Hal Linden

Also Known As: not available

Biography: 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.

Department: Acting

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

Birthday: March 20, 1931

Adult: No

Gender: Male

Popularity:

2.54%

Known For:

I Love Liberty
Jump
Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land
Time Changer
Out to Sea
Grand-Daddy Day Care
The Glow
When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?
The Colony
Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There
A New Life
Father Figure
Dumb Luck
Killers in the House
Merv
Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside
Night of 100 Stars III
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra
My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn
You People
Night of 100 Stars II
The Grand Knockout Tournament
Micro Budget
The Love Boat
The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads
The Samuel Project
I Do! I Do!
How to Break Up a Happy Divorce
America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference
Bells Are Ringing
Light Years Away
Dream Breakers
That Man from Rio
Off Broadway
The Other Woman
Night of 100 Stars
Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills