Biography
Born in 1931, Bronx-born Hal Linden was the son of Charles Lipshitz and Frances Rosen and had an older brother who 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.
Filmography
all 77
TV Shows 39
Movies 38
self 20
Narrator 2
Voice 1
Merv (2023)
You People (2023)
Off Broadway (2021)
Grand-Daddy Day Care (2019)
The Samuel Project (2018)
American Housewife (2016)
Light Years Away (2014)
The Mindy Project (2012)
2 Broke Girls (2011)
Hot in Cleveland (2010)
A Kiss at Midnight (2008)
Supernatural (2005)
Living with Fran (2005)
Grey's Anatomy (2005)
The Tony Danza Show (2004)
Time Changer (2003)
Dumb Luck (2003)
Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There (2003)
The Glow (2002)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001)
The Zeta Project (2001)
Gilmore Girls (2000)
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)
The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads (1999)
Jump (1999)
Killers in the House (1998)
The King of Queens (1998)
Out to Sea (1997)
Just friends (1996)
The Colony (1995)
The Drew Carey Show (1995)
Nowhere Man (1995)
Touched by an Angel (1994)
The Boys Are Back (1994)
America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference (1994)
The Nanny (1993)
Jack's Place (1992)
Night of 100 Stars III (1990)
Dream Breakers (1989)
American Experience (1988)
A New Life (1988)
The Grand Knockout Tournament (1987)
Blacke's Magic (1986)
The Golden Girls (1985)
The Ray Bradbury Theater (1985)
Night of 100 Stars II (1985)
My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn (1985)
Christmas in Washington (1984)
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra (1983)
I Do! I Do! (1983)
The Best of Everything (1983)
The Other Woman (1983)
Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land (1983)
Christmas in Washington (1982)
I Love Liberty (1982)
Night of 100 Stars (1982)
Father Figure (1980)
When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? (1979)
Battle of the Network Stars (1976)
How to Break Up a Happy Divorce (1976)
The Muppet Show (1976)
Donny & Marie (1976)
Van Dyke and Company (1975)
Saturday Night Live (1975)
Cher (1975)
Barney Miller (1975)
Tony Orlando and Dawn (1974)
NOVA (1974)
Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside (1973)
Ghost Story (1972)
The Carol Burnett Show (1967)
The F.B.I. (1965)
That Man from Rio (1964)
The Mike Douglas Show (1961)
Bells Are Ringing (1960)
Tony Awards (1956)
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1948)
Ratings
Information
Known ForActing
GenderMale
Birthday1931-03-20 (93 years old)
Birth NameHarold Lipshitz
Birth PlaceThe Bronx, United States of America
CitizenshipsUnited States of America
AwardsTony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, Daytime Emmy Award
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