Hal Linden

HAL LINDEN is an actor/ singer/ musician who has earned 3 Emmys and Broadway’s highest accolade, the Tony, for his lead role in the “Rothschilds.”  The versatile star easily shifts from roles in theatrical and TV films to projects for the legitimate stage and performances in the world’s finest nightclubs.

During the last few years, Linden has been very busy.  In addition to symphonic concerts around the country, he appeared in the Broadway productions of “Cabaret,” “The Gathering,” and “The Sisters Rosensweig.”  He starred on a new NBC TV show entitled “Come To Papa,” “Jack’s Place,” “Law and Order,” and a movie of the week, “The Glow.”  And, of course, who could forget Hal Linden as the star of the enormously popular TV series, “BARNEY MILLER.”  He completed the national 19 week “Hal Linden Tour,” which was a smashing success, starred in the CBS series, “The Boys Are Back,” appeared off Broadway in “Visiting Mr. Green,” played Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Madison Square Garden, and starred with Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheau in “Out To Sea”.

Some of his other accomplishments include:  44 weeks on Broadway as a cantankerous octogenarian in “I’m Not Rappaport”, critical kudos for his role as Alan Alda’s sexy, shallow sidekick in the Paramount feature, “A New Life”, a nine-city tour in “Man Of La Mancha” and concert dates ranging from performances with Dallas, St. Louis and Atlanta Symphonies (he plays Mozart on the clarinet) to appearances in Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City.

The native New Yorker began his show business career as a clarinet player and later toured as a singer with Sammy Kaye, Bobby Sherwood and Boyd Raeburn bands.  As a member of the U.S. Army band, he became involved in army revues.  That piqued an acting career.

After his discharge, Linden enrolled at New York’s American Theatre Wing.  He later studied with Paul Mann and Lloyd Richards.  His first major break came in 1958 when he was signed to understudy Sydney Chaplin in “Bells Are Ringing”.  Five days later, he made his Broadway debut.  He starred opposite Judy Holliday on Broadway and on tour with the national company.