Larry Linville Spouse: Exploring The Personal Life Of A Beloved Actor

Madisyn Pagac I 01 Aug 2025

Many folks, you know, still remember Larry Linville for his truly unforgettable role as Frank Burns on the classic television show M*A*S*H. He brought such a particular kind of humor and intensity to the character, making him, in a way, one of the most talked-about figures on the series. While his on-screen persona was often a bit, well, complicated, people often wonder about the man behind the uniform. What was his life like away from the cameras? That's a question many fans have, especially when it comes to his personal connections.

It's interesting, really, how much we connect with actors and then get curious about their real lives. Larry Linville, a talented performer, had a life that extended far beyond the fictional Korean War hospital. His journey included several important relationships, each one a part of his story. These personal ties, you see, often shape a person, adding layers to their public image. We're going to take a closer look at the women who shared parts of his life.

This piece aims to shed some light on the various women Larry Linville called his spouse. We will explore these relationships, giving you a better picture of his personal journey. It's about understanding the man more fully, past his most famous acting part. So, if you're curious about Larry Linville's marriages and family life, you're in the right spot. This article will help you learn more about him.

Larry Linville: A Brief Look at His Life
Larry Linville's Marriages: A Closer Look at His Spouses
Family Life and Legacy
The Enduring Interest in Larry Linville's Personal Story
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville Spouse
Exploring Larry Linville's Personal Journey

Larry Linville: A Brief Look at His Life

Larry Linville, born Larry Lavon Linville, came into the world on September 29, 1939, in Ojai, California. He was an American actor, known for his work in television and film. His career spanned several decades, though he is, of course, most widely recognized for his portrayal of Major Frank Burns. This role, in a way, defined a large part of his public image.

Before his big break on M*A*S*H, Linville honed his craft in various stage productions. He also appeared in a few other television shows and movies. He actually had a solid background in theater, which, you know, really helped him develop his skills. This foundation allowed him to take on a variety of roles, even if Frank Burns became his most famous.

His passing on April 10, 2000, at the age of 60, marked the end of a life dedicated to acting. Larry Linville left behind a legacy of memorable performances. His work continues to be enjoyed by fans around the globe, especially through reruns of M*A*S*H. It's clear he made a lasting impression on many viewers.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Larry Linville

Here's a quick look at some key facts about Larry Linville:

Full Name	Larry Lavon Linville
Born	September 29, 1939
Birthplace	Ojai, California, U.S.
Died	April 10, 2000 (aged 60)
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1969–2000
Spouses	Kate Geer (m. 1962; div. 1975) Vna Lisa (m. 1977; div. 1982) Susan Hogan (m. 1982; div. 1985) Deborah Guifoil (m. 1993; div. 2000)
Children	1 (daughter, Kelly Linville)

Larry Linville's Marriages: A Closer Look at His Spouses

Larry Linville's life, like many people's, included several significant personal relationships. He was married four times throughout his life. Each marriage, you know, brought different experiences and insights into his personal world. These connections often tell a lot about a person's journey. It's almost as if each relationship marked a different chapter.

Understanding who Larry Linville called his spouse helps us see a more complete picture of him. It's not just about his acting roles. It's about his life as a person, with all the ups and downs that come with personal connections. We'll explore each of his marriages in a bit more detail, shedding light on these important aspects of his story.

Kate Geer: His First Wife

Larry Linville's first marriage was to Kate Geer. They tied the knot in 1962. Kate Geer, for those who might not know, comes from a family with deep roots in the entertainment world. Her mother was the well-known actress Herta Ware, and her father was the actor Will Geer, who, of course, famously played Grandpa Walton on The Waltons. So, in a way, she grew up surrounded by the industry.

This marriage lasted for a considerable period, from 1962 until their divorce in 1975. During their time together, Larry and Kate had one child, a daughter named Kelly Linville. Kelly is, you know, his only child. This relationship was quite a long one for him, lasting over a decade. It spanned a significant part of his early career, including the beginning of his time on M*A*S*H. That's a pretty big chunk of life.

The period of this marriage saw Linville's career really take off with M*A*S*H. It's often the case that personal lives and professional lives intertwine, and for Larry, this was certainly true during these years. His family life with Kate and Kelly was, in some respects, the backdrop to his growing fame. It shows that even as he became a household name, he had a personal world he was navigating.

Vna Lisa: A Later Marriage

After his marriage to Kate Geer ended, Larry Linville found love again with Vna Lisa. They were married in 1977. This particular marriage, you know, occurred a couple of years after his first divorce. It marked a new chapter in his personal life. It's interesting how people move from one significant relationship to another, always seeking connection.

Their marriage, however, was not as long-lasting as his first. Larry Linville and Vna Lisa remained married for about five years, with their union concluding in 1982. Details about their relationship are, arguably, less widely publicized than some other aspects of his life. Still, it was a meaningful part of his journey, a period where he again committed to a partnership.

This was a time when Larry Linville was still very much in the public eye, even after his departure from M*A*S*H in 1977. He continued to work steadily in television and film. So, this marriage took place during a phase of his career where he was exploring new roles and projects. It shows that his personal life continued to evolve alongside his professional endeavors, which is pretty typical for many actors.

Susan Hogan: A Significant Relationship

Following his marriage to Vna Lisa, Larry Linville married Susan Hogan in 1982. Susan Hogan is a Canadian actress, known for her work in various films and television shows. This relationship, you know, brought two actors together. It's not uncommon for people in the same profession to find common ground and connection. They probably understood each other's lives quite well.

Their marriage, however, was relatively brief, lasting approximately three years. They divorced in 1985. Despite its shorter duration, it was, nonetheless, a significant part of Larry Linville's life story. Every relationship, no matter its length, leaves some kind of mark. It contributes to the overall tapestry of a person's experiences, you know.

During this period, Larry Linville continued his acting career, taking on guest roles and other projects. His personal life, too, was in motion. It suggests that even through changes in his marital status, his commitment to his craft remained strong. It's a testament to his dedication as a performer, really. He kept working and living his life.

Deborah Guifoil: His Final Spouse

Larry Linville's fourth and final marriage was to Deborah Guifoil. They married in 1993. This relationship marked the last chapter of his personal life. It's often the case that people find a lasting connection later in life, and this seems to have been the situation for Larry. This partnership, you know, was the one he shared until his passing.

Their marriage lasted for about seven years, concluding with Larry Linville's death in 2000. Deborah Guifoil was with him during his later years. She was his companion through the final part of his life's journey. This marriage was, in a way, a quiet and private period for him, away from the intense spotlight of his M*A*S*H fame. It shows a different side of his personal existence.

This final marriage provides a glimpse into Larry Linville's life as he entered his later years. It underscores the human need for companionship and connection, which, you know, stays with us throughout our lives. Deborah Guifoil was his spouse during this time, sharing his experiences until the very end. It's a reminder that even public figures have private lives filled with personal moments.

Family Life and Legacy

Beyond his marriages, Larry Linville's family life centered significantly around his daughter, Kelly Linville. She is his only child, born during his first marriage to Kate Geer. Having a child, you know, changes a person's perspective quite a bit. It adds a whole new dimension to their life, creating a lasting bond that goes beyond any marital status.

While Larry Linville's public image was largely tied to his comedic and sometimes villainous roles, his role as a father was a private one. Details about his relationship with Kelly are not widely publicized, which is, in some respects, fairly common for celebrity families who prefer privacy. This private aspect of his life, you see, was just as important as his public one.

His legacy, therefore, isn't just about his acting. It's also about the family he created. His daughter, Kelly, carries on a part of his story. The impact he had on his family, though less visible to the public, was undoubtedly profound. It shows that his life was full, encompassing both a celebrated career and personal relationships that mattered deeply to him.

The Enduring Interest in Larry Linville's Personal Story

Even years after his passing, there's still a good deal of interest in Larry Linville's life, especially concerning who Larry Linville's spouse was at different times. This curiosity, you know, isn't unique to him. Fans often want to know more about the people who bring their favorite characters to life. It's a natural human tendency to seek out the personal stories behind public figures.

The enduring popularity of M*A*S*H means that new generations are constantly discovering Larry Linville's work. As they watch, they become curious about the actors themselves. This leads to questions about their lives, their families, and their relationships. It's a way for fans to feel a deeper connection to the stars they admire, you know.

Online searches for "Larry Linville spouse" and related queries like "Larry Linville marriages" or "Larry Linville family" show that this interest remains strong. People want to understand the full picture of the man who played Frank Burns. It's a testament to his impact that his personal life continues to spark such curiosity, years after he left us. This ongoing fascination is, in a way, a part of his lasting legacy. You can learn more about Larry Linville's career and personal life on sites like IMDb, which helps satisfy this curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Linville Spouse

How many times was Larry Linville married?

Larry Linville was married four times during his life. His relationships were with Kate Geer, Vna Lisa, Susan Hogan, and Deborah Guifoil. Each marriage, you know, represented a different phase of his personal journey. It's quite a few marriages for one person, really.

Did Larry Linville have any children?

Yes, Larry Linville had one child, a daughter named Kelly Linville. She was born during his first marriage to Kate Geer. Kelly is his only child. So, his family line, in a way, continues through her.

Who was Larry Linville's last wife?

Larry Linville's last wife was Deborah Guifoil. They were married in 1993 and remained together until his passing in 2000. She was his spouse during the final years of his life. That's a pretty important connection, you know.

Exploring Larry Linville's Personal Journey

Larry Linville, known widely for his memorable acting, also led a personal life filled with connections and changes. His journey included four marriages, each one adding to the story of the man behind the famous roles. We've explored who Larry Linville's spouse was at different times, from Kate Geer, the mother of his only child, to Deborah Guifoil, his final companion. These relationships, you know, truly shaped his life.

Understanding these personal details helps us appreciate Larry Linville not just as an actor, but as a person who experienced life's full range of relationships. His story reminds us that public figures have private worlds, just like anyone else. If you're interested in learning more about classic television stars or perhaps want to explore other actor biographies, there's always more to discover about the lives that entertained us.

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