Actor Larry Linville dies at 60

By Times staff, wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 11, 2000

Larry Linville, best known for his portrayal of the power-hungry and neurotic Maj. Frank Burns on the CBS television show M*A*S*H, died Monday at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was 60.

Mr. Linville suffered from cancer and had a lung removed in 1998 after a malignant tumor was discovered. Longtime manager Barry M. Greenberg of Los Angeles said Linville was hospitalized Sunday and died of complications of pneumonia.

Mr. Linville was a native of Ojai, Calif., and had been living in New York.

"He was wonderfully refreshing and irreverent but always a very talented and professional guy," Greenberg said. "He took this cancer thing better than anybody I've ever seen."

Mr. Linville was part of a breakout cast that made M*A*S*H one of the longest-running shows on television.

Mr. Linville left M*A*S*H after the fifth season. He went on to guest star on numerous television series.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Linville.

Audition notice

The Ballet Society is seeking apprentice-level dancers for a performance ensemble, St. Petersburg Festival Ballet. Dancers need a strong classical background, pas de deux and modern dance experience. Those who are qualified will receive free weekly classes, plus performance opportunities. Some paid-apprentice positions are available for the 2000-2001 season. For information, call Sean Musselman at (727) 827-3828.