What Happened to Frank Burns After MASH Ended?

The iconic MASH television series, which aired from 1972 to 1983, left many fans wondering about the fates of their beloved characters. One such character was the incompetent and somewhat entertaining Major Frank Burns, played by Larry Linville. After the show ended, what became of him and how did Larry Linville’s career continue?

Frank Burns Departure from MASH

When the television show MASH concluded in 1983, all charges against Major Frank Burns were dropped. His character was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and sent back home to work in a VA (Veterans Administration) hospital. This surprising turn of events not only resolved the inabilities and misadventures of the character but also provided a neat, albeit somewhat flimsy, conclusion to the storyline.

Larry Linvilles Post-MASH Career

Interestingly, Frank Burns did not reappear in any significant MASH spin-offs or sequels. After the fifth season, actor Larry Linville decided to leave the series feeling that he had done his share with the character. Linville, who had established himself as a versatile actor on MASH, continued to work in the entertainment industry.

In the years following MASH, Larry Linville had guest roles in various television shows. Some notable appearances include The Love Boat, where he played Lieutenant Jim Colburn; The Golden Girls, a comedy series about a group of senior-aged women; and Diagnosis: Murder, another medical drama. He also made stage appearances and had a few film roles, keeping himself engaged and active in the industry.

The Impact of Frank Burns: A Memorable Character

Frank Burns, in many ways, remains an enduring and memorable character from MASH. Despite his dismal performance as a surgeon and an officer, his uniquely comical demeanor and the mishaps he repeatedly encountered made him a fan favorite. His instability, particularly during the infamous incident with Margaret Houlihan, where his mental health broke down after his leave in Seoul, made his character even more intriguing.

Linville’s portrayal of Major Burns was highly praised for its timing and personality. It’s no wonder that Frank Burns is one of the characters most fondly remembered from MASH.

Larry Linvilles Later Life

After his time on MASH, Larry Linville’s career continued to flourish. He maintained an active presence in theater and television, working in guest roles, films, and stage productions. Linville’s career, much like MASH, was a mix of success, stability, and innovation. He remained a respected and beloved actor until his passing in 2000, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades in the entertainment world and etched his mark on the beloved character, Major Frank Burns.