Hal Linden Biography

Fast Facts

• Changed his surname to Linden after spotting it on a water tower in Linden, New Jersey
• Began playing clarinet as a teen and performed with symphony orchestras
• Performed as a singer with bands headed by Sammy Kaye, Bobby Sherwood and Boyd Raeburn before being drafted into the Army
• Became interested in acting while a member of the US Army Band
• Made Broadway debut in Bells Are Ringing after his girlfriend (and future wife), dancer Frances Martin, told him about an opening for Sydney Chaplin's understudy; Linden took over the role when Chaplin left
• Had a recurring role in the daytime soap Search for Tomorrow
• Received seven Emmy nominations---but no wins---for his role as Barney Miller
• Carried the Olympic Torch in Los Angeles as part of the 1984 Olympics
• Appeared with daughter Nora in a North Hollywood production of The Play's the Thing