4

Hal Linden

Born · March 20, 1931 (94 years old)

Known For: Acting

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA

Bio

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.

Known for

Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy

Supernatural

Supernatural

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2 Broke Girls

2 Broke Girls

Micro Budget

Russel

2024

Merv

Merv

2023

You People

Mr. Greenwald

2023

Off Broadway

J.P. Fister

2021

Hacks

Cliff Biff · (1 episode)

2021

Grand-Daddy Day Care

Gabe

2019

The Samuel Project

Samuel

2018

American Housewife

Mr. Montez · (1 episode)

2016

The Mindy Project

Manny · (1 episode)

2012

2 Broke Girls

Lester · (1 episode)

2011

Hot in Cleveland

Alex · (1 episode)

2010

Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills

Self

2007

Light Years Away

Grandpa Sommers

2006

Supernatural

Rabbi Isaac Bass · (1 episode)

2005

Living with Fran

(1 episode)

2005

Grey's Anatomy

Bertram Hollister · (1 episode)

2005

The Tony Danza Show

Self · (1 episode)

2004

Time Changer

The Dean

2003

Dumb Luck

Blaine Mitchell

2003

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

Self

2003

The Glow

Arnold Janusz

2002

Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Mr. Turner · (1 episode)

2001

The Zeta Project

(1 episode)

2001

Gilmore Girls

Chad · (1 episode)

2000

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Leonard Maxwell · (1 episode)

1999

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

Ernie Landale

1999

Jump

Shrink

1999

Killers in the House

1998

The King of Queens

Bernard · (1 episode)

1998

Will & Grace

Alan · (1 episode)

1998

Out to Sea

Mac Valor

1997

The Colony

Philip Denig

1995

The Drew Carey Show

Mr. Van zandt · (1 episode)

1995

Nowhere Man

Senator Wallace · (1 episode)

1995

Touched by an Angel

Dave Price · (1 episode)

1994

Touched by an Angel

Sam Brown · (1 episode)

1994

The Boys Are Back

Fred Hansen · (18 episodes)

1994

America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference

Narrator (voice)

1994

The Nanny

Maury Sherry · (1 episode)

1993

Jack's Place

(19 episodes)

1992

Night of 100 Stars III

Self

1990

Dream Breakers

Harry Palliser

1989

American Experience

Narrator (voice) · (1 episode)

1988

A New Life

Mel Arons

1988

The Grand Knockout Tournament

Self

1987

Blacke's Magic

Alexander Blacke · (13 episodes)

1986

The Golden Girls

John · (1 episode)

1985

The Ray Bradbury Theater

Captain Black · (1 episode)

1985

Night of 100 Stars II

Self

1985

My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn

Jack Warner

1985

The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team

1984

All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra

Self

1983

I Do! I Do!

He (Michael)

1983

The Other Woman

Lou Chadway

1983

Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land

Josh Gilliam

1983

Christmas in Washington

Self · (1 episode)

1982

I Love Liberty

Self

1982

Night of 100 Stars

Self

1982

Father Figure

Howard

1980

When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?

Richard Ethridge

1979

Battle of the Network Stars

(2 episodes)

1976

How to Break Up a Happy Divorce

Tony Bartlett

1976

The Love Boat

Andrew Canaan

1976

The Muppet Show

Self - Special Guest Star · (1 episode)

1976

Donny & Marie

Self · (1 episode)

1976

Van Dyke and Company

Self · (1 episode)

1975

Saturday Night Live

Self - Cameo (uncredited) · (1 episode)

1975

Cher

Self · (1 episode)

1975

Barney Miller

Barney Miller · (170 episodes)

1975

Tony Orlando and Dawn

Self · (1 episode)

1974

NOVA

Narrator · (1 episode)

1974

Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside

Det. Lou Isaacs

1973

Ghost Story

David Wells · (1 episode)

1972

Great Performances

Self · (2 episodes)

1971

The Carol Burnett Show

Self · (1 episode)

1967

The F.B.I.

Abel Norton · (1 episode)

1965

That Man from Rio

1964

The Mike Douglas Show

Self · (2 episodes)

1961

The Mike Douglas Show

Self - Co-Host · (1 episode)

1961

Bells Are Ringing

Singer (uncredited)

1960

Tony Awards

Self - Presenter · (4 episodes)

1956

Tony Awards

Self - Presenter/Performer · (2 episodes)

1956

Tony Awards

Self - Performer · (1 episode)

1956

Tony Awards

Self - Presenter / Performer · (1 episode)

1956

Tony Awards

Self - Nominee · (1 episode)

1956

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Self · (1 episode)

1948