Acting
Hal Linden
Hal Linden (born Harold Lipshitz, March 20, 1931) is an American stage and screen actor, television director and musician. His best-known role was as the title character in the television comedy series Barney Miller, for which he earned seven Primetime Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations. Born in the Bronx, Linden was the son of Charles Lipshitz and Frances Rosen. His older brother 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
Micro Budget
Film · 2026
Merv
Film · 2023
You People
Film · 2023
Off Broadway
Film · 2021
Hacks
Series · 2021
Grand-Daddy Day Care
Film · 2019
The Samuel Project
Film · 2018
American Housewife
Series · 2016
The Mindy Project
Series · 2012
2 Broke Girls
Series · 2011
NTSF:SD:SUV::
Series · 2011
Hot in Cleveland
Series · 2010
Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills
Film · 2007
Light Years Away
Film · 2006
Living with Fran
Series · 2005
Supernatural
Series · 2005
Grey's Anatomy
Series · 2005
The Tony Danza Show
Series · 2004
Time Changer
Film · 2003
Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There
Film · 2003
Dumb Luck
Film · 2003
The Glow
Film · 2002
The Zeta Project
Series · 2001
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Series · 2001
Gilmore Girls
Series · 2000
Jump
Film · 1999
The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads
Film · 1999
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Series · 1999
Killers in the House
Film · 1998
The King of Queens
Series · 1998
Will & Grace
Series · 1998
Rude Awakening
Series · 1998
Out to Sea
Film · 1997
The Colony
Film · 1995
Nowhere Man
Series · 1995
The Drew Carey Show
Series · 1995
America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference
Film · 1994
Touched by an Angel
Series · 1994
The Boys Are Back
Series · 1994
Touched by an Angel
Series · 1994
The Nanny
Series · 1993
Jack's Place
Series · 1992
Night of 100 Stars III
Film · 1990
Dream Breakers
Film · 1989
A New Life
Film · 1988
American Experience
Series · 1988
The Grand Knockout Tournament
Film · 1987
Let's Go Mets
Film · 1986
Blacke's Magic
Series · 1986
My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn
Film · 1985
Night of 100 Stars II
Film · 1985
The Golden Girls
Series · 1985
The Ray Bradbury Theater
Series · 1985
The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team
Film · 1984
Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land
Film · 1983
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra
Film · 1983
I Do! I Do!
Film · 1983
The Other Woman
Film · 1983
James Bond: The First 21 Years
Film · 1983
I Love Liberty
Film · 1982
Night of 100 Stars
Film · 1982
Christmas in Washington
Series · 1982
Father Figure
Film · 1980
When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?
Film · 1979
The Love Boat
Film · 1976
How to Break Up a Happy Divorce
Film · 1976
Donny & Marie
Series · 1976
Battle of the Network Stars
Series · 1976
The Muppet Show
Series · 1976
Cher
Series · 1975
Van Dyke and Company
Series · 1975
Barney Miller
Series · 1975
People's Choice Awards
Series · 1975
Saturday Night Live
Series · 1975
Tony Orlando and Dawn
Series · 1974
NOVA
Series · 1974
Dinah!
Series · 1974
Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside
Film · 1973
Ghost Story
Series · 1972
Great Performances
Series · 1971
The Carol Burnett Show
Series · 1967
The F.B.I.
Series · 1965
That Man from Rio
Film · 1964
The Mike Douglas Show
Series · 1961
The Mike Douglas Show
Series · 1961
Bells Are Ringing
Film · 1960
Tony Awards
Series · 1956
Tony Awards
Series · 1956
Tony Awards
Series · 1956
Tony Awards
Series · 1956
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Series · 1948