
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.
Known For










Credits
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Micro Budget 2024Russel★ 8
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Merv 2023Merv★ 10
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You People 2023Mr. Greenwald★ 5.6
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Off Broadway 2021J.P. Fister★ NR
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Hacks 2021Cliff Biff★ 7.5
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Grand-Daddy Day Care 2019Gabe★ 5.9
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The Samuel Project 2018Samuel★ 6.7
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American Housewife 2016Mr. Montez★ 7.7
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The Mindy Project 2012Manny★ 6.3
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2 Broke Girls 2011Lester★ 7.2
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Hot in Cleveland 2010Alex★ 7.4
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Self★ 6
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Light Years Away 2006Grandpa Sommers★ 3.5
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Supernatural 2005Rabbi Isaac Bass★ 8.3
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Living with Fran 2005★ 7
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Grey's Anatomy 2005Bertram Hollister★ 8.2
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Time Changer 2003The Dean★ 5.5
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Dumb Luck 2003Blaine Mitchell★ 5
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Self★ 7
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The Glow 2002Arnold Janusz★ 5.2
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Mr. Turner★ 7.6
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The Zeta Project 2001★ 7.4
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Gilmore Girls 2000Chad★ 7.9
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Leonard Maxwell★ 7.9
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Ernie Landale★ 6
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Jump 1999Shrink★ 1.5
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Killers in the House 1998★ NR
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The King of Queens 1998Bernard★ 7.1
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Will & Grace 1998Alan★ 6.8
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Out to Sea 1997Mac Valor★ 5.7
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The Colony 1995Philip Denig★ 5.3
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The Drew Carey Show 1995Mr. Van zandt★ 6.6
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Nowhere Man 1995Senator Wallace★ 7.6
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Touched by an Angel 1994Dave Price★ 7.2
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The Boys Are Back 1994Fred Hansen★ 3
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Narrator (voice)★ NR
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The Nanny 1993Maury Sherry★ 8.1
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Jack's Place 1992★ 8
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Self★ 4
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Dream Breakers 1989Harry Palliser★ NR
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American Experience 1988Narrator (voice)★ 7.4
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A New Life 1988Mel Arons★ 4
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Self★ 6
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Blacke's Magic 1986Alexander Blacke★ 5.5
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The Golden Girls 1985John★ 7.5
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Captain Black★ 6.9
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Self★ 8
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Jack Warner★ 6.5
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★ NR
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Self★ 6
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I Do! I Do! 1983He (Michael)★ NR
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The Other Woman 1983Lou Chadway★ 3.5
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Josh Gilliam★ 4.9
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Self★ 7.5
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I Love Liberty 1982Self★ NR
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Night of 100 Stars 1982Self★ 6.7
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Father Figure 1980Howard★ 5
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Richard Ethridge★ 6.2
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★ 7.2
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Tony Bartlett★ NR
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The Love Boat 1976Andrew Canaan★ NR
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The Muppet Show 1976Self - Special Guest Star★ 8
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Van Dyke and Company 1975Self★ 5
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Cher 1975Self★ 6.3
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Barney Miller 1975Barney Miller★ 7.3
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Self★ 3.5
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NOVA 1974Narrator★ 7
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Det. Lou Isaacs★ NR
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Ghost Story 1972David Wells★ 7.1
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Great Performances 1971Self★ 5.6
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Self★ 7.7
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The F.B.I. 1965Abel Norton★ 5.5
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That Man from Rio 1964★ 7.5
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Bells Are Ringing 1960Singer (uncredited)★ 6.3
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Tony Awards 1956Self - Presenter★ 5.1
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Self★ 7