay
M*A*S*H, an undeniably classic television series that debuted in the early 70s, offered
viewers a unique blend of humor and drama, set against the harsh backdrop of the Korean
War. The show followed the lives of medical staff stationed at the 4077th Mobile Army
Surgical Hospital, painting a graphic picture of the camaraderie and the challenges they
faced daily.
In this chaotic wartime environment, we met Major Frank Burns, brought to life by the
talented Larry Linville. Linville, who was cast due to his adeptness in portraying complex
characters, quickly became a staple of the show.
Interestingly, Linville originally had intentions of becoming a pilot in his younger years,
but after that dream petered out, he set his sights on Hollywood. After being cast in M*A*S*H
– his first significant role - Linville masterfully depicted Burns as a character
who was often at odds with his fellow surgeons yet remained a vital part of the team's chemistry.
This extraordinary portrayal kept audiences hooked for the first five seasons, amounting
to a substantial 120 episodes.
However, in 1977, viewers found themselves saying goodbye to the beloved, albeit contentious,
figure of Frank Burns. Linville decided to part ways with the series, leaving a gap in
the close-knit group that made up the M*A*S*H ensemble. Stay tuned, as in the next few moments,
we will unravel the true reason behind Linville's exit and introduce the character who stepped
in to fill the void left by Burns.
Why Linville Left and was Replaced
In the riveting saga of M*A*S*H, the exit of the character Frank Burns marked a pivotal
shift in the series' dynamic. From various recounts, it seems there were dual reasons
contributing to this departure - one being the narrative arc of Burns and the other being
actor Larry Linville's personal decision to move on.
In the show's storyline, Frank Burns had been unravelling, notably struggling with Margaret
leaving him and engaging in erratic behavior that even led to an awkward encounter with
a General. These actions culminated in Burns being transferred stateside, a move that brought
a certain jubilation amongst other characters such as BJ, Hawkeye, and Col. Potter. This
was not only a chance to avoid the escalating embarrassments but also an opportunity to
hush whispers of mounting indiscretions.
Parallelly, Linville, the man behind Burns, had reached a personal crossroads. After five
years of dedicating himself to a role that was both challenging and somewhat confined
in its scope, Linville opted not to renew his contract. Despite being loved by the cast
and lauded for his skill in portraying a character that offered limited personal growth, Linville
felt it was time to explore new horizons. His Burns was a character caught in a loop
of negativity, offering little space for evolution or depth.
This exit paved the way for a fresh and more complex character to enter the scene. Dr.
Charles Emerson Winchester III, portrayed by David Ogden Stiers, emerged as a successor
who brought a richer layer of narrative complexity to the series. Unlike Burns, Winchester was
not a mere one-note villain. He had dimensions that were deeper and more nuanced, fostering
both respect and disdain from his peers due to his superior surgical skills and sometimes
pompous demeanor.
As the series progressed, it was evident that this change resonated exceptionally well with
the audience. Winchester's character allowed for more intricate story arcs and a renewed
tension in his interactions with Hawkeye, providing a richer texture to the beloved
series. The transition proved that the show had the capacity to adapt and evolve, ensuring
its continued success and audience engagement.
Thus, with a heavy heart, the M*A*S*H family bid farewell to Larry Linville and Frank Burns,
welcoming a new era of narrative depth and complexity with the arrival of David Ogden
Stiers in the role of the multifaceted Dr. Charles Emerson Winchester III.
Larry Linville's Post M*A*S*H Journey
In the world of entertainment, few characters manage to strike a chord as Major Frank Burns
did in the first five seasons of M*A*S*H. Despite embodying a character that seemed
to be at odds with almost everyone around him, Larry Linville managed to make Burns
stand out. His portrayal of the character's staunch patriotism and tumultuous love affair
with Major Houlihan won him much admiration and recognition. But how did Linville perceive
his role, and what paths did his career and life take post-M*A*S*H?
Let's take a few minutes to sift through the accomplished life and legacy of Larry Linville
after taking his leave from the iconic series that made him a household name.
Linville never hesitated to share his experiences on M*A*S*H, especially with the youth who
were aspiring to carve their niche in the acting world. Despite his initial skepticism
about the show’s potential success, since it was based on a popular movie, the moment
the cast came together to read the script, magic happened. The camaraderie and the natural
chemistry amongst the cast were palpable, as they perceived their work not just as a
television series but as "litty bitty, short movies." Linville’s connection with his
role was deep, employing elements of "nerd, moron, and slime" to bring Burns to life,
as he openly shared in a talk at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, in 1986.
However, Linville was no stranger to performing arts before his stint on M*A*S*H. His journey
began quite differently, with initial dreams of flying higher and farther for NASA. Though
these aspirations shifted in high school, where he discovered his passion for theater.
His stage debut came in a Christmas pageant, a humble beginning that echoed with humor
when he remarked he had been "typecast from the beginning."
Despite his soaring fame, Linville remained grounded, emphasizing the importance of theater
education. His visits to colleges nationwide were well-received, with students resonating
deeply with the M*A*S*H characters, partly because the actors had theater backgrounds
and weren't just "Hollywood types." Linville, a graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic
Arts in London, utilized these interactions to inspire young minds, asserting that one's
"moment" in the entertainment industry can come at any time.
Building a Legacy Post M*A*S*H
After bidding adieu to the role of Frank Burns, Linville embarked on a diverse journey in
the entertainment industry, gracing many films and television series with his talent. His
career was marked by numerous appearances in series such as "Murder, She Wrote," "Fantasy
Island," and "The Love Boat." Besides his television roles, Linville also featured in
a string of movies, including "Earth Girls Are Easy" and "C.H.U.D. II: Bud the C.H.U.D."
The versatility in Linville's career is reflected in his roles, ranging from Randy Bigelow in
"Herbie, the Love Bug" to portraying a jealous ex-boyfriend. He continued to grace television
screens in series like "Paper Dolls" and even ventured into the superhero world with an
appearance on "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman." Linville’s career showcased
his ability to portray a diverse range of characters, leaving an undeniable mark in
the entertainment industry.
Remembering Larry Linville
Larry Linville's life was a rich menagerie of experiences, not just limited to his remarkable
career but extending to his personal life.
Linville embraced matrimony five times, with his last wife, Deborah Guydon, standing by
his side till his final moments. Despite the highs and lows of his personal life, his journey
was marked by an unyielding spirit and zest for life.
Unfortunately, Linville's journey was cut short when health issues eventually surfaced,
leading to the discovery of a malignant tumor beneath his sternum. Despite undergoing surgery
to remove part of his lung in February 1998, his health continued to deteriorate over the
next two years.
On April 10, 2000, Linville succumbed to pneumonia, a complication arising from cancer surgery,
leaving the world to mourn the loss of a remarkable actor and inspirational individual. Linville's
ashes found their resting place at sea, off the coast of Bodega Bay, California, marking
a solemn good-bye to a life lived fully and a career that spanned across diverse roles
and genres.
In retrospect, Larry Linville's journey, from his early aspirations to become a NASA pilot
to becoming a revered figure in the entertainment industry, is nothing short of inspiring.
His words echoed across campuses, inspiring countless young minds to pursue their passions
earnestly. Through his diverse roles and his indomitable spirit, Linville showed that the
magic of the entertainment industry lies in its ability to offer moments of stardom at
the most unexpected times.
We've taken a stroll through the significant chapters of Larry Linville's life, exploring
his unforgettable role as Frank Burns in M*A*S*H as well as his ventures thereafter. Now, we
turn the spotlight onto you, our dear viewers. We'd love to hear your reflections on M*A*S*H,
the remarkable journey of Linville, and the lasting impact of the character Frank Burns.
Share your thoughts and perhaps, some untold stories or personal connections you might
have, in the comments section down below. Let's keep the conversation going and celebrate
the legacy of an actor who brought a timeless character to life!