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 Yorks 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.Hals 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 Blackes Magic (1986), and Jacks 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 Im 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.
Self
Film 1982
The Dean
Film 2003
Mac Valor
Film 1997
Arnold Janusz
Film 2002
Philip Denig
Film 1995
Self
Film 2003
Howard
Film 1980
Blaine Mitchell
Film 2003
Film 1998
Merv
Film 2023
Det. Lou Isaacs
Film 1973
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Film 1990
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Film 1983
Jack Warner
Film 1985
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Film 1985
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Film 1987
Andrew Canaan
Film 1976
Ernie Landale
Film 1999
Samuel
Film 2018
He (Michael)
Film 1983
Tony Bartlett
Film 1976
Narrator (voice)
Film 1994
Grandpa Sommers
Film 2014
Harry Palliser
Film 1989
Film 1964
J.P. Fister
Film 2021
Lou Chadway
Film 1983
Self
Film 1982
Tv 2005
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Tv 2004
Abel Norton
Tv 1965
John
Tv 1985
Dave Price
Tv 1994
Maury Sherry
Tv 1993
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Tv 1976
Bernard
Tv 1998
Tv 2001
Captain Black
Tv 1985
Chad
Tv 2000
Fred Hansen
Tv 1994
Tv 1976
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Tv 1982
David Wells
Tv 1972
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Tv 1975
Self - Presenter
Tv 1956
Self - Special Guest Star
Tv 1976
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Tv 1975
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Tv 1974
Tv 1992
Self - Cameo (uncredited)
Tv 1975
Lester
Tv 2011
Narrator
Tv 1974
Manny
Tv 2012
Self - Presenter/Performer
Tv 1956
Self
Tv 1961
Self - Performer
Tv 1956
Rabbi Isaac Bass
Tv 2005
Senator Wallace
Tv 1995
Narrator (voice)
Tv 1988
Mr. Turner
Tv 2001
Mr. Van zandt
Tv 1995
Self
Tv 1967
Bertram Hollister
Tv 2005
Self - Presenter / Performer
Tv 1956
Self - Nominee
Tv 1956
Alex
Tv 2010
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Tv 1948
Mr. Montez
Tv 2016
Alan
Tv 1998
Self - Co-Host
Tv 1961
Leonard Maxwell
Tv 1999
Sam Brown
Tv 1994
Self
Tv 1971