1931-03-20 ( 94 years old ) in New York City, New York, USA
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.
Movies
Micro Budget
2024-08-24
Merv
2023-06-23
You People
2023-01-20
Off Broadway
2021-06-24
Grand-Daddy Day Care
2019-01-05
The Samuel Project
2018-09-28
Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills
2007-01-26
Light Years Away
2006-07-19
Time Changer
2003-10-25
Dumb Luck
2003-06-04
The Glow
2002-08-02
The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads
1999-04-20
Jump
1999-04-17
Killers in the House
1998-11-11
Out to Sea
1997-07-02
The Colony
1995-09-13
Night of 100 Stars III
1990-05-21
Dream Breakers
1989-09-02
A New Life
1988-03-25
The Grand Knockout Tournament
1987-06-19
Night of 100 Stars II
1985-03-10
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra
1983-12-11
I Do! I Do!
1983-10-08
The Other Woman
1983-03-22
Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land
1983-02-27
I Love Liberty
1982-03-21
Night of 100 Stars
1982-03-08
Father Figure
1980-10-26
When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?
1979-02-09
How to Break Up a Happy Divorce
1976-10-06
The Love Boat
1976-09-17
Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside
1973-03-14
That Man from Rio
1964-02-05
Bells Are Ringing
1960-06-23
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