Kelly Linville is the only child of the late American actor Larry Linville, best remembered for playing Major Frank Burns on the hit television series M*A*S*H. Born in 1970, Kelly grew up connected to two well-known show business families, yet she chose to build a quieter life working behind the camera rather than in front of it. Her story offers an interesting look at how the children of famous actors sometimes forge entirely different paths, while still carrying a rich family legacy. This article explores who Kelly Linville is, her family history, her career, and the life she has led away from the spotlight.
Kelly Linville: Quick Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Linville |
| Date of Birth | 29 April 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles County, California, USA |
| Father | Larry Linville (actor, M*A*S*H) |
| Mother | Kate Geer |
| Grandparents | Will Geer and Herta Ware |
| Aunt/Uncle | Ellen Geer and Thad Geer |
| Cousins | Willow Geer and Megan Geer |
| Profession | Still photographer / photo technician |
| Notable Credit | The Energetics of Healing (1997) |
| Public Profile | Low; limited media presence |
| Category | Celebrity family member |
Who Is Kelly Linville?
Kelly Linville is an American photo technician and unit still photographer, born on 29 April 1970 in Los Angeles County, California. She is widely known in public records as the daughter of actor Larry Linville, whose portrayal of Frank Burns made him a household name during the 1970s. Kelly has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing a low-profile career in film production rather than acting.
Family Background
Her Father, Larry Linville
Larry Linville, born Lawrence Lavon Linville on 29 September 1939 in Ojai, California, became famous for his role as Major Frank Burns on M*A*S*H, a part he played for five seasons before leaving the show in 1977. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and built a long career in television, appearing in shows such as Mannix, Bonanza, and Kolchak: The Night Stalker. He passed away on 10 April 2000 in New York City at the age of 60, following complications related to earlier surgery for a malignant tumour.
Her Mother, Kate Geer
Kelly’s mother, Kate Geer, comes from a notable acting family. Kate is the daughter of actor Will Geer and actress Herta Ware, which makes Kelly the granddaughter of two respected performers from an earlier generation of Hollywood. Larry Linville and Kate Geer married on 25 April 1962 and divorced in 1975, when Kelly was still a young child.
Extended Family Ties
Through her mother’s side, Kelly Linville is also the niece of actors Thad Geer and Ellen Geer, and cousin to Willow Geer and Megan Geer, both of whom have worked in the entertainment industry. This gives Kelly a family tree with deep and lasting ties to American theatre and television, spanning several generations.
Early Life
Kelly Linville was born and raised in Los Angeles County, California, at a time when her father was building his acting career. Her parents divorced when she was around five years old, and Larry Linville went on to marry four more times over the following decades. Despite the various changes in her father’s personal life, Kelly remained his only child throughout his lifetime.
Public appearances show that Kelly maintained a close relationship with her father into adulthood. Photographs from 1992 show her attending the Producers Guild of America Golden Laurel Awards alongside Larry Linville, suggesting a warm and supportive family bond.
Career
Kelly Linville has worked in the camera and electrical department of film production, credited as a still photographer. Her known professional work includes the 1997 instructional video The Energetics of Healing, directed by Barbara Groth and featuring medical intuitive Caroline Myss. The three-hour programme covers topics such as energy medicine, the chakra system, and the connection between emotion and physical health.
Unlike her father, Kelly did not pursue an on-screen acting career. Instead, she chose a technical, behind-the-scenes role, capturing production stills rather than appearing in front of the camera. Public records describe her simply as a photo technician based in Los Angeles.
Why Kelly Linville Matters
Kelly Linville’s story matters because it represents a common but rarely discussed reality: the children of famous actors do not always follow their parents into the spotlight. She carries a significant family legacy, connected to M*A*S*H through her father and to classic Hollywood through her mother’s side, yet she has chosen privacy over publicity. This makes her an interesting figure for those researching the Linville and Geer family histories.
Where Is Kelly Linville Now?
There is limited publicly available information about Kelly Linville’s current activities, location, or personal life. She appears to have kept a private profile since her father’s death in 2000, with no further public appearances or industry credits documented beyond her 1997 work. This scarcity of information is consistent with someone who intentionally stays away from media attention.
Conclusion
Kelly Linville is best known as the daughter of M*A*S*H star Larry Linville and the granddaughter of actor Will Geer through her mother, Kate Geer. Born in 1970, she built a quiet career as a still photographer rather than following her father into acting. While detailed information about her current life remains scarce, her family history connects her to two respected names in American entertainment, making her story a fascinating footnote to a well-loved television legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kelly Linville’s father?
Kelly Linville’s father is Larry Linville, the American actor best known for playing Major Frank Burns on M*A*S*H. He appeared on the show for five seasons before leaving in 1977.
Who is Kelly Linville’s mother?
Her mother is Kate Geer, the daughter of actor Will Geer and actress Herta Ware. Kate and Larry Linville married in 1962 and divorced in 1975.
What does Kelly Linville do for a living?
Kelly Linville works as a still photographer and photo technician in the film industry. Her known credit includes the 1997 instructional video The Energetics of Healing.
Is Kelly Linville an actress?
No, Kelly Linville is not an actress. She has worked behind the camera in the camera and electrical department rather than performing on screen.
Is Kelly Linville related to Will Geer?
Yes, Kelly Linville is the granddaughter of actor Will Geer through her mother, Kate Geer, who was his daughter.
