Hal Linden
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.
Acted in
Micro Budget
2024
as Russel
Merv
2023
as Merv
You People
2023
as Mr. Greenwald
Off Broadway
2021
as J.P. Fister
Grand-Daddy Day Care
2019
as Gabe
The Samuel Project
2018
as Samuel
American Housewife
2016
Light Years Away
2014
as Grandpa Sommers
The Mindy Project
2012
as Manny
2 Broke Girls
2011
as Lester
Hot in Cleveland
2010
as Alex
Supernatural
2005
as Rabbi Isaac Bass
Living with Fran
2005
Grey's Anatomy
2005
as Bertram Hollister
Time Changer
2003
as The Dean
Dumb Luck
2003
as Blaine Mitchell
Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There
2003
as Self
The Glow
2002
as Arnold Janusz
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
2001
as Mr. Turner
The Zeta Project
2001
Gilmore Girls
2000
as Chad
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
1999
as Leonard Maxwell
The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads
1999
as Ernie Landale
Jump
1999
as Shrink
Killers in the House
1998
The King of Queens
1998
as Bernard
Will & Grace
1998
as Alan
Out to Sea
1997
as Mac Valor
The Colony
1995
as Philip Denig
The Drew Carey Show
1995
as Mr. Van zandt
Nowhere Man
1995
as Senator Wallace
Touched by an Angel
1994
as Dave Price
Touched by an Angel
1994
as Sam Brown
The Boys Are Back
1994
as Fred Hansen
America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference
1994
as Narrator (voice)
The Nanny
1993
as Maury Sherry
Jack's Place
1992
Night of 100 Stars III
1990
as Self
Dream Breakers
1989
as Harry Palliser
American Experience
1988
as Narrator (voice)
A New Life
1988
as Mel Arons
The Grand Knockout Tournament
1987
as Self
Blacke's Magic
1986
as Alexander Blacke
The Golden Girls
1985
as John
The Ray Bradbury Theater
1985
as Captain Black
Night of 100 Stars II
1985
as Self
My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn
1985
as Jack Warner
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra
1983
as Self
I Do! I Do!
1983
as He (Michael)
The Other Woman
1983
as Lou Chadway
Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land
1983
as Josh Gilliam
Christmas in Washington
1982
as Self
I Love Liberty
1982
as Self
Night of 100 Stars
1982
as Self
Father Figure
1980
as Howard
When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?
1979
as Richard Ethridge
Battle of the Network Stars
1976
How to Break Up a Happy Divorce
1976
as Tony Bartlett
The Love Boat
1976
as Andrew Canaan
The Muppet Show
1976
as Self - Special Guest Star
Van Dyke and Company
1975
as Self
Cher
1975
as Self
Barney Miller
1975
as Barney Miller
Tony Orlando and Dawn
1974
as Self
NOVA
1974
as Narrator
Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside
1973
as Det. Lou Isaacs
Ghost Story
1972
as David Wells
Great Performances
1971
as Self
The Carol Burnett Show
1967
as Self
The F.B.I.
1965
as Abel Norton
That Man from Rio
1964
Bells Are Ringing
1960
as Singer
Tony Awards
1956
as Self - Presenter
Tony Awards
1956
as Self - Presenter/Performer
Tony Awards
1956
as Self - Performer
Tony Awards
1956
as Self - Presenter / Performer
Tony Awards
1956
as Self - Nominee
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
1948
as Self