Hal Linden (born Harold Lipshitz on March 20, 1931 in New York City) is an American actor and television director. Linden graduated from Manhattan's School of Performing Arts. Best known for his Emmy-nominated title role on the Barney Miller television series, Linden won his Emmys for a series of daytime informational spots called F.Y.I.
Linden began his career as a clarinet player and leader of dance bands. He and his violinist brother Bernie chose their stage names after spotting a gas storage tank with the word "Linden" (as in Linden, New Jersey) written on it in huge letters.
He is currently the national spokesperson for the Jewish National Fund. He is married to Frances Martin, and they have four children.
Preceded by
Cleavon Little
for Purlie
Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical
for The Rothschilds
Succeeded by
Phil Silvers
for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
