Hal Linden

Hal Linden is an American entertainer whose career spans music, theater, film, and television. Linden began as a big band musician and singer, touring with bands led by Sammy Kaye and Bobby Sherwood, and performing as a saxophonist, clarinetist, and vocalist. After serving in the United States Army and playing in the United States Army Band, Linden was inspired to pursue acting. He trained at the American Theatre Wing and launched a stage career that included roles in Broadway productions such as "Bells Are Ringing," "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," "Subways Are for Sleeping," "The Apple Tree," and "The Pajama Game." Linden earned a Tony Award for Best Actor for his performance as Mayer Rothschild in "The Rothschilds."

Linden's success on Broadway led to his casting in the title role of "Barney Miller" on ABC, where he portrayed the captain of the 12th Precinct in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. His work on the series earned him multiple Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations. During this period, Linden also narrated and hosted ABC children's shows "Animals, Animals, Animals" and "FYI," earning two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on "FYI." He later received a third Daytime Emmy Award for a guest appearance on CBS Schoolbreak Special.

After "Barney Miller," Linden continued to work in theater, appearing in productions such as "Company," "Cabaret," "I'm Not Rappaport," "Tuesdays With Morrie," "The Sisters Rosenzweig," and "A Christmas Carol." He also maintained a presence on television with guest roles on "The Golden Girls," "The Nanny," "Touched by an Angel," "Law & Order," "Will & Grace," "The King of Queens," "Hot in Cleveland," "2 Broke Girls," and "Grey's Anatomy." Linden received a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in recognition of his contributions to entertainment.

Linden has continued to perform musically, touring with the cabaret show "An Evening with Hal Linden: I'm Old Fashioned," which was released on DVD, and releasing the album "It's Never Too Late," featuring jazz, Broadway, and pop standards. He has served as spokesman for the Jewish National Fund and as national chairman of the March of Dimes. Linden also participated in the Olympic Torch relay during the Los Angeles segment. His career reflects a sustained presence in American music, theater, and television.