Hal Linden
Born
March 20, 1931 (94 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
New York City, New York, USA
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
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