What Happened to Frank Burns on MASH? Why Did Frank Burns Leave MASH? Who Played Frank Burns on MASH?
by Sangamithra | Updated Nov 11, 2023
What Happened to Frank Burns on MASH?
In the TV show M*A*S*H, actor Larry Linville, who portrayed Major Frank Burns, left the series after five seasons. The character's exit was abrupt and without a proper farewell. In the storyline, Frank Burns, after pursuing Margaret in Tokyo during her honeymoon, experiences a mental breakdown, believing every woman is Margaret. Following a psych evaluation, he contacts the 4077th, where Hawkeye and BJ absolve him of allegations and transfer him to an Indiana veterans' facility, promoting him to lieutenant colonel.
Larry Linville left the show because his five-year contract had ended, and he felt the character's development had reached its limit. The departure marked a significant shift in the series. Linville passed away in 2000 due to health issues after leaving the show.
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Why Did Frank Burns Leave MASH?
Frank Burns, portrayed by Larry Linville, left M*A*S*H due to the expiration of Linville's five-year contract. After five seasons, Linville felt that the character of Major Frank Burns had reached its creative limits, particularly in terms of his harsh and sardonic personality. Despite being offered a two-year extension, Linville declined, believing that there was no further room for development in the character.
In the storyline, Frank Burns's exit involved a mental breakdown, leading to a psych evaluation and his relocation to an Indiana veterans' facility with a promotion to lieutenant colonel. This departure was a significant turning point for the show, marking the end of an era and paving the way for new character dynamics.
Who Played Frank Burns on MASH?
Major Frank Burns on MASH was played by Larry Linville. Larry Linville, born in 1939, was an American actor best known for his portrayal of the irritable and inexperienced surgeon in the popular TV series. Serving as a foil to the more capable and unruly surgeons, Linville's Frank Burns brought humor and conflict to the show.
His departure from MASH after five seasons marked a significant moment in the series. Linville's contribution to the character added depth to the comedic and dramatic elements of the show, making Major Frank Burns a memorable and iconic part of M*A*S*H's legacy.
Who is Larry Linville?
Larry Linville, born on September 29, 1939, in Ojai, California, was an American actor renowned for his role as Major Frank Burns on the TV series MASH. He passed away on April 10, 2000, in New York City. Linville's early life saw him grow up in Sacramento, and after graduating from El Camino High School in 1957, he initially pursued aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado, later shifting to acting.
He achieved recognition for his contributions to the entertainment industry during his active years from 1960 to 2000. Linville married five times and had one child. His legacy endures through his memorable portrayal of Major Frank Burns, leaving a lasting impact on MASH's success.
Larry Linville Career
Larry Linville embarked on an acting career after studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder and training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Linville commenced his journey at the Barter Theatre in Virginia, later gaining recognition for his versatile roles in television during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His breakthrough came with the iconic portrayal of Major Frank Burns in the acclaimed TV series MASH.
Linville's departure after five seasons was prompted by the evolving tone of the show, leaning towards more serious storylines. Post-MASH, he continued a prolific career with guest appearances on various TV series and roles in films. Linville's enduring impact on MAS*H was commemorated in a 1991 special, and in 1997, he participated in a ceremony marking the deactivation of the last U.S. MASH unit in Korea alongside other cast members.
M*A*S*H
"M*A*S*H," a renowned American TV series that aired from September 17, 1972, to February 28, 1983, combines comedy, drama, and medical elements, set against the backdrop of the Korean War. Developed by Larry Gelbart, it serves as a spin-off from the 1970 film of the same name, based on Richard Hooker's novel. The show unfolds at the "4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital" in South Korea, spotlighting a team of doctors and support staff.
The original cast includes Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Larry Linville, Loretta Swit, McLean Stevenson, Gary Burghoff, Jamie Farr, and William Christopher. Throughout its 11 seasons, the series underwent cast changes, offering a mix of humor and poignant drama.
"MAS*H" stands as a television classic, featuring an iconic theme, "Suicide Is Painless." Its final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," remains the most-watched scripted series episode in U.S. television history, leaving an enduring legacy in American entertainment.
M*A*S*H Cast
Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
Alan Alda
Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan
Loretta Swit
Maxwell Q. Klinger
Jamie Farr
Father John Patrick Francis Mulcahy
William Christopher
Trapper John McIntyre
Wayne Rogers
Henry Blake
McLean Stevenson
Frank Burns
Larry Linville
Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reilly
Gary Burghoff
B.J. Hunnicutt
Mike Farrell
Sherman T. Potter
Harry Morgan
Charles Emerson Winchester III
David Ogden Stiers
Character
Actor
What Happened to Frank Burns on Mash - FAQS
Frank Burns experienced a mental breakdown pursuing Margaret, leading to a psych evaluation, Hawkeye and BJ's absolution, and relocation to an Indiana veterans' facility.
Larry Linville departed M*A*S*H after five seasons due to the expiration of his five-year contract, feeling the character had reached its creative limits.
Major Frank Burns in M*A*S*H was portrayed by Larry Linville, an American actor known for his significant contribution to the series.
Larry Linville, born on September 29, 1939, portrayed Major Frank Burns. He passed away on April 10, 2000, in New York City.
Post-M*A*S*H, Larry Linville continued a prolific career with guest appearances on various TV series and roles in films.