
Acting
Born March 20, 1931 · New York City, New York, USA
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.

Micro Budget
2026

Merv
2023

You People
2023

Off Broadway
2021

Grand-Daddy Day Care
2019

The Samuel Project
2018

Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills
2007

Light Years Away
2006

Time Changer
2003

Dumb Luck
2003

Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There
2003

The Glow
2002

The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads
1999

Jump
1999

Killers in the House
1998

Out to Sea
1997

The Colony
1995

America and the Holocaust: Deceit and Indifference
1994

Night of 100 Stars III
1990

Dream Breakers
1989

A New Life
1988

The Grand Knockout Tournament
1987

Let's Go Mets
1986

Night of 100 Stars II
1985

My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn
1985

The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team
1984

All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra
1983

I Do! I Do!
1983

James Bond: The First 21 Years
1983

The Other Woman
1983