Why Did Larry Linville Quit Mash? The Real Reason Behind His Departure

Larry Linville, who played Major Frank Burns on *M*A*S*H*, left the show after five seasons. He felt he had reached the peak of the character’s potential and was ready for new roles. He was tired of playing the unlikeable, often-mocked Major Burns, and wanted to explore different acting opportunities.

The show’s creators, however, were not entirely thrilled with his decision. They felt that Major Burns was a vital part of the ensemble cast. While they understood Linville’s desire to move on, they were disappointed that he didn’t stick with the show longer. This departure left the show with a significant hole, and Major Burns vanished without a goodbye storyline or a proper exit. His sudden absence was a bit jarring to viewers who had come to expect his antics and bumbling personality, even if they didn’t always like him.

The decision to leave *M*A*S*H* wasn’t a sudden one for Linville. He had been weighing his options for a while. He was a talented actor with a wide range of abilities. He wanted to move on to projects that would challenge him and allow him to showcase his versatility. He wanted roles that would allow him to explore different genres and portray a variety of characters, not just the same old, unlikeable Major Burns.