Hal Linden

Known for ActingBorn 1931-03-20 (age 95)New York City, New York, USA

Hal Linden (born Harold Lipshitz, March 20, 1931) is an American stage and screen actor, television director and musician. His best-known role was as the title character in the television comedy series Barney Miller, for which he earned seven Primetime Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations. Born in the Bronx, Linden was the son of Charles Lipshitz and Frances Rosen. His older brother would become a future professor of music at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Similarly musical, Hal took up classical clarinet in his late teens and played regularly with symphony orchestras. After graduating from the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, he studied music at Queens College, moving later to City College to pursue business. Hal also played in dance bands and was asked to join Sammy Kaye on tour before being drafted into the Army, where he sang and provided entertainment for the troops. This sparked an interest in acting, and, upon receiving his discharge, he enrolled at New York's American Theatre Wing where he trained in voice and drama. In 1955, Hal met Frances Martin, a dancer. They married three years later, and she gave up her career to raise a family. Hal's first Broadway show was in "Bells Are Ringing" where he understudied lead Jeff Moss. During the 1960s, Hal accumulated more musical credits in "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," "Subways Are for Sleeping," "The Apple Tree" and "The Pajama Game." He won the 1971 Tony award for his role in "The Rothschilds." This particular stage success led to a TV career that culminated in the title role on the popular Barney Miller (1974) sitcom. Emmy-nominated every year the program aired, Hal became a household name. Since that time, he has appeared in other lesser TV series including Blacke's Magic (1986), and Jack's Place (1992). He has held a secondary presence in such films as A New Life (1988) and Out to Sea (1997). More musical leads such as "I Do! I Do!" and "The Pajama Game" came his way, along with dramatic pursuits in "I'm Not Rappaport" and "The Sisters Rosenzweig." Hal has also undertaken musical tours in his continuing role as clarinetist. He and wife Frances are avid golfers during their spare time.Read more

Movies & web series

Merv

America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference

How to Break Up a Happy Divorce

People's Choice Awards

Dream Breakers

The Love Boat

Supernatural

Grey's Anatomy

The Nanny

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Jack's Place

Gilmore Girls

American Housewife

Night of 100 Stars II

Nowhere Man

The Muppet Show

The Zeta Project

Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Hacks

The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Golden Girls

Christmas in Washington

The Carol Burnett Show

2 Broke Girls

Hot in Cleveland

Ghost Story

Touched by an Angel

Barney Miller

The King of Queens

The Samuel Project

That Man from Rio

Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There

Killers in the House

Donny & Marie

Will & Grace

I Do! I Do!

Father Figure

The Ray Bradbury Theater

Cher

NOVA

Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside

Saturday Night Live

The Grand Knockout Tournament

Blacke's Magic

Night of 100 Stars

Living with Fran

James Bond: The First 21 Years