Hal Linden, born Harold Lipschitz on March 20, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, is a renowned actor, singer, and musician. His Lithuanian immigrant parents, Charles and Frances Rosen, instilled in him a love for music from a young age. Hal's older brother, Bernard, became a Professor of Music at Bowling Green State University.
Hal began his musical journey by taking up classical clarinet in his late teens and went on to play regularly with symphony orchestras. He graduated from the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan and later earned a degree in business from Queens College. Hal supplemented his income by playing in dance bands and was even asked to join Sammy Kaye on tour.
In the early 1950s, Hal toured with Sammy Kaye and Bobby Sherwood and His Orchestra, and later made his Broadway debut in the 1956 musical "Bells Are Ringing." He understudied lead Sydney Chaplin in the role of Jeff Moss and later took over the role. Hal's breakthrough performance came as Billy Crocker in the Broadway revival of Cole Porter in 1962.
Throughout his career, Hal has accumulated numerous musical credits, including leads in "Something More," "Ilya, Darling," and "The Apple Tree." He has also appeared in several straight plays, including "Angel in the Pawnshop" and "Three Men on a Horse." Hal's most notable stage role was his Tony Award-winning performance as Mayer Rothschild in the musical "The Rothschilds" in 1971.
Hal's success on stage led to television roles, including guest appearances on "Circle of Fear," "Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside," and "The F.B.I." His breakout role was as the titular character in the popular sitcom "Barney Miller" from 1975 to 1982. He was Emmy-nominated each year and became a household name.
In addition to his television work, Hal has appeared in several TV movies, including "How to Break Up a Happy Divorce," "Father Figure," and "The Other Woman." He has also starred in several stage productions, including "Company," "Cabaret," and "Tuesdays With Morrie."
Hal has continued to work in television, appearing in guest roles on shows such as "The Golden Girls," "The Nanny," "Touched by an Angel," and "Law & Order." He has also had recurring roles on the daytime soap "The Bold and the Beautiful" and the sitcom "The Boys Are Back."
Throughout his career, Hal has been married to Frances Martin, a dancer, whom he met while performing in "Mr. Wonderful" in Cape Cod. They had four children together, and Frances gave up her career to raise their family. Hal has been the national chairman of the March of Dimes for many years and has continued to tour as a clarinetist. Despite his success, Hal has continued to work steadily, with his career spanning over six decades.
