Actor. He was an American actor who was well-known for his portrayal of the obnoxious, overly pious surgeon "Major Frank Burns" in the successful television series, "M*A*S*H," appearing in 120 episodes. Raised in Sacramento, California, Larry Linville studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado before he applied for a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He was one of only three Americans of 300 applicants to be awarded a scholarship. Upon returning to the United States, he performed on stage for a time. Though he acted in numerous TV shows like "Mission: Impossible," "Room 222," eight episodes in "Mannix," "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island," his portrayal of Major Frank Burns on "M*A*S*H for five years was his most rememberable. On the show, his character was known as "Ferret Face," an idea from his own brother. Unlike his M*A*S*H character, in real life, he was very likable and held in high esteem by his co-stars. He married five times and had a daughter with his first wife. Most of his film roles were minor, and a few were uncredited, yet he had a small credited role in the 1971 comedy-drama film "Kotch. He died from the complications of lung cancer.
Actor. He was an American actor who was well-known for his portrayal of the obnoxious, overly pious surgeon "Major Frank Burns" in the successful television series, "M*A*S*H," appearing in 120 episodes. Raised in Sacramento, California, Larry Linville studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado before he applied for a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He was one of only three Americans of 300 applicants to be awarded a scholarship. Upon returning to the United States, he performed on stage for a time. Though he acted in numerous TV shows like "Mission: Impossible," "Room 222," eight episodes in "Mannix," "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island," his portrayal of Major Frank Burns on "M*A*S*H for five years was his most rememberable. On the show, his character was known as "Ferret Face," an idea from his own brother. Unlike his M*A*S*H character, in real life, he was very likable and held in high esteem by his co-stars. He married five times and had a daughter with his first wife. Most of his film roles were minor, and a few were uncredited, yet he had a small credited role in the 1971 comedy-drama film "Kotch. He died from the complications of lung cancer.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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