How Much Did Larry Linville Make Per Episode Of MASH?
Have you ever wondered about the financial side of your favorite classic TV shows? It's a question many fans ponder, especially when thinking about the beloved series M*A*S*H. The show brought us so many memorable characters, and one who certainly left an impression was Major Frank Burns, played by the talented Larry Linville. People often ask about the earnings of actors, and Linville's situation, you know, offers a pretty interesting look into how things worked back then.
Larry Linville, the actor who brought Major Frank Burns to life on the CBS war sitcom, was a significant part of the program for quite some time. His portrayal of the often-frustrated and sometimes comical character became a cornerstone of the show's early years. It's fascinating to consider what actors like him earned for their efforts, especially when a show becomes such a huge cultural phenomenon.
Understanding an actor's pay gives us a peek behind the curtain, doesn't it? It helps us appreciate the scale of television production and the value placed on these performers. So, let's explore just how much Larry Linville made per episode during his time on M*A*S*H, and perhaps see how his earnings compared to some of his co-stars, too it's almost.
Table of Contents
- Larry Linville: A Brief Biography
- Major Frank Burns and His Time on M*A*S*H
- Uncovering Larry Linville's Per-Episode Earnings
- Comparing Salaries on the M*A*S*H Set
- Larry Linville's Departure and Legacy
- Larry Linville's Net Worth and Royalties
- Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville and M*A*S*H
Larry Linville: A Brief Biography
Larry Linville was an American actor, born Lawrence Lavon Linville, on September 29, 1939, in Ojai, California. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in acting, a passion that would eventually lead him to become a familiar face on television screens across the nation. His career spanned many roles, though one character certainly stands out the most for audiences.
He had a career with over 70 acting credits to his name, which is quite a lot, actually. Before his iconic role, Larry appeared in various other television series. For example, he starred in eight episodes of "Mannix," and also made appearances in "The Doctors." These early roles helped him build a strong foundation in the acting world.
Larry Linville is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Major Frank Burns in the comedy-war drama "M*A*S*H." This role, which he played for five seasons, truly cemented his place in television history. He passed away in 2000, leaving behind a significant body of work and a memorable character that still resonates with fans today.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lawrence Lavon Linville |
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Ojai, California, United States |
| Date of Death | April 10, 2000 |
| Best Known For | Major Frank Burns in M*A*S*H |
| Years on M*A*S*H | Five seasons |
| Total Acting Credits | Over 70 |
Major Frank Burns and His Time on M*A*S*H
Larry Linville played the character of Major Frank Burns for five seasons on M*A*S*H, which is a considerable run for any actor on a popular show. His character was a surgeon at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, known for his pompous attitude and often being the target of pranks and jokes from his fellow officers. Linville, in a way, made the character quite unlikeable, which was exactly his intention.
He stated that Frank Burns was not the most pleasant character to play. Linville felt he had to make him as unlikeable as possible, and he certainly succeeded in that, didn't he? This dedication to the role, even when playing a character designed to be irritating, shows his commitment as an actor. The dynamic between Frank Burns and the other characters, especially Hawkeye and Trapper, was a central part of the show's early humor.
Linville's time on the show covered a significant portion of its initial success. His character's presence helped establish much of the comedic tension and dramatic situations that M*A*S*H was known for. After five seasons, Linville decided it was time to move on, seeking other opportunities in his acting career. His departure, you know, marked a shift in the show's cast and overall tone.
Uncovering Larry Linville's Per-Episode Earnings
Now, let's get to the question everyone wants to know: how much did Larry Linville actually make per episode of M*A*S*H? Well, Larry Linville himself reported some specific figures. He stated that for the last few episodes he was on the show, he made $6,000 per episode. This figure gives us a clear idea of his earnings towards the end of his tenure.
It's interesting to consider this amount in the context of television salaries at the time. While $6,000 an episode might seem modest compared to today's top earners, it was a respectable sum for a supporting actor on a major network show in that era. His income, apparently, came from these acting roles on television and also from stage productions, too it's almost.
The provided information also mentions a broader range for his earnings. It states that although he made just $10,000 per episode during his early days on the show, he would end up earning so much more by the end of its run. This suggests a progression in his salary over the five seasons he was with the program, which is pretty typical for actors on successful series, isn't it?
So, while the $6,000 figure is specific to his final episodes, it's clear his overall earnings per episode likely increased over his five years. This gradual increase reflects the growing popularity of M*A*S*H and the value the network placed on its key cast members. Knowing these figures helps us appreciate the financial aspects of being part of such a groundbreaking comedic series.
Comparing Salaries on the M*A*S*H Set
To truly understand Larry Linville's earnings, it helps to put them into perspective by looking at what other main cast members were making on M*A*S*H. The salary structure on long-running shows can vary quite a bit, depending on an actor's role, their contract, and their overall prominence. So, let's consider some of the other figures we have.
By the final season of M*A*S*H, which was long after Linville had left, Alan Alda was making a significantly higher amount. He was earning around $235,000 per episode, which is a massive sum, as a matter of fact. Alda's higher pay makes sense, given his central role as Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce. He was one of the only actors who appeared in every single episode of M*A*S*H, and he won an impressive five Emmy Awards for his portrayal, so his value was very high.
Other main cast members also saw substantial earnings by the show's conclusion. Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, and Jamie Farr, who played Maxwell Klinger, were making around $80,000 to $85,000 per episode by the final season. This shows a clear tiering of salaries, with the lead actor earning the most, and other long-standing main cast members earning a very good living.
Comparing Linville's reported $6,000 for his final episodes to these later figures highlights the growth in actor salaries over the show's eleven-season run. Linville left after five seasons, so his salary would naturally be lower than those who stayed until the very end and benefited from the show's immense, sustained success and renegotiated contracts. It gives a pretty clear picture of how pay evolved on such a hit series, doesn't it?
Alan Alda's contract, you know, even made him eligible for a revenue stream of around $88.5 million in fees from reruns, which is an incredible amount. This kind of long-term financial benefit was often reserved for the top-tier stars who were with a show for its entire duration and had specific clauses in their agreements. Larry Linville's situation, as we'll see, was a bit different regarding those long-term benefits.
Larry Linville's Departure and Legacy
After a solid five seasons, Larry Linville made the decision to leave M*A*S*H. He left the show to pursue other acting roles, which is a common choice for actors who feel their character's arc has reached its natural conclusion or who simply want to explore different kinds of projects. His character, Major Frank Burns, didn't have a farewell episode, which is something that happened with other actors who left the series, too it's almost.
As with many actors who quit the groundbreaking comedic series, Linville's character simply disappeared from the narrative. This approach allowed the show to move forward without a dramatic send-off for Frank Burns, fitting with the show's often abrupt and realistic portrayal of military life. It also paved the way for new characters to join the 4077th, like Major Charles Emerson Winchester III, who took the place of Henry Blake after his departure.
Linville's departure was a significant moment for M*A*S*H. His character, while often irritating, provided a crucial foil for the more cynical and humorous characters like Hawkeye and B.J. Hunnicutt. His absence changed the dynamic of the show, allowing for new comedic and dramatic possibilities to emerge. Larry Linville's contribution, though, remained a key part of the show's early success and its enduring legacy.
Even after leaving the television series, Larry Linville later joined another movie also called M.A.S.H. This movie, separate from the TV show's ongoing narrative, earned a total of around $81,600 in its lifetime. This shows his continued connection to the M*A*S*H universe, even if it was a different project. His career continued with various appearances in other TV series and films, building a varied body of work.
To learn more about M*A*S*H's impact on television history, you can explore other articles on our site. It's a show that really changed the game for sitcoms, and Larry Linville was a big part of that, you know.
Larry Linville's Net Worth and Royalties
When Larry Linville passed away in 2000, his accumulated net worth was reported to be $4 million. This financial legacy is largely attributed to his memorable role in M*A*S*H, which, as we've discussed, paid him a decent per-episode salary, especially towards his later seasons. His income also came from his numerous appearances in other television series and films, which is pretty standard for working actors, isn't it?
However, an interesting point about his earnings involves royalties. The information suggests that royalties from M*A*S*H were reportedly minimal after deductions by agents and other parties. This is a common situation for many actors, particularly from older television shows. While the show continued to air in reruns for decades, the financial benefits from those reruns often don't fully trickle down to all cast members, especially after various fees are taken out.
This situation contrasts sharply with someone like Alan Alda, whose contract made him eligible for a very substantial revenue stream from reruns. It highlights the differences in contract negotiations and the long-term financial structures for actors on highly successful, long-running programs. For Larry Linville, his primary financial gain from M*A*S*H seems to have been his per-episode salary during his active years on the show.
Despite the minimal royalties, his role as Major Frank Burns still provided a strong foundation for his overall wealth. His consistent work in acting roles on television and stage productions throughout his career also contributed significantly. It's a testament to his enduring presence in entertainment that his financial legacy remained strong, basically, even years after his most famous role concluded.
For more insights into the financial aspects of classic television, you might want to check out this page on actor earnings in the golden age of TV. It's a fascinating topic, to be honest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville and M*A*S*H
How many seasons was Larry Linville on M*A*S*H?
Larry Linville played Major Frank Burns for five seasons on the CBS war sitcom M*A*S*H. He was a main cast member during those initial years, contributing significantly to the show's early dynamic and humor. His time on the program, you know, spanned from its beginning until his departure.
What was Larry Linville's net worth when he died?
When Larry Linville passed away in 2000, his net worth was reported to be $4 million. This wealth was largely attributed to his iconic role as Major Frank Burns on M*A*S*H, as well as his various other acting appearances in television series and films throughout his career. His consistent work helped build that financial legacy, as a matter of fact.
Did Larry Linville appear in the M*A*S*H movie?
Yes, Larry Linville did join another movie called M.A.S.H. This was a separate film project, distinct from the television series he starred in. The movie earned a total of around $81,600 in its lifetime. So, he had a connection to both the TV show and a film with the same name, which is kind of interesting, isn't it?
Why Did Frank Burns Actor Larry Linville Leaves M*A*S*H?
MASH, (aka M*A*S*H), Larry Linville, 1972-83, TM and Copyright ©20th
MASH, (aka M*A*S*H), clockwise from left: Loretta Swit, Larry Linville
