What Is Larry Linville’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in April 2000, Larry Linville’s net worth was estimated to be $4 million (adjusted for inflation). This figure reflects his earnings from a multifaceted career spanning television, film, and stage acting. While the exact breakdown of his income from each source isn’t publicly available, the majority of his wealth likely stemmed from his television roles, most notably his portrayal of Major Frank Burns on the iconic series M*A*S*H.
Larry Linville’s Career Highlights and Earnings
Larry Linville’s career was punctuated by consistent work in the entertainment industry. His role as Major Frank Burns on M*A*S*H, which he played from 1972 to 1977, was undoubtedly the most significant contributor to his net worth. While specific salary figures for his time on M*A*S*H haven’t been publicly disclosed, it’s reasonable to assume that his compensation increased over the five seasons he was a series regular, as was standard practice in the television industry. It’s also important to note that while the show continued for many more years, Linville chose to depart in 1977, seeking other acting opportunities. We can estimate that he earned approximately $20,000 to $50,000 per episode, considering the show’s popularity and his prominent role; therefore, his income from M*A*S*H could have been approximately $1 million, or 25% of his net worth, over the course of 5 years.
Beyond M*A*S*H, Linville secured recurring roles in various other television series, further augmenting his income. These included appearances on Mannix, Grandpa Goes to Washington, The Love Boat, Checking In, Herbie, the Love Bug, and Paper Dolls. While none of these roles likely matched the financial impact of his M*A*S*H stint, they provided a steady stream of income throughout his career. Each recurring role may have contributed between $5,000 and $15,000 per episode, depending on the show’s popularity and his character’s significance.
Linville’s work in film also added to his overall earnings. He starred in movies such as The Stepmother, Earth Girls Are Easy, and Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Forever. Although these films were not blockbuster hits, they provided additional income through salaries and potential residuals. His salary for each of these films likely ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, based on the film’s budget and his role. For instance, his appearance in “Earth Girls Are Easy” might have brought in around $25,000.
Before his success in television and film, Linville honed his craft through stage acting. While stage acting typically does not provide the same level of financial reward as on-screen work, it served as a crucial foundation for his career and likely provided some income early on. Stage roles would have earned him a few hundred dollars per week, playing a small role in the building of his net worth. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, which could have been part of a study abroad program. Tuition at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) can range from approximately £9,270 (around $11,600 USD) per year for UK/EU students to £26,850 (around $33,600 USD) per year for international students as of 2023.
Financial Considerations and Personal Life
While details regarding Linville’s specific investments, real estate holdings, or other assets are not publicly known, it’s reasonable to assume that he made some investments to secure his financial future. He might have invested in stocks, bonds, or real estate to grow his wealth beyond his acting income. However, without concrete information, it’s impossible to provide a detailed analysis of his investment portfolio.
Larry Linville’s personal life, particularly his multiple marriages, likely impacted his financial situation. He was married five times and had one child. Divorce settlements and child support payments can significantly affect an individual’s net worth. The financial implications of his divorces are not publicly documented, but it is plausible that these events influenced his financial status.
His death at the age of 60 due to pneumonia complicated by cancer surgery also factors into the consideration of his net worth. Medical expenses associated with his illness and treatment could have impacted his finances in his final years. The cost of cancer treatment can be substantial, potentially draining a portion of his assets.
The lack of detailed financial records makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact sources and fluctuations of Larry Linville’s net worth over time. However, his successful acting career, particularly his role on M*A*S*H, was undoubtedly the primary driver of his financial success. Recurring television roles, film appearances, and stage work further contributed to his income. While his personal life and health challenges likely had some financial impact, his career earnings established a substantial financial foundation. Though precise investment and expenditure data remain undisclosed, his estimated $4 million net worth reflects a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. Further specifics on the allocation of assets between real estate, stocks, and personal property are not available in the public record. Ultimately, the $4 million net worth, adjusted for inflation to the year 2000, gives a reasonable assessment of the financial position Larry Linville had attained through his career.